Baltimore Orioles get first Spring Training win against Rays

After six games, the Baltimore Orioles can finally claim to have a Spring Training win.

This Baltimore Orioles defeated the Tampa Bay Rays by a score of 2-1. It may not have been a big win, but it was a win none-the-less.

The best part of the win was that Hunter Harvey, the young pitcher, was able to get his first start. And, he showed his skills with professionalism and poise.

Harvey pitched two innings. He did give up three hits and a run, but he also struck out three batters. As is common with young pitchers making their MLB debuts, he gave up a pair of hits right away putting the first two batters on base. The third batter he faced, Christian Arroyo grounded into a double play. But, by this time, Denard Span was already on third and had plenty of time to score. He struck out Jake Bauers to end the inning.

That was it for the Rays. No other Rays crossed home plate.

Harvey calmed down for the second inning. He faced five batters, striking out two, walking one, and allowing one hit.

After the game, Buck Showalter spoke to the press before Harvey’s start and where the prospect could go with the organization. In an article by Peter Schmuck with The Baltimore Sun, Showalter said:

"“He deserves it. The kid’s been through a lot. Who knows what today’s going to bring or down the road’s going to bring, but I did want him to be in a role his first time out that he’s used to — not coming in, not knowing what inning he’s going to come in and not knowing when he’s going to warm up. I think it’s important because we have high hopes for him.”More from Orioles NewsBaltimore Orioles Sign RP Mychal GivensGunnar Henderson: Destroyer of Four-Seam FastballsWhich Current Baltimore Orioles Pitchers Have the Best Curveballs?Orioles News: Should the O’s Pursue Eovaldi? + More MLB NewsShould the Baltimore Orioles Consider Signing Nathan Eovaldi?"

It’s good to see a young kid who has been through so many injuries have a great day on the mound.

On the offensive side of the game, the O’s didn’t do much. Since the game was away, most of the players on the 25-man roster were not in the lineup. Another top prospect, like Harvey, did well. Ryan Mountcastle went one for three and scored a run. Garabez Rosa scored the other run on a home run in the sixth inning. Ruben Tejada earned the RBI for Mountcastle’s run in the seventh.

Overall, the O’s had six hits. Rosa was responsible for two of them.

Next: Ed Smith Stadium tops in the Grapefruit League

The Orioles face the St. Louis Cardinals at home Wednesday at Ed Smith Stadium. Mike Wright will get his second start of Spring Training. His previous one was on February 23 against the Rays. He pitched two innings and gave up one run after facing seven batters.