The Baltimore Orioles improved their Grapefruit exhibition record to 3-2 as they downed the Washington Nationals by a score of 7-5.
Well, the highlight of the day was Matt Wieters and he showed why all of baseball is enamored by his ability at the plate, as he hit a two-run home run off Washington reliever Garrett Mock in the sixth inning. On the day, Wieters was 2-for-3, and Justin Turner — a non-roster second baseman — hit a two-run home run in the third inning off Tyler Clippard. Baltimore’s other runs were batted in by Luke Scott — who was a perfect 3-for-3 and drove in two runs — and Adam Donachie.
All eyes were on David Pauley who was touched up badly in his last appearance for Baltimore, was respectable as he went three innings and gave up a run on three hits. His lone run came off a Nick Johnson solo home run.
Pauley was slotted to start after Rich Hill — today’s scheduled starter — was scratched to due an ailing elbow. I thought he might be a dark horse to crack to the rotation; however, the more read and hear about him, he may end up in Norfolk to start 2009.
Chris Tillman once again continued his solid spring as he threw two scoreless innings, and David Hernandez came into the game in the sixth inning and gave up a hit while walking two.
The pitching ran into trouble as Troy Patton only lasted 2/3 of an inning and gave up two runs; thereafter, Bob McCrory came into the game and pitched 1 1/3 innings, striking out three to keep the Nationals at bay.
Ross Wolf came into the game in the ninth inning, and struggled as he gave up two runs. Andy Mitchell earned the save, but he gave up two hits; however, he was able to work out of a jam to end them game.
- Roch Kubatko has more on the Eaton signing and some reflections after today’s contest.
- Spencer Fordin from the Orioles.com has more on Hill missing his start.
- The Orioles.com has some more details about the Brian Roberts extension.
