In the first of two split squad games today, the Orioles took a group to Ft. Myers to face the Boston Red Sox, a team they tied against in ten innings just two days prior. Though the Orioles took a one run lead in the 8th inning sparked by a Josh Bell triple, the Red Sox were able to score one of their own in the 8th, as well as a walk-off RBI single by Yamaico Navarro that gave Terry Francona’s squad the victory, 6-5.
Chris Tillman started for the Orioles, in what was a rough beginning and positive finish. Allowing three earned runs and four base hits in the 1st inning, Tillman dealt with some poor defensive play behind him. He even said that other than two pitches on the day, he was happy with his performance. Pitching three innings total, Tillman retired six straight batters after that 1st inning, including 2 Ks on the day of David Ortiz.
Other Orioles pitchers on the day included Jason Berken, who was charged with an earned run because when Nick Bierbrodt relieved him in the 5th, his inherited runner scored on an RBI single. Bierbrodt allowed no runs otherwise, and he was followed by Josh Rupe, who gave the club two shutout frames. Chorye Spoone came on in the 8th and was charged with an earned run on an error by SS Bobby Stevens. Mark Worrell finished the game, allowing the walkoff by Navarro.
The Orioles bats were solid on the day, especially with Buck bringing the “B-team” to City of Palms Park. With no homeruns on the day, the club still managed five runs from impressive performances by Matt Angle (2-5), Nolan Reimold (2-4, RBI), Brendan Harris (1-3, RBI), Robert Andino (1-3, 2 RBI, BB), and Cesar Izturis (2-3, RBI). This was nice to see after getting shut out by the Twins yesterday with their Opening Day lineup (for the most part) at the helm.
The O’s take on the New York Yankees tonight at 7:05 with Zach Britton on the mound, and the game can be seen on MASN and MASN HD.
Orioles’ lineup:
Brian Roberts 2B
Nick Markakis RF
Luke Scott 1B
Vladimir Guerrero DH
Mark Reynolds 3B
Adam Jones CF
Felix Pie LF
Matt Wieters C
J.J. Hardy SS
Zach Britton LHP
Yankees’ lineup:
Derek Jeter, SS
Robinson Cano, 2B
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Andruw Jones, DH
Justin Maxwell, LF
Greg Golson, CF
Melky Mesa, RF
Austin Romine, C
Sergio Mitre, RHP
