The Baltimore Orioles gave Cade Povich the ball in this afternoon’s game against Minnesota at Ed Smith Stadium. He went deeper into the ballgame than even I thought he would pitch, being removed with two outs in the fourth. Povich’s line: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K.
The line run Povich surrendered was on an RBI-single by Wagaman in the first inning. That came as a result of a walk a stolen base, and a groundout. Remember, nothing good ever happens after a walk.
But that was the last time Povich had someone on base. He retired nine in a row following that run, and was lifted by manager Craig Albernaz with two outs recorded in the top of the fourth. Overall this was a great outing for Povich.
You can accept allowing a run in the first inning, unless you’re a perfectionist. But he shut down Minnesota bats after that. Small blip in the radar, and he then adjusted.
The game remained tied until the last of the sixth. Heston Kjerstad continued his outstanding spring with a two-run home run to give the Orioles a 2-1 lead. Kjerstad of course has struggled both in games and in terms of being injured for most of his career. So it’s good to see him raking this spring. Whether it lands him in the active roster remains to be seen.
One inning later however Minnesota tied it on an RBI-single by Outman. However it was another Oriole who’s had his struggles, who brought it home for the Birds. Different struggles, but still struggles. Coby Mayo’s RBI-double in the last of the seventh put the O’s in the lead, 3-2.
Grant Wolfram and Keegan Akin also had great outings today out of the bullpen. And remember, it’s all about looking crisp in these games. The O’s certainly did that.
The Orioles stay at Ed Smith Stadium tomorrow to welcome in AL East rival, Toronto. Tyler Wells gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Toronto’s Cody Ponce. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.
Birdland Crush 