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Wednesday, March 06, 2002

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The Pirates built a four-run lead through five innings yesterday but dropped a 5-4, 10-inning decision to the Blue Jays when backup catcher Tom Wilson dropped a squeeze bunt for a run-scoring single against reliever Kevin Tolar.

Tolar allowed a leadoff walk to Brian Lesher, who advanced to third on a sacrifice and an infield single before Wilson bunted him home with one out.

The Pirates jumped out to a three-run lead in the first on a run-scoring double by Aramis Ramirez and a two-run single by Derek Bell. They padded the lead in the fifth with a sacrifice fly by Rob Mackowiak, who played at first base for the injured Craig Wilson.

Wilson's left elbow was hyperextended in the game against the Reds Monday night in Sarasota. He will be out for three to five days.

The Blue Jays got three runs back in the sixth against Pat Rapp. Raul Mondesi had a two-run double and scored on a double by Vernon Wells.

Chad Mottola's solo home run against Damaso Marte in the bottom of the ninth tied the score and sent the game to extra innings.

Benson encouraged

Kris Benson won't be going north with the Pirates to start the season, but after throwing three innings in a simulated game yesterday, he is itching to face major-league hitters.

Benson, concentrating on his slider in a 50-pitch outing, still has some steps to take before pitching in a game.

He'll pitch five innings in another simulated game Saturday and maybe get into a minor-league game March 20.

"That would be huge for me to get a feel for where I'm at," said Benson, who had reconstructive elbow surgery 10 months ago. "My arm feels good. I'm definitely going to push to get into a game or two. Every time I go out there and throw like I did today, it makes the light at the end of the tunnel a lot brighter.

"I feel I'm ready to step it up to the next level and get into a game. I think if you ask all the catchers who have caught me, [they would say] that I probably have better command now than I did before the surgery. When I did throw the fastball, it was right on the knees."

Benson will talk to Manager Lloyd McClendon and pitching coach Spin Williams about taking the next step if he gets medical clearance.

He hopes to return to a big-league mound in mid-May.

House returns

Catcher J.R. House, returning to practice after having a torn abdominal muscle treated with a steroid injection, was cleared to take 25 swings in batting practice yesterday.