After a losing stretch during this week, the Orioles got into the win column again, this time defeating the Minnesota Twins, 3-1, in Fort Myers, FL.
Pitcher Chris Tillman was the story of the game. His performance was a bit uneven, but he threw well as he went 3 1/3 innings, allowed a run in the fourth innings, walked two, struck out one and allowed four hits. He still allowed way too many base runners, but avoided a big inning.
At this point, I’d say Tillman is still in the running for a starting spot; however, his inconsistency on the mound is hurting him. He has got so much potential, and has obviously been working in camp. Then again, if Tillman does make the Opening Day roster, he will need to become more efficient and carry it over from start to start.
Dana Eveland – who is also battling for a spot on the roster – threw three scoreless innings. The Oriole bullpen – Robert Hinton, Troy Patton and Oscar Villarreal – did not give up run during their respective outings.
Robert Andino homered in the sixth inning, and Scott Beerer plated in two during the eighth inning to break a 1-1 tie.
Speaking of Andino, he has become a truly critical part of the Orioles’ roster. With Brian Roberts still attempting to come back from concussion issues, it is probably safe at this juncture to pencil in Andino as the starting second baseman.
Andino’s numbers last season were not anything remarkable, as he hit .263 with 5 homers, 36 RBI, a .327 OBP and 670 OPS in 139 games. Do not be fooled, however – he was an indispensable part of the ballclub, playing solid defense (whether it was in the infield, or outfield), plus seemed to get clutch hit after clutch hit.
He most notably got the final hit in the final game of last season that put the Boston Red Sox to pasture. Andino was given the opportunity to play, and when he did, he delivered and made the most of it.
He came to Florida as part of the Hayden Penn trade; in retrospect, the Orioles got the better of the deal.
You have to love Andino’s flair for the game and beating the Red Sox.
“End of the season like this, to make Boston go home sad, crying, I’ll take it all day,” Andino said. “To walk off, everybody wants to walk off. It’s priceless, man. You don’t have any words for it.” – via the Boston Herald.
In reality, Andino is probably a utility guy, or super-sub; however, with the way things are with Baltimore, he’ll be playing a lot.
The man will be part for the Orioles for a long time to come.
