Baltimore Orioles almost come all the way back

Depending on how you look at things, the Baltimore Orioles both won and lost yesterday afternoon. The “A squad” dropped a close 6-5 decision to Minnesota in Sarasota, a game that included a comeback at the end. The “B squad” defeated Toronto 4-2 in Dunedin. For those who might ask what was wrong with the regulars, keep in mind that these late spring games are designed for getting guys some final at-bats before the season starts.

Courtesy of Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Miguel Gonzalez got scuffed up a bit in what could possibly end up being his final tune up of the spring. Gonzalez’s line: 5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 5 K. If anything, Gonzalez might have been getting too much of the plate. Oriole bats handed Gonzalez an early lead when Adam Jones hit a two-run homer in the last of the first. That was followed later in the inning by a Travis Snider solo shot, and the Birds had a 3-0 lead. The fact that Snider, who’s not known for his power, is starting to hit late in spring for the Orioles is a good sign. Their hope is that Snider can attempt to replace some of the OBP stats that Nick Markakis put up.

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Unfortunately Minnesota cut into that lead on Eric Fryer’s two-run homer in the second, and they tied the score at three on Edardo Nunez’s RBI-double in the third. That was followed by an RBI-single by Kennys Vargas, and suddenly the O’s trailed. However Alejandro De Aza tied the game again at four with a fielder’s choice-RBI in the last of the fifth. However a two-run Oswaldo Arcia home run in the sixth inning gave Minnesota the lead for good.

While the O’s couldn’t come all the way back, they did give Minnesota a run for their money. Mike Yazstremski added an eighth inning solo homer, and the Birds had the tying and winning runs in scoring position in the last of the ninth. But it wasn’t enough to win, as the O’s fell by the score of 6-5.

For what it’s worth, Ubaldo Jimenez gave up one run over six innings in the other game as the O’s defeated Toronto 4-2. Jimmy Paredes had an RBI-double, Rey Navarro an RBI-single, and Chris Parmalee a solo homer. The Orioles’ full squad will travel to Port Charlotte today to take on the Tampa Rays. Zach Davies, another youngster, will make the start for the O’s. He’ll be opposed by Matt Andriese. The Orioles are considering sending David Lough to the disabled list due to a sore hamstring.

As we move into the final week of spring training you’ll continue to see update and recaps of what’s going on down in Florida. However we’ll also spend some time to what’s going to be happening here at Birds Watcher throughout the 2015 season. If you’ve followed us in years past, it’ll look fairly familiar to you. But bear with us – we’re as ready for the fake games to be over as the players and fans!

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