FORT MYERS, Fla. - Left-hander Dave Williams didn't do anything Thursday to help himself become the Pittsburgh Pirates' fifth starter. He also didn't pitch himself out of a competition that now appears to be a one-man race.

Williams couldn't hold a four-run lead during a 6-5 Pirates loss to the Minnesota Twins, giving up four runs and seven hits in five innings. That raised his spring ERA to 5.50 ERA as he competes with rookie Zach Duke (3.75 ERA) and right-hander Ryan Vogelsong (4.30 ERA).

"No doubt you want to see them perform well and separate themselves," general manager Dave Littlefield said.

The Pirates' only problem is they would appear to have few options but Williams, who made three consecutive strong starts in September after returning to the majors following two seasons of shoulder problems.

Lernerville Speedway postponed tonight's Opening Night festivities until next Friday because of soggy conditions at the track.The first night for points will be April 8

Junior Meghan Bastin collected Knoch's lone hit as the Knights opened the high school softball season with an 8-0 loss to Pine-Richland Thursday.Stephanie Fincher pitched a complete game in the loss.Knoch 000 000 0 - 0 1 2Pine-Richland 132 200 x - 8 7 0WP:King (7 IP) 5 strikeouts, 5 walks.LP:Stephanie Fincher (7 IP) 2 strikeouts, 4 walksKnoch (0-1):Meghan Bastin 1BPine-Richland (1-0):Slingwine 2B HR, Lasinski HRMonday:Knoch @ Freeport