The Baltimore Orioles played at a retooled Camden Yards this afternoon behind an outstanding effort by Kyle Bradish against Washington. The game didn’t count, to be clear. But it sure felt like a regular season game. Bradish’s line: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K.
It was tough to remind yourself that this is technically a Grapefruit League game. It felt like the middle of May in terms of the weather. And the game itself.
The O’s took the lead in the last of the second on a solo home run by Colton Cowser. One inning later it was Gunnar Henderson’s solo homer that doubled the lead at 2-0. This while Bradish was dealing.
Bradish is going to be key this year. The O’s need him to have a full and a good season. Today doesn’t count. But it was a good start.
Colton Cowser provided a lot of the offense today. He walked in a run also in the last of the sixth. Later in the inning Blaze Alexander was hit by a pitch, again with the bases juiced. The O’s walked in another run immediately after with Gunnar Henderson, and they led 5-0.
Washington decided to try to get into the game in the seventh, with a solo homer by Lile. However the O’s would put two on in the eight, including a HPB for Luis Vasquez – who left the game, and was NOT happy about it. However Jeremiah Jackson followed that up with a three-run home run, cementing the Birds’ 8-1 win against Washington.
The Vasquez incident is of concern. He felt he was on the precipice of being on the Opening Day roster. He still could be, but the injury will certainly play a role. On a side note, I like this “new” home-and-home series with Washington to end the spring. It gets both teams home slightly earlier, and it’s good for the fans.
The Orioles will close spring training tomorrow afternoon against Washington at Nationals Park. Shane Baz gets the start for the Birds, and Washington is yet to announce a starter. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.
Birdland Crush 