masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgBrad Bergesen has a tendency to rush his delivery. It happened earlier today, as the Pirates scored twice in the first inning.

It didn’t continue, and Bergesen retired the last 10 batters he faced.

“When I went in after that first inning and talked to Kranny, he told me to just really slow things down and guide myself over the rubber. I just tried to focus on that,” he said.

“Those are two of my things, sometimes rushing my delivery – so really staying back on the rubber is what Kranny…Brad Bergesen has a tendency to rush his delivery. It happened earlier today, as the Pirates scored twice in the first inning.

It didn’t continue, and Bergesen retired the last 10 batters he faced.

“When I went in after that first inning and talked to Kranny, he told me to just really slow things down and guide myself over the rubber. I just tried to focus on that,” he said.

“Those are two of my things, sometimes rushing my delivery – so really staying back on the rubber is what Kranny tells me to remind me – and making sure my arm gets out front.

“When I slow myself down, I get in a rhythm and I kind of free my arm up. Instead of trying to force it, I let my pitches happen on their own and trust the pitches and trust the delivery.

“For me, being able to get out there and make that adjustment, it’s huge. I think that was the biggest thing to get me over the hump and get me back to my old self, getting back to that tempo and being able to make adjustments like that.”

Bergesen hasn’t completely caught up to the other starters after reporting to camp with a sore shoulder, but he’s getting close.

“I wouldn’t say I’m right where I need to be right now, but it’s just small pieces and continuing to build on it and try to get back to 100 percent and where I need to be for the season ,” he said.

Nolan Reimold flied to right in the sixth inning after Matt Wieters singled with two outs. He’s 0-for-2 with a walk.

Kam Mickolio didn’t allow a run in 1 1/3 innings after replacing Bergesen. He gave up a hit, walked one and struck out two.

Over in Fort Myers, Cla Meredith allowed two hits in another scoreless inning. Those were the first two batters to reach against Meredith this spring.