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Repeat after me: It's only spring training. It's only spring training. It is only spring training.
I keep saying that to myself because the rational part of my brain knows that not only is it true, but that buying into it will most likely only lead to disappointment when the regular season starts. That isn't to say they won't be good, because I think they will. But they absolutely won't be scoring 7.9 runs per game. The more dominance they show on the field in these spring games, the less the rational part of my brain will be able to stay in control. So remember, it's only spring training.
But what a spring training so far. The Orioles knocked around Edinson Volquez and the Pirates for nine runs, and they have now scored 79 runs in 10 spring games.
Today, the O's had three three-run innings with 16 total hits. In the first inning they scored on an RBI double by Nelson Cruz and a two-run homer by Chris Davis. In the third inning, J.J. Hardy hit a homer with Nick Markakis and Davis on base. And in the fourth, Quintin Berry doubled in Jonathan Schoop, then scored himself on a double by Davis. Davis then came in to score on a single by Markakis. You could say that it was a good day for Chris Davis.
On the pitching side of the ledger, it was a good day for four of the five O's pitchers. Wei-Yin Chen pitched three innings with just one single allowed, and thanks to a double play ball faced the minimum of nine batters. He was followed by Brad Brach, who gave up two runs on two solo homers in two innings. Zach Britton, Steve Johnson, and Josh Stinson followed, each with an impressive performance.
Game Notes
- The Orioles broadcasters noted that Zach Britton hit 95 on the radar gun, leading me to wonder if the radar gun was hot. Britton's fastball averages just over 91 mph, and even when he really dials it up, 95 is his max.
- Adam Jones was the only starter without a hit, but we'll cut him some slack since he'll be leaving the team in a few days to become a father.
- Chris Davis fell just a triple short of the cycle.
- He wasn't involved in any scoring, but Jonathan Schoop had two hits today. Joe Angel noted that Schoop is doing all that he can to force the Orioles to give him a spot on the 25 man.