Viewfinder: Burnett Impresses Despite Marauders Loss

The Bradenton Marauders had Major League talent on the mound Friday night, but couldn't provide run support, falling 5-1 to the St. Lucie Mets at

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher A.J. Burnett threw five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings of work during a rehab appearance for the Bradenton Marauders, but took the loss after giving up a run. 

Burnett suffered a right orbital bone fracture during a Spring Training drill with the Pirates and had surgery March 2, according to ESPN.com. He started for the Class A+ Marauders, a Pirates affiliate, Friday evening in Bradenton.

Burnett could be headed back to Pittsburgh soon as he's elgible to come off the disabled list on Tuesday.

Burnett allowed one run, walked one and only allowed two hits. In all, he threw 67 pitches and 43 strikes, tweeted Bradenton Herald sports reporter John Lembo.

Burnett was responsible for a runner on third, and a missed fly ball by Marauders right fielder Mel Rojas ended up off the wall, dribbling onto the field allowing the Mets to bring in a run and ended the night for Burnett.

For their work, Burnett treated the Marauders to dinner — a very special request made — to have Chipotle, Burnett told WWSB. That's what playing with a professional ballplayer who signed a $31 million contract gets you.

"We're having Mexican tonight," Burnett told the television reporter.

The Marauders go on the road for the next five games before returning to McKechnie Field on April 13 to take on the Ft. Myers Miracle at 6:30 p.m.