Lofton has successful Pirates debut

(Sarasota, Florida-AP) -- This is exactly why the Pittsburgh Pirates wanted Kenny Lofton. <br><br>Lofton enjoyed a successful Pirates debut today, getting a single and a walk and scoring once in a 7-to-2

Thursday, March 20th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Sarasota, Florida-AP) -- This is exactly why the Pittsburgh Pirates wanted Kenny Lofton.

Lofton enjoyed a successful Pirates debut today, getting a single and a walk and scoring once in a 7-to-2 exhibition victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

Lofton signed with the Pirates on Friday, then needed several days of conditioning work and minor league games before playing against major league pitching.

The new Pirates center fielder will get a challenge tomorrow: Yankees star Roger Clemens in Bradenton, Florida. Lofton will play again Saturday against Tampa Bay, then is expected to get the day off Sunday.