Peter Diana, Post-Gazette Outfielder Nate McLouth dives for ball down the third-base line in the first inning of yesterday's exhibition game against Valparaiso University. Click photo for larger image.

BRADENTON, Fla. -- It was one inning against a college team, so it hardly was cause for a glowing review. Or even a lukewarm one.

Still, left-hander Zach Duke made a striking impression in the Pirates' first exhibition, a 12-0 victory against Valparaiso University yesterday at Mc Kechnie Field. He fanned all three batters he faced in his only inning, the third, and needed just 13 pitches to do so.

"He was fine," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "He had the one inning, threw strikes and did a good job."

Duke, 21, is considered a long shot for the Pirates' fifth starting job, although McClendon does not mention Duke's name when he offers a list of candidates. Duke has not pitched above Class AA, but he was the organization's minor-league pitcher of the year in 2004, posting a 1.46 earned run average.

McClendon had advised his players to take the college opponents seriously this spring, and Duke apparently obliged.

"I actually was a little jumpy when I first got out there and rushed a couple of pitches," he said. "All in all, though, I felt pretty good."

Duke went 3-1 on the first batter, needed three pitches to get the next and got the last man with a 1-2 curveball that nipped the outside corner. He mixed his pitches effectively and seemed to be putting a bit extra on his fastballs, which tend to peak at 92 mph.

"I think I have something to show," Duke said. "Everybody always says I don't have overpowering stuff, but I think I have good enough stuff to pitch at the major-league level. I don't throw overly hard but, the way I see it, the hitter's reaction is what tells you how hard you're throwing."

Other game highlights:

Right-hander Josh Fogg started and gave up two hits in two scoreless innings. He did not run the usual sprints afterward because of tendinitis in his left heel, but that is not expected to limit his pitching.

Third baseman Jose Leon hit a two-run home run inside the left foul pole in the sixth.

Left-hander Jeremy Harts, a converted outfielder, and right-hander Mark Corey each struck out all three batters he faced.

Perez throws again

Left-hander Oliver Perez pitched a nine-minute bullpen session of fastballs and changeups at Pirate City, marking his second appearance on the mound in spring training. He pitched a five-minute session Sunday, throwing only fastballs.

"He was a little firmer," pitching coach Spin Williams said.

Perez will increase his minutes with his next session tomorrow. Williams said no timetable has been set for Perez to return to competitive pitching.

Bradenton bits

The Pirates will play their annual exhibition against Manatee Community College at 12:05 p.m. today at McKechnie Field. Right-hander Ryan Vogelsong will start. Right-hander Jose Mesa and left-handers Dave Williams and John Grabow also will see duty.

Randy Johnson will not make his New York Yankees debut against the Pirates in both teams' major-league exhibition opener tomorrow in Tampa, Fla., as had been expected. Johnson will be pushed back to Tuesday, the Yankees announced, because of nagging tightness in his left calf. Right-hander Tanyon Sturtze will take his place.

Right-hander Joe Roa, a bullpen candidate, had his first long-toss session of spring training, throwing from 90 feet. He will be extended to 120 feet today and could be ready to pitch competitively next week. Roa has missed almost all of camp because of an ailing lower back.