Nicasio (1-0) struck out seven without a walk while allowing just two hits and one run (a solo homer) over six innings in Monday's win against Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

If Nicasio's spectacular spring with tons of strikeouts wasn't enough to convince you that he's turned over a new leaf, this game should spark some regret in those who were skeptical about a Pittsburgh turnaround for the 29-year-old righty. It wasn't hard to be that way, considering the ugliness of Nicasio's career numbers and the fact that he spent essentially all of last season in the Dodgers' bullpen, but Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage's latest reclamation project looks ready to leave those struggles in the past.