Orioles 6, Pirates 4: Baseball is (sorta) back

The Orioles beat the Pirates today in their first game of the 2011 Grapefruit League. Nolan Reimold, out to prove that his 2009 was no fluke and earn a place on the team, did his part with three walks and a home run, while new Oriole Vladimir Guerrero (who happens to be part of the reason Reimold will probably start the year at AAA) contributed two singles in three at-bats. 

Brad Bergesen made the start for the Orioles and looked pretty good, pitching two innings and allowing just one hit while striking out two. Kevin Gregg and Jeremy Accardo both made their Orioles debuts with a scoreless inning each, although Gregg did allow the only walk of the game. Clay Rapada gave up a home run to Lyle Overbay and Koji Uehara also allowed a run on two hits. The Pirates got their final two runs in the 9th inning as Josh Rupe gave up a home run (caught up in the wind, so say those who saw it in person) to a guy named Miles Durham (I'm not gonna lie, I don't recognize most of these Pirates). 

Unfortunately, the Orioles committed three errors in this game, all by two of the guys competing for a utility infield position. Utility players are supposed to be good defensively, right? Nick Green made two errors (one each throwing and fielding) and Robert Andino made one. Brenden Harris also misplayed a pop-up that didn't get scored an error, but since he 1) hit a two run double and 2) has the same last name as our friend Dave, we'll cut him some slack. 

The Orioles make their home debut tomorrow against the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:05. That game will also be broadcast on WBAL.