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Gerrit Cole Named the Pirates Opening Day Starter

BRADENTON, Fla. - Clint Hurdle announced after today's game that Gerrit Cole will be the Opening Day starter against the Boston Red Sox. Cole will be followed by Jameson Taillon in game two. Ivan Nova will start the home opener, while games three and five are TBD at this point.

Hurdle said that the early decision came from conversations the team had throughout the winter, along with other indicators including strength of schedule, who has seen who in the past.

"We just felt really confident about getting the guys in place," Hurdle said. "We knew the three that were going to be in place all winter long, get them in place and get them an opportunity to work backwards throughout spring.