On a day that found hitters loving the strong winds to center field, Brad Bergesen and the rest of the Orioles pitching staff held their own against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, winning Spring Training game number one by the score of 6-4. Bergesen, who started the game and threw two innings, allowed one hit and struck out two. The one hit came on a lead off double by Pedro Alvarez in the 2nd, but Bergesen was able to retire the next three batters in order. Non-roster invitee Ryan Drese followed Bergesen with two more scoreless innings, in which he struck out one and allowed no hits.
New Orioles slugger Vladimir Guerrero got the Birds on the board in the 1st, singling on a sharp ground ball to the 3rd base side, knocking in Felix Pie. While we expect the power and RBI numbers out of Guerrero, Nolan Reimold showed us today why he might be deserving of a look in camp. Taking advantage of the 22 MPH winds, Reimold smashed a solo shot to center to lead off the 2nd inning. That would be his only recorded at-bat of the day, as Reimold walked in all three of his following plate appearances, showing his patience and control at the plate.
With Brian Roberts staying back at Ed Smith Stadium complex to work out (though he will start tomorrow), new SS J.J. Hardy hit lead off for the squad today, going 2-3 before being replaced by Robert Andino. Big hitters Mark Reynolds, Adam Jones, and Jake Fox combined to hit 0-8 in the game.
Other than a 2nd pitch home run for Lyle Overbay off of LHP Clay Rapada in the 5th, the core of Orioles pitchers thrown into today’s game had much success. Koji Uehara was charged with 1 ER in his inning pitched, though many think it should be unearned and an error be given to 2B Brendan Harris, who dropped a Pedro Alvarez pop fly in the 6th, losing it in the sun, and therefore allowing Jose Tabata to score. Gregg (who issued the only walk of the day for Orioles pitchers) and Accardo each pitched a scoreless frame, followed by a two run 9th inning from Josh Rupe, who is not expected to make the team.
In former Orioles news, Matt Albers got the save for the Boston Red Sox today, while Garrett Atkins hit a homerun for the Pirates (they were a split-squad today). Don’t read too much into either of those stories.
Daily Nugget Award(s):
- Nolan Reimold – 1-1, 1 HR, 3 BB
- Brad Bergesen – 2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 K, 0 BB
- Ryan Drese – 2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 K, 0 BB
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