*Standard Disclaimer: Spring games don't mean jack.
The Baltimore Orioles played their first game of the spring today against the Minnesota Twins, and thanks to some late inning heroics by new Oriole Trayvon Robinson, the Birds won by a score of 5-3.
Zach Britton got the start today, the first of nine pitchers who would each pitch one inning for the Birds. The O's pitchers were a little wild today, issuing 8 walks. The only O's pitchers to not allow a walk were Britton, Tommy Hunter, and Zach Clark. Even Dylan Bundy was wild.
The Orioles took an early lead in the second inning after Matt Wieters doubled and eventually came around to score on a sacrifice fly by J.J. Hardy. Spring lineups don't mean much, but it's worth noting that Hardy, who spent most of the 2012 season batting 2nd, was down in the 6th spot today.
The O's lost the lead in the third inning when Josh "The Hammer" Willingham homered off of Hunter with a runner on base. Ah, classic Tommy. The lead lasted until the fifth inning when Nate McLouth doubled with Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop on base. Machado scored to tie the game, but Schoop was thrown out at the plate. In the radio broadcast, Joe Angel noted that McLouth's hit would have been a home run if not for the strong wind blowing during the game.
With the game tied 3-3 going into the bottom of the 8th inning, Trayvon Robinson stepped to the plate. None of the regular players were still in the game for either team, and Russ Canzler was on base thanks to a walk issued by Tyler Robertson. Robinson fell in the count 0-2, but then homered off of his initials buddy to give the Orioles a 5-3 lead.
Adam Russell was the final pitcher of the day for the Orioles. Did you know he's 6'7"? Broadcaster Joe Angel said he was a big boy, and he normally saves that term of endearment for Fred Manfra. Russell gave up a hit and walk but closed out the game without allowing a run. O's win!
Game Notes:
- Brian Roberts led off the game and went 0-for-2. His replacement, Jonathan Schoop, went 1-for-1 with a walk.
- Chris Davis was the only Oriole with more than one hit. He also made several diving stops at first base, but neither sounded particularly impressive when described by Joe and Fred Manfra, one was explained to be more of a flop.
- The full list of pitchers is: Britton, Jake Arrieta, Hunter, Bundy, T.J. McFarland, Todd Redmond, Zach Clark, and Russell. None threw a perfect inning.
- Tomorrow the Orioles travel to play the Toronto Blue Jays. Scheduled to pitch are Jair Jurrjens, Mike Belfiore, Troy Patton, Daniel Schlereth, and Kevin Gausman. Nolan Reimold will also make his spring debut.