BRADENTON, Fla. - Raul Mondesi hit a two-run homer and Bobby Hill had three hits Monday, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

Hill, trying to win the second base job, went 3-for-4 with a double. His spring has been interrupted by a lower back injury, and he came in with only two hits in 10 at-bats.

"Hopefully, it's on the way up," Hill said. "I feel a lot better lately. I had that one flare-up, but since then nothing."

Carlos Rivera added a solo shot and drove in two runs for the Pirates.

If healthy, Hill could be the answer for Pittsburgh at second base. Freddy Sanchez might not be able to play until May because of a right ankle injury, and the Pirates are reluctant to promote prospect Jose Castillo from Double-A.

Other options are utility infielder Abraham Nunez and Rob Mackowiak, whose best position is the outfield.

"One thing I know is if you run them out there enough, some guys will step up and other guys will eliminate themselves," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "I don't lose any sleep over it - not just yet."

Andres Torres was 2-for-4 with a triple and an RBI for the Tigers. Bobby Higginson also had two hits, and Carlos Pena had an RBI double.

Detroit committed its 33rd error in 14 games this spring.

"We've been sloppy," manager Alan Trammell said. "I'm a big believer that you'll make more errors down here. It's just the way it is with the fields and things. But with a throwing error, there's just one person to blame: yourself. I don't know what the excuse is. We've thrown the ball around way too much this spring."

John Van Benschoten, the Pirates' top pitching prospect, made his first start and allowed two runs in three innings. He replaced Sean Burnett, scratched because of soreness in his left shoulder.

Van Benschoten gave up his first two runs of the spring in the first inning. Although he's in his first major league camp, he has survived two rounds of roster cuts.

"We know he's a long shot to make this club," McClendon said. "He needs to get stretched out and get ready for his season. I'm not sure if there are going to be more innings for him here. That depends on the health of other guys in camp."

Blake Stein pitched a scoreless inning of relief for the win. Jose Mesa struck out two of his three batters in the ninth for his first save.