CLEARWATER, Fla. — Darin Ruf hit a two-run homer in the first inning to help the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old Ruf came into camp competing with former MVP Ryan Howard for regular playing time at first base.

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin has talked about platooning the two, and Tuesday’s game could strengthen that standpoint: the righty-hitting Ruf’s home run came off Pittsburgh lefty Jonathon Niese.

“It was a cutter,” said Niese, who chatted with Ruf after reaching on a single in the third inning. “I told him when I got on first base that I’m never throwing it to him again. He’s punished it every time I’ve thrown it to him.”

Ruf has three homers and a .294 average for his career in the regular season against Niese, a former Met.

“I know I’ve hit a couple of home runs off him in the last couple of years,” Ruf said with a laugh. “I think he’s trying to get in my head.”

Ruf hit .371 against left-handers last season, and his 1.107 OPS against lefties was best in the National League among players with at least 100 plate appearances.

Niese, acquired in a trade with the New York Mets this winter, allowed four runs in three innings but was encouraged after retiring each of the final five hitters he faced.

“I didn’t really have my stuff out there, particularly my two-seam fastball, I couldn’t locate it,” he said. “I fought through it. I’m not really worried about the results, just worrying about the process.”

RHP Gerrit Cole (right rib inflammation) will face hitters for the second time in three days on Wednesday, which should be the last test before he’s ready to get into his first game.