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After hitting a double and advancing to third on a wild pitch, Wil Myers scored the go-ahead run when Orioles catcher, Luis Exposito, used his mask to recover a deflected pitch from O's pitching prospect, Dylan Bundy.
Jeff Niemann had a solid start yesterday, striking out three over 4 and 1/3 innings, allowing only one earned run. Despite topping out at 88 MPH, Niemann was pleased with his pitches and the movement he was able to get on his cutter and two-seams. He stated, "For me, it's more important what the hitter is telling me than what the radar gun says."
When asked about the competition between Jeff Niemann and Roberto Hernandez for the fifth spot in the rotation, Joe Maddon said, "It's getting close, but it could still take a while." There are two and a half weeks left of Spring Training...No rush, Coach!
Evan Longoria had an RBI double off of the Orioles 2012 first round draft pick, Kevin Gausman, knocking him out of the game in the third inning. Mike Belfiore took over for Baltimore and quickly gave up a two-run homer to Luke Scott.
The Orioles only runs came in the fourth inning when Matt Weiters lifted a three-run homer to straightaway center off of Tampa Bay reliever, Juan Sandoval.
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Prior to today's game, the Rays players and staff will go bald to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. With a $100 donation, fans can shave their heads along with the team on the boardwalk at Charlotte Sports Park.
Aside from a haircut, the donation also comes with a "Fortune Favors the Bald" t-shirt. These shirts will be sold for $15.99 at the Rays Team Stores at CSP, Tropicana Field and downtown Tampa, with all proceeds benefiting the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
You can also donate by visiting http://www.pcfcutforacure.org or texting "Cut" to 50555 to make a $10 donation.
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Matt Moore starts today's game at 1:05 against the Phillies. Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta, Jamey Wright, Brandon Gomes and J.D. Martin are all expected to pitch as well. Moore is 0-2 with an 8.22 ERA in his previous three appearances.
Links:
- Get your Super Sam capes out and fly down to the Englewood Walmart (2931 S. McCall Rd) from 6-7 where Sam Fuld will be signing autographs.
- Captain America, David Wright, was removed from the World Baseball Classic yesterday with soreness in his back, probably from carrying Team USA in the tournament. Wright will be examined by the Mets team doctors in their Port Saint Lucie facilities, where they will determine whether or not he will rejoin Team USA. Wright was batting .438 with 10 RBI's in the tournament so far.
- Fernando Rodney shot the moon alongside his teammates as the Dominican Republic defeated Team USA 3-1 last night in the World Baseball Classic. He struck out Ben Zobrist for the second out of the ninth inning. The Dominican Republic team is still undefeated in the WBC and will move on to the semifinals in San Francisco. USA will face Puerto Rico this evening, with the winner earning a trip to San Fran.
- Another day, another rejection. Derrick Lee, has declined an invitation to play for the New York Yankees this year. This comes a day after Chipper Jones laughed off Brian Cashman's offer to join the Yankees.