Mar 7, 2017 2 min read

BRADENTON, Fla. – Pirates prospect Jose Osuna hit his third home run this spring as Pittsburgh defeated the Atlanta Braves 6-3 Tuesday.

Atlanta starter Jaime Garcia gave up two runs on two hits and two walks and struck out four over two innings.

Osuna, Pittsburgh’s No. 29 prospect, entered the game at first base and went deep to begin the Bucs’ three-run sixth inning. Competing to make the opening day roster, Osuna has put together a strong start this spring, batting .471 while playing first base and right field. Osuna’s homer tied the game, 3-3, and the Pirates took the lead with an RBI single by Chris Bostick and Eury Perez’s squeeze bunt.

Prospect Austin Meadows also homered for the Pirates. He hit a two-run shot to left field off Braves lefty Jaime Garcia in the first inning. Meadows, the Pirates’ No. 2 prospect, will receive more regular playing time this month with Pittsburgh’s expected starting outfield participating in the World Baseball Classic.

“It’s a pretty swing. He hit the ball in the direction he needed to hit it,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “We like the player. He’s getting some extra (opportunities) and reps while he’s here, so those things are always good when they happen for confidence.”

Pirates pitcher Trevor Williams started and allowed two runs on three hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings. Left-hander Steven Brault, also competing for a spot in the rotation, struck out three over three scoreless innings.