Cade Povich had an outstanding start this afternoon for the Baltimore Orioles against Pittsburgh at Ed Smith Stadium. It’s unclear whether Povich has a spot in the starting rotation as camp turns, but he does if he pitches like this the rest of the way. Povich’s line: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K.
At first it looked like Povich was going to get some decent run support also. The Birds put two runners on with an out in the first after Povich struck out three to open the game. Ryan Mountcastle grounded into what should have been a force out, however the out was never recorded due to a throwing error. Adley Rutschman scored from second, and the O’s led 1-0.
However after two solo homers in the fourth off Seranthony Dominguez, the Birds trailed 2-1. To be clear, solo home runs won’t beat you – generally. And the first of the two was severely wind-aided. In a regular big league ballpark in a regular season game, that’s a long fly ball out.
Luis Vasquez’s RBI-double in the bottom of the inning would tie the game back up at two. However neither side could muster much going forward in this spring game – until the ninth. Pittsburgh got a solo homer from Stewart, and a two-run shot from Gorski in the top of the ninth. And the O’s finished the game 5-2 losers in Sarasota.
For what it’s worth, Gregory Soto looked strong as well in the fifth inning. However the main takeaway from today’s game should be Cade Povich. It was only three innings. But if you’re going to get toned up in these games, you may as well look good doing it.
The O’s head to Clearwater tomorrow to take on Philadelphia at BayCare Ballpark. Dean Kremer gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Philadelphia’s Cristopher Sanchez. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.
Birdland Crush 