The Baltimore Orioles lost up north on I-95 to the Washington Nationals in the bottom of the ninth inning by a score of 5-4. Wilfredo Perez — who has been lights out all throughout the Grapefuit League season — gave up the tying and winning run in the final frame.
Justin Turner’s huge error allowed the winning run to score as he overthrew a ground ball to first base — that was wide. Washington’s Anderson Anderson — who plated the tying run with a triple — crossed home plate to end the game.
Hayden Penn — who may be released or summoned to the ‘pen in 2009 — allowed two runs in the bottom of the eighth as Josh Willingham hit a long two run homer to left to bring Washington within one, 4-3.
Alfredo Simon — who started the game and was a victim of visa issues earlier in Spring Training — threw four scoreless innings and gave only one a hit (a double to Elijah Dukes). Right-hander Dennis Sarfate went two innings and was not on as he allowed one run on two hits.
Nolan Reimold (who has really impressed me and will be in Baltimore sooner rather than later) launched a two-run homer in the second inning, and Robby Hammock drove two in — all of Washington reliever Wil Ledezma — in the seventh inning.
The story of the game was Simon. With the Orioles rotation in such flux — could he start? Maybe or maybe not, and there’s obviously only so much you can get from one start; however, if he can keep this up for the rest of the month, he could be in Baltimore as well as a starter.
Wednesday’s game in Fort Lauderdale was cancelled due to bad weather; however, the Orioles took on the Cardinals in a split squad game up I-95 in Jupiter, Florida and lost 3-2. Lou Montanez and Nick Markakis provided the offense by driving in a run each, but the story of the game was Adam Eaton. He started off shaky, but settled as he threw four innings and yielded two runs — only one earned — on three hits and a walk. According to a few friends of mine who were there, Eaton was nothing special, but looked good and could be a serviceable pitcher.
- Dave Trembley is still mum on the rotation — well, the spots are still being decided due to the injuries and questionable performances by some.
- Jim Miller is feeling ok, while John Parrish is still hurting.
- The Orioles are looking to rebuild from the bottom-up…
- Pete Kerzel looks at the veterans and youngsters who will make up the roster in 2009.
- Amber Theoharis wonders if the Orioles can catch the big fish in the AL East.
- Rich Hill may be close to returning.
- Jay Trucker of the Examiner and Drew Forrester of WNST have their thoughts on Guthrie in the WBC.
- Nowick Gray looks at the Orioles through the mid-point of Spring Training.
- The Roar from 34 looks at some of the cuts made.
- SC of Camden Chat looks at who may be the 25th man for the Baltimore Orioles in ’09.
- Finally, oh Erik Bedard, how much do I miss you? Man, does MacPhail look smarter as time goes along for sending him on his way, or what?
