Pirates' Gerrit Cole: Strong spring continues

Cole threw 98 pitches over seven innings in a minor league game Friday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "We're very satisfied with his work," manager Clint Hurdle said.

He retired nine batters on three pitches or fewer and faced only three three-ball counts. Cole is coming off his worst professional season -- which included three trips to the disabled list -- but so far he's off to a good (and healthy) start.