Albert Suarez got the start this afternoon for the Baltimore Orioles against New York. And he was effective. Suarez mowed down New York hitters, and when he didn’t he limited the damage. Needless to say, he’s going to be in the rotation. And that should make the Orioles feel secure. Suarez’s line: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 6 K.
The Orioles jumped in front from the beginning, and in dramatic fashion. Ryan Mountcastle’s three-run homer gave the Orioles a 3-0 lead early. Cedric Mullins’ fielder’s choice-RBI extended it to 4-0 in the fourth as well. Early and often, the Birds were on the board.
New York put two on the board in the last of the fourth on an RBI-double and an RBI-single. But as I stated above, Suarez limited the damage. He got back on the bench, and the Birds regrouped.
Granted, these spring games are marked by young minor leaguers playing in the later innings. But a great thing to see in this one way the Birds adding on runs late. Hudson Haskin’s RBI-double in the eighth gave them a 5-2 lead. That was followed by Vinael Machin with an RBI-single, and the O’s wound up with a 6-2 win in Tampa.
Especially in the AL East, insurance runs are important. So the fact that they tacked on two late is meaningful. Or as meaningful as it can be in the spring, that is.
Several Oriole regulars made the trip to Tampa today and appeared in the game. First off to see how they stack up against an AL East foe. But also because Tampa’s Steinbrenner Field of course will serve as the makeshift home of the Tampa Rays this year – also an AL East rival. It helps to get acclimated with a ballpark.
The O’s return home to Sarasota tomorrow to take on Atlanta at Ed Smith Stadium. Dean Kremer gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Atlanta’s Ian Anderson. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.
Birdland Crush 