After a three run first off of Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels which included three singles and two walks, Orioles pitching couldn’t hold on in the later innings of the game. Jake Arrieta started the game for the Orioles, pitching four complete innings, and getting the first out in the 5th inning before being replaced by Clay Rapada on the mound. Rapada, who came in with two men on, let up a three run shot to Shane Victorino, with two of those runs being charged to Arrieta.
Jim Johnson came on to pitch a perfect 6th, including a strikeout. Mike Gonzalez followed in the 7th, allowing two runs, but getting strike outs for all three outs of the innings. These two runs gave the Phillies the 7-5 lead, which ultimately was the final score of the game after David Riske pitched two perfect innings to close it out.
Orioles hitting was solid today, and welcomed Derrek Lee to the plate in his first game of the spring. Lee went 0-1 on the day, but walked in the first inning, and ultimately scored. He said post-game that his wrist/thumb felt fine, which is great news for the organization, and he is slated for three at bats in tomorrow’s game. Other hitting highlights included:
- Robert Andino: 2-5, run scored, stolen base
- Vladimir Guerrero: 3-3, two RBIs, run scored
- Jake Fox: 1-2, run scored, raised spring average to .340
The Birds take on the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:05 PM tomorrow in Charlotte County.
