Thursday: Orioles vs Pirates at Bradenton

[SteveA]

4 minutes ago, justD said:

They just interviewed the Pirates' starting pitcher Thompson, who said he actually fell over after one pitch due to a strong gust. 

Before my time but it's part of Oriole lore that Stu Miller was blown off the mound in Candlestick Park in San Francisco in an All Star game sometime in the 60s.

[NCRaven]

Akin was the scheduled starter but Hyde decided to switch them up.  This is Baker's third spring appearance.  The other two were in the ninth inning of games, so he was facing scrubs.  Tony had mentioned that he was disappointed that they weren't using him against the starters.  Well, today, they did.  He's looked good in every outing so far.  Really would like him to break camp with the big team.

[NCRaven]

Akin seems to be doing his best to pitch his way back to AAA.

[SteveA]

Somebody who isn't following Gameday at work gonna have to explain to me how Richie Martin only went from 2nd to 3rd on a double by Ramon Urias.

[justD]

5 minutes ago, SteveA said:

Somebody who isn't following Gameday at work gonna have to explain to me how Richie Martin only went from 2nd to 3rd on a double by Ramon Urias.

It was kinda funny.  He took a biiiiig turn around third and got held up and held up his hands looking at the 3rd base coach saying, "Whyyy????" 

Announcers figured it was like earlier in the game, they're trying to avoid plays at the plate in Spring Training with the risk of injury. 

[justD]

And I haven't been paying attention, because they just said Shayne Fontana gets to third on a hit by Cody Roberts. 

And I'm like, "What?? Who??" 

It's so nice having Twin Lakes this close to the ML parks so these guys can just come over and get some exposure like this. 

[justD]

Yet another wind-aided (wind-damaged?) play. 

Ball drops half-way between home and the mound and scores 2 for the O's, now leading 4-1.

[justD]

Is it wrong for me to be happy that Akin gave up yet another home run? 

I've never liked him.  Even in Bowie.  I really want us to be forced to fill his slot with someone else.  

Even if that turns out not so great either. 

The home run was an exit velo of 100mph, 410 ft. 

[justD]

Ugly play by McKenna in LF (granted, there's that wind factor) on a two-out double off Akin in his second inning pitched. 

Followed by a nice diving catch by Zach Watson in CF, show hair flying, to end the 7th inning. 

[justD]

Toby Welk sighting!  Pinch running for Nevin, who I was just noting was one of the last players not yet replaced. 

[NCRaven]

And a Prieto sighting, as well.

[justD]

4 minutes ago, NCRaven said:

And a Prieto sighting, as well.

At least he got some contact on that second pitch before striking out. 

They're talking Bednar up quite a bit, so I guess it's good that he got to face him. 

[justD]

Ahhh.  Our 2022 closer is now pitching, in the bottom of the 8th. 

(Cole Sulser)

[justD]

Announcers called out that Martin was unable to get to a hard-hit grounder to 2B, but that was Prieto.  Went off his glove, ruled an error although Kevin Young ("K-Y") thinks it was a hit. 

[justD]

Followed by a solid line drive hit into shallow LF, runners now at 1st and 3rd with no outs.