Results tagged ‘ chris resop ’
Pirates hang on to win see-saw game against Reds, 7-6
The Pittsburgh Pirates hung on to win a back-and-forth game, that was headlined by Andrew McCutchen’s big day at the plate, against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday afternoon, 7-6.
Mccutchen went 3-for-3 with two walks, a home run, two RBI and a run scored.
McCutchen told Lacee Collins of Root Sports, “It was definitely good…Just to be able to come through. I couldn’t do it without the guys getting on base. We just played a hard nine innings today and that’s what we have to do against a team like the Reds. They are a great team. They pitch well, they hit well, so we just have to play hard nine innings and we were able to do that today.”
“I’m just comfortable in general,” McCutchen said when asked if he was comfortable batting lead-off. “It doesn’t matter where I’m at, I’m just comfortable. I’m starting to feel better, starting to feel good…and watch out!”
The Pirates quickly got to Edison Volquez in the 1st inning. Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata hit back-to-back homers to give the Bucs a 2-0 lead. It marked the first time the Pirates have lead-off a game with back-to-back homers since July 5, 1982 and just the third time in Franchise history.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Root Sports, “It was an awful good game for him [McCutchen]. He’s been working hard, battling and believing in himself…This kid’s a good player. He was the aggressor today across the board for us in offense. We need him to go at the top.”
The runs didn’t stop there. Volquez walked Lyle Overbay and Neil Walker doubled off the wall -his fifth double this season. Garrett Jones drew a walk to load the bases. Chris Syder walked to bring home a run and Ronny Cedeno hit a sac fly, giving the Bucs a 4-0 lead. Volquez threw 33 pitches in the frame and faced nine batters. His first inning ERA shot up to 29.25 this season. Volquez ERA after the first inning? Just 1.93.
Jeff Karstens left a slider down the middle of the plate, and Jonny Gomes hit a solo home run to cut the lead to 4-1 in the 2nd inning. It was the third homer by Gomes in the past two games against the Pirates.
Karstens got Scott Rolen and Jonny Gomes to strike out, then he allowed three straight hits and a run to score in the 4th.
After pitching four good innings, Karstens ran into trouble in the 5th. He gave up a solo-home run to Miguel Cairo to bring the game within one run. Scott Rolen hit a RBI double to tie the game at four. Manager Clint Hurdle brought in Daniel McCutchen from the ‘pen, and he allowed a single by Jay Bruce to score Rolen, the go-ahead run.
Karstens allowed five runs on eight hits with one walk and six strikeouts over 4.1 innings (76 pitches).
The Pirates fought back in the 6th inning. Garrett Jones -who finished the day 2-for-4 with a run, a walk and a RBI — hit his third homer of the season to tie the game back up at 5. It was the third home run that Volquez gave up to the Bucs in the game.John Bowker hit a pinch-hit two-out double off the center field wall to score Ronny Cedeno and put the Bucs back on top, 6-5.
Volquez allowed six runs on five hits with six walks and six strikeouts over 5.2 innings.
Jay Bruce hit a 1-1 fastball off Jose Veras for a solo-shot in the 7th inning to tie the game at 6.
McCutchen singled off of Logan Ondrusek to center field to score Chris Snyder in the 8th and put the Pirates back on top for what would be the game winning run. Ondrusek suffered his first loss of his career after winning seven straight.
Joel Hanrahan was called upon for a five out save in the 8th inning with runners on first and second with one out. Hanrahan threw just four pitches as Rolen lined out to shortstop Cedeno, who doubled off Cairo at second base to end the threat, and inning.
With a one run lead, the inning was a bit wild for Hanrahan. With one out, Jay Bruce singled on a ground ball. Catcher Chris Snyder threw the ball over the head of first baseman Lyle Overbay but Neil Walker was behind the bag to retrieve it. He then threw the ball to Overbay, who tagged Bruce out after he rounded the bag toward second.
Hanrahan allowed back-to-back singles to Edgar Renteria and Paul Janish and threw a wild pitch to advance both runners. Ryan Hanigan then drew a walk to load the bases. Hanrahan fell behind 2-0 to Jay Bruce, but got him to fly out to center to end the ballgame.
Chris Resop told Root Sports, A crazy game, but in the end we won. It got a little scary in the end there, but hey, it’s part of the game.”
Hanrahan picked up his fifth save as the Pirates beat the Reds, 7-6. If the Bucs can defeat the Reds on Monday, it will mark their third road series win this season.
Ohlendorf DL; McCutchen recalled; Injury updates
- Right-hander Ross Ohlendorf was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday afternoon with right shoulder posterior strain. Ohlendorf exited Friday’s game in the 3rd inning after experiencing some discomfort.
Ohlendorf told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I don’t think it will take as long [to heal] as last time. I feel much better than I did last year when I got hurt.”
“It’s frustrating, but at this point, I can’t really do anything about it except work to get back. Anytime you go on the DL, it’s tough. In the past, I really haven’t been hurt that much. It’s kind of surprising and frustrating.”
- The Pirates re-called righty Daniel McCutchen from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill his roster spot.
- Due to the 14-inning, 5 hour game on Friday night, the Pirates are short arms from the bullpen for Saturday’s game.
Jeff Kartsens, Chris Resop and Garrett Olson are not able to pitch today due to the pitch counts from last night.
Mike Crotta is also unlikely due to pitching on back-to-back nights.
Evan Meek is unavailable to throw because of right shoulder tightness.
That leaves Joel Hanrahan, McCutchen and Jose Veras available from the bullpen.
Starters Paul Maholm and Kevin Correia could pitch an inning of work, if needed, since it’s their day to throw on the side.
- The Pirates have not announced who will fill the 3rd spot in the rotation for Ohlendorf.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “We don’t need to make a decision yet on that, so we’re just going to go TBA. We’ve got to see how everything plays out. We’ve got to get through the next two days, and then we’ll evaluate from there.”
- Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com also reports that Meek is feeling better, but will not throw until Tuesday for precautionary reasons.
Meek did throw long toss on Saturday.
He told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I’m still not feeling quite 100 percent. The whole point right now is just [that] there’s no point in throwing me out there and risking something happening where it’s going to take me a week or two weeks to come back. It’s not something that’s serious, but it is something that they want to give me a few extra days.”
- Right-hand pitcher Brad Lincoln will be making the start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, not High-A Bradenton, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.
Lincoln will be filling in for Daniel McCutchen, who the Pirates re-called from AAA earlier today.
Lincoln is rehabbing a right forearm contusion. He was struck in the arm by a line drive by the Phillies Jimmy Rollins late in the spring.
He is scheduled to throw about four innings (65 pitches).
Tabata, Bullpen, victorious in 14 inning walk-off
After 14 innings and five hours and 11 minutes, the Pittsburgh Pirates delivered a walk-off win in the bottom of the 14th inning to win, 4-3, at PNC Park during the early hours of Saturday.
Josh Rodriguez drew a walk off of Franklin Morales and Jose Tabata hit a double off the Roberto Clemente wall to score the winning run.
Since the run came after midnight, the win came on the 10th birthday of PNC Park.
Jose Tabata told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I’m looking for one pitch. I’m thinking if he throws a fastball, I’ll [take] a good swing. When he threw the pitch, I swung the bat. I stayed with my approach, middle-away, and [you] see what happened.”
The Colorado Rockies took advantage of right-hander Ross Ohlendorf’s early struggles. After allowing a leadoff walk to Dexter Fowler and a single by Jonathan Herrera, Jason Giambi launched a three-home run into the right field seats. The Rockies quickly took a 3-0 lead.
That was the only run the Rockies would score through the 14 inning game.
Ohlendorf was pulled after 2.2 innings with right shoulder discomfort.
The Pirates bullpen, which consisted of Jeff Karstens, Mike Crotta, Jose Veras, Joel Hanrahan, Chris Resop and Garrett Olson, pitched 11.1 innings allowing six hits, no runs, seven walks and 12 strikeouts.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the 11.1 scoreless innings by the Bucs bullpen was the longest by the club in a game since 1900.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Colin Dunlap of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “My goodness, Scoreless? That’s a good hitting team over there. Our guys stepped it up. Every single one of them. There will be a couple who won’t be able to go [Saturday].”
The Pirates tacked on a run each of the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings.
After back-to-back walks to Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen by Jorge De La Rosa, Matt Diaz grounded to short in a 10 pitch at-bat, to score Walker and cut the lead, 3-1.
Jose Tabata hit his first home run of the season, as well as the first home run hit by a Bucco at PNC Park this year in the 5th inning.
Matt Belise walked both Lyle Overbay and Pedro Alvarez in the 6th, and Jason Jaramillo hit a RBI single to right field to tie the game at 3.
The Pirates showed their patience at the plate on Friday, after walking for a total of eight times.
The Rockies had plenty of chances during the late innings to score the go-ahead run. After Chris Resop allowed a lead-off double to Herrera, Carlos Gonzalez lined to shortstop. Troy Tulowitzki was intentionally walked and Jose Morales struck out for the second out. Seth Smith drew a walk to load the bases. Ty Wigginton hit a liner to third base but Pedro Alvarez made a spectacular play, diving for the ball and then threw from one knee to first baseman Lyle Overbay to end the inning.
The Pirates were out of bench players and only right-hander Evan Meek was left in the Pirates bullpen. It was reported that he was not available to pitch and even tried to convince the staff to let him warm up, if needed.
During the bottom of the 14th, and Josh Rodriguez on first base with two outs, Jose Tabata stepped up to the plate. Rockies Manager Jim Tracy received a lot of critism for not walking Tabata to get to Garrett Olson, who was on deck.
Although, it didn’t appear that way. Manager Clint Hurdle sent Andrew McCutchen to the on deck circle in hopes Tracy didn’t realize the batting order (There was a double switch in the 10th inning, so the pitcher was batting in the two hole).
It proved out to be the game winning play, as Jose Tabata hit a double off of the Roberto Clemente wall to score Josh Rodriguez and win in the 14th inning.
Colin Dunlap of the Post-Gazette asked Hurdle if it was a decoy to make Tracy think McCutchen was up next, “No, come on, why would we do that,” Hurdle said with a sly chuckle.
What was Manager Jim Tracy’s reasoning? “To walk him into scoring position … I know they have somebody over there that maybe takes a swing and not have to hit the ball very far at all to end up winning the game that way also,” he said.
An incredible ending for the Pirates on their first win at home this season.
Jeff Karstens, who pitched 3.1 innings after taking over after Ohlendorf was injured, told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I don’t even think words can describe what we did tonight. Just guy after guy came out; the situation didn’t matter, they just kept pitching. We were able to get out of it.”
Hurdle added, “My goodness. That’s a good hitting team over there. Our guys stepped it up tonight, every single one.”
Mike Crotta makes the Bucs 25-man roster
Dejan Kovaceivc of the Post Gazette reports that Right-hander Mike Crotta will make the 25-man roster. The Pirates have not yet made the announcement.
With that move, Right-hander Chris Leroux looks to be the odd man out unless James McDonald isn’t healthy enough to start with the team or they decide to not use Garrett Olson (the only lefty).
Crotta, a 26-year-old right-hander, spent the 2010 season with both Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis where he went 7-10 with a 4.42 ERA in 28 starts (156.2 innings) combined.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com after just two appearances this spring, “He’s definitely got the attention of some people. He’s pitching with purpose.”
Crotta has allowed just three runs (two earned) over 12.1 innings with two walks and four strikeouts.
Leroux allowed five runs on 13 hits over 10.2 innings with three walks and five strikeouts this spring.
Leroux told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com recently, “I’ve been working on a lot on my mechanics, [which are] almost totally different than I used to be when I came into camp. I’m working on following through. I tend to come up when I finish, and that leaves the ball up sometimes. My front step, I need to keep my front side closed, and it’s just a bunch of different things. My mind’s racing a mile a minute when I’m out there.”
“I always like to think that I have a chance of making it. But now with all my mechanical changes, I realize that it’s going to be a process.”
Nothing is official just yet, but the pitching staff for 2011 would look as follows:
Starters: Kevin Correia, Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, Charlie Morton, James McDonald
Bullpen: Joel Hanrahan, Evan Meek, Jeff Karstens, Chris Resop, Jose Veras, Garrett Olson, Mike Crotta
*Photo Credit: Yahoo!Sports
Pitching falters in Pirates 9-5 loss to Rays
Charlie Morton had his first bad outing of the spring in the Bucs 9-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Morton allowed five runs on five hits with three walks and two strikeouts over five innings. His 1.29 ERA is no more, as it jumped to 3.32.
Morton told Rob Biertempfel of the tribune, “Walks and hit batters,” Morton said with a frown.
“What’s troubling about today is I kept missing with my sinker in and wasn’t making adjustments. I just couldn’t get a good feel for it. Instead of concentrating between the knees, trying to get it down there over the plate, I was trying to pick with it in, trying to get him to ground out to third.”
Pedro Ciriaco showed off his speed in the first, with a lead off single off of Jeff Neimann. He then quickly swiped second base. Ryan Doumit hit his fourth double of the spring to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead.
The Rays defense struggled in the 2nd. A bad throw by Dan Johnson advanced Matt Diaz to third base and then scored on a wild pitch by Neimann. Andy Marte doubled and was driven home by Charlie Morton, who hit a soft fly ball to left, putting the Bucs up 3-0.
Morton ran into trouble in the bottom of the 2nd. Morton hit Kelly Shoppach to load the bases with no outs. Sam Fuld drove in two with a double and Ben Zobrist hit a sac fly to tie the game at 3.
The Bucs battled back in the 4th, putting two runs on the board off of a single by Josh Rodriguez.
There was more trouble in the 5th for right-hander Charlie Morton as he had the bases loaded with no outs for the second time in the game. Morton escaped the inning with just two runs scoring –an Evan Longoria hit by pitch and a walk to Manny Ramirez — which tied the game at 5.
Joel Hanrahan allowed back-to-back walks and Justin Ruggiano took advantage of it by hitting a single to give the Rays a 7-5 edge.
The Rays tacked on two more runs off of Chris Resop in the 8th for a 9-5 lead, and went on to win by that score.
Notes:
- Andy Marte, who is battling for a corner infield position, went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a double.
- The Pirates stole four bases today. They have 25 steals this spring –last year they had just 16. The San Diego Padres lead the leagues with 36.
- Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that James McDonald (left side) is scheduled to pitch in a Minor League game at Pirate City on Saturday. He will throw about 50 pitches in the outing.
Brad Lincoln (right arm contusion) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday. Lincoln threw from 120 feet today and felt fine afterwards.
- Biertempfel of the Trib reports, Right-hander Jose Ascanio threw 24 pitches in one inning of work today during a minor league game at Pirate City.
- The Pirates will face the New York Yankees in Tampa, Fla., on Saturday at 1:05. The game will be broadcasted on FSN Pittsburgh. Kevin Correia will start for the Bucs.
Biemel not ready; the making of the bullpen
As it was reported earlier, Joe Beimel will not start the season with the club. Beimel (left elbow) threw a bullpen session on Thursday without issue and is scheduled to throw again on Sunday. He says he is 100 percent healthy but needs time to get into game shape.
Beimel told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “I started looking at the calendar and realized it was going to be pretty hard to do,” Beimel said. “I’m not going to go out there if all my stuff isn’t working. I don’t want to have to rush to get ready for a date that doesn’t really mean anything. It is Opening Day, but I’m looking to be healthy for the entire season. I think this will work out to be best for myself and for the team.”
Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that Beimel will remain in Florida when the team heads to Philadelphia for two exhibition games. He will continue to get work in minor league games. If Beimel is not ready by April 7th, when the minor league season starts, he could join one of the Pirates minor league affiliates to get work there.
Although the team has not officially announced who will make the ‘pen, Manager Clint Hurdle said there are some relievers who are “definitively in.”
Joel Hanrahan has been named the closer and Evan Meek was named the set-up man. Long reliever Jeff Karstens, Chris Resop and Veteran Jose Veras are most certainty in the bullpen as well.
With Beimel out of the mix, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports the following relievers are in the mix for the two open bullpen spots: Left-handers Garrett Olson and Brian Burres, Chris Leroux and Rookie Mike Crotta.
Olson has made two appearances with the Pirates since being acquired from Seattle. He’s allowed three runs on three hits over two innings with two walks and one strike out.
Burres has made five appearances this spring (two starts). He’s allowed six runs on 15 hits over 14 innings with five walks and seven strikeouts.
Leroux has allowed four runs on 10 hits over 8.2 innings with three walks and two strikeouts.
Crotta has not allowed an earned run this spring (10.1 innings). He’s allowed just four hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Day 35 of Pirates spring training: news and notes
The Pirates will face the Houston Astros for the first time this spring in Kissimmee, Fla., at 1:05 pm. Charlie Morton is making his third start (fourth appearance) this spring and is scheduled to throw five innings. He will face Ryan Rowland-Smith.
You can listen to the game live here.
- Chris Snyder is eyeing Tuesday as his return to action since he’s been sidelined with lower back stiffness.
Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that Snyder took swing in the batting cage on Saturday and said his lower back was giving him no problems.
Snyder will do more cage work on Sunday and hopes to be cleared for batting practice on Monday. If all goes well and he does not suffer any set backs, Snyder could play and catch in a minor league game on Tuesday.
Snyder said he should be ready for Opening day (April 1st).
Snyder told Langosch, “If it was any later than early next week then it would have been pushing it. Hopefully everything goes well and stays on track and I can stretch it out. Hopefully get nine innings one of those days. Get rolling.”
- Langosch also reports that James McDonald threw long toss on Saturday (50 throws, 120 feet) and said he felt fine afterwards. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Sunday.
- Members of the 2010 Eastern League Champion Altoona Curve will be honored on Wednesday during a pre-game ceremony at McKechnie Field.
- The Pirates will face the Minnesota Twins on Monday at 1:05 in Bradenton, Fla. Paul Maholm will get the start against Brian Duensing. Chris Resop, Jose Veras and Sean Gallagher will follow.
Newest Bucco Garrett Olson throws in the bullpen at McKechnie Field.
- First pitch strikes are important. The league average for the pitching staff throwing an 0-1 count is 59 percent –the Pirates last season did it at 58 percent.
Pitching coach Ray Searage is looking to improve that rate by several percentage points this season.
Searage told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “I don’t want us to be 60 (percent). Sixty is average. I want us to be above average.”
Read more on Biertempel’s piece on the importance of first pitch strikes –Good Stuff.
- Manager Clint Hurdle has not yet named an opening day starter, but he has narrowed it down to two: Right-hander Kevin Correia and lefty Paul Maholm.
Hurdle told Biertempfel of the Tribune, “We’re going to watch Paulie pitch Monday and go from there. We’ve looked at a lot of different things. We’ve categorized all the numbers — trajectory ERAs, history in ballparks, history against (hitters). It’s not so much (who’s) our No. 1; it’s what is the best way to set up our rotation as we move forward.”
- Rob Biertempfel of the tribune also reports that Brad Lincoln’s bullpen session was canceled today. His arm remains swollen and painful.
Lincoln was struck with a line drive by Jimmy Rollins during Friday’s game against the Phillies.
Pirates
Lineup: Tabata CF, Pearce 3B, Walker 2B, Diaz RF, Marte 1B, Doumit C, Fields LF, Cedeno SS, Morton RHP
Pitchers: Morton, Crotta, Leroux, D. McCutchen
Astros
Lineup: Bourn CF, Hernandez 2B, Pence RF, Lee 1B, Bogusevic LF, Downs SS, Oswaldo 3b, Quintero C, Rowland-Smith LHP
Pitchers: Rowland-Smith, Lyles, Pendleton
*Photo credit: @BucsInsider
Lincoln OK after being hit by line drive
During the third inning of Friday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, right-hander Brad Lincoln was struck in the right arm by a line drive hit by Jimmy Rollins. Lincoln proceed to field the ball and tag out Rollins.
Brad Lincoln told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “(Rollins) was slowing down and asked me if I was all right before I even tagged him,” Lincoln said with a laugh.
Manager Clint Hurdle, pitching Coach Ray Searage and the training staff met with Lincoln at the mound. According to Bob Walk, the Pirates Broadcaster, Lincoln was trying to convince them to let him stay in. He was taken out of the game after pitching 2.2 innings.
Lincoln was diagnosed with a right forearm contusion.
Lincoln told Biertempfel of the Tribune, “It got all meat. There was no bone-on-bone or anything like that, which is a good sign. It’s a little tight right now, so we’ll put some ice on it and re-evaluate it tomorrow. Right now, I feel OK to go about my business and do what I need to do. The real test will be how it feels tomorrow.”
Bad timing for Lincoln who was pitching a good game and is also battling for the 5th spot in the rotation. Over 2.2 innings (he was scheduled to throw four) he allowed one run on one hit with two walks. The lone run scored from a leadoff walk to Michael Martinez. Chris Resop replaced Lincoln and gave up an RBI double to Shane Victorino.
Lincoln told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, It is bad timing, but it’s not like we’re ruling out my next start already. I’m not overly concerned about it right now.”
Day 33 of Pirates spring training: news and notes
The Pirates will face the Philadelphia Phillies at 1:05 today in Clearwater, Fla. Brad Lincoln will start and is scheduled to throw four innings against Roy Oswalt.
You can listen to the game on a free webcast on MLB.com, The Pirates radio network (104.7) or 970 ESPN in Pittsburgh.
- Lefty Scott Olsen has not made a great impression so far this spring. After being sidelined for several weeks (left hamstring strain), he has made just two starts –and they were not pretty. Through 2.1 innings, Olsen has allowed four runs (two homers) on five hits with three walks. Opponents are batting .417 against him.
With just two weeks until opening day, what is Olsen focused on?
Scott Olsen told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “There are no goals; it’s all about health. That is the goal. I can’t have any goals unless I’m healthy. After two frustrating years in a row, that’s all I want.”
- Pedro Ciriaco, who’s natural position is at shortstop, started at center field on Thursday. Other than batting practice, Ciriaco didn’t have much time to even prep for it. He even had to use Outfielder Gorkys Hernandez glove.
Ciriaco is competing for a utility job and proving that he could play in Center in a pinch, could really help him land a job with the club.
Pedro Ciriaco told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I feel pretty good. It was fun. You’ve got to adjust to whatever position you play. In the infield, everything is quicker. In the outfield, I think you’ve got a little bit more time to read the ball. I got one fly ball and one line drive, so it was easy today.”
- Charlie from BucsDugout chatted with Farm Director Kyle Stark while in Bradenton, Fla. For spring training. You can read part one of the interview here.
- Ryan Doumit will be starting today against the Phillies. Doumit (oblique strain) has not played in a spring training game since March 8th. He did go 3-for-4 with a double and a home run during a minor league game on Thursday at Pirate City.
- According to Pat Gallen of Phillies nation, former Bucco Brandon Moss has been cut from big league camp. Moss, who signed a minor league deal with the Phillies this offseason, batted just .167 (3-for-18) with seven strikeouts.
Pirates
Lineup: Wimberly CF, Bowker LF, Pearce RF, Doumit C, Atkins 3B, Marte 1B, Rodriguez 2B, Ciriaco SS, Lincoln RHP
Pitchers: Lincoln, Resop, Veras, Crotta, Leroux
*As Rob Biertempfel of the Trib pointed out, perhaps a last chance for these players to show Hurdle what they got? Another round of cuts should be happening soon. Doumit is the only “regular” in the lineup and Biertempfel even calls it a “trade showcase”
Phillies
Lineup: Rollins SS, Victorino CF, Ibanez LF, Howard 1B, Gload RF, Orr 3B, Ruiz C, Martinez 2B, Oswalt RHP
Pitchers: Oswalt, Baez, Romero, Contreras, Madson
O’s pound Bucs 13-3
The Baltimore Orioles offense pounded the Pirates on Thursday afternoon in Bradenton, Fla., as they combined for 20 hits in the 13-3 loss by the Bucs at McKechnie Field.
Ross Ohlendorf was scheduled to pitch five innings but he outing was cut short due to his high pitch count (he only threw three innings). Ohlendorf allowed six runs on eight hits with two strikeouts. His sinker was effective in the first inning (enduced a double play) and had a 1-2-3 second.
Ohlendorf ran into trouble in the third. He allowed two runs to score before Jose Tabata misplayed a routine fly ball in the sun –It should have been the third out. From there, the O’s rallied. Matt Weiters hit a two-RBI single and Jake Fox hit a two-run homer.
Ross Ohlendorf told Colin Dunlap of the Post Gazette, I feel like I kept the ball down. The results really weren’t that indicative of that. I would have preferred to have thrown more [innings] but I think I should be OK.”
“I would like the results to be good, but I am much more concerned with how I am throwing. … I feel like I made good pitches for the most part.”
Scott Olsen and Joe Beimel (in their second spring appearance) also took a beating.
Olsen allowed three runs on three hits with three walks and a strikeout. Olsen was scheduled to throw two innings but was pulled after 1.1. He issued back-to-back walks and at one point threw six straight balls. Olsen also allowed Jake Fox to homer, his second of the game.
Is there still time for Olsen to be stretched out to be considered for the fifth spot in the rotation? Manager Clint Hurdle told Rob Biertempfel of the Trib, “I don’t know. He very well may be. I can’t say no. I’ll leave the speculation out there for people who want to speculate. We’ll give him the ball again and see where he takes it.”
Beimel allowed three runs on three hits with one walk and one strikeout in the eighth inning.
Notes:
- Andrew McCutchen has reached base safely in 10 straight games.
- Jason Jaramillo went 1-for-2 with a RBI and a walk. He is 9-for-16 with four doubles, five RBI and three walks (.529 avg).
- Brian Burres pitched four shutout innings in the Pirates ultrasquad game at Pirate City today. He allowed two hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
Brian Burres told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “There are a couple things that I still want to continue to do. But as far as where I am now, I think I’ve done a pretty decent job this spring trying to do the things that I’ve wanted to do.”
Burres has yet to give up a run this spring over nine innings and the opponents are batting just .179 against him.
- Jeff Karstens threw three scoreless innings with six strikeouts and no walks.
- Evan Meek and Fernando Nieve threw scoreless frames as well.
- So far, Paul Maholm and Kevin Correia are the only pitchers to have thrown five-inning starts. The others: Brad Lincoln (four innings scheduled tomorrow), Charlie Morton (four), Ohlendorf (three) and James McDonald (three).
Manager Clint Hurdle told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “We’ve got work to do. We’re not throwing enough strikes. We don’t have good enough command right now. I have no idea what our pitch count was today, but we threw way too many pitches today. We’d like to see our starters lengthen things out. There is work to be done. That’s what Spring Training is for. That’s why you have the amount of games that you have, and that’s why these starters have to keep building up their pitch counts.”
- Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune reports that Ryan Doumit is scheduled to play against the Phillies on Friday. Doumit (strained oblique) has been sidelined since March 8th.
Doumit went 3-for-4 (double and a homer) in a minor league game today. Manager Clint Hurdle told Biertempfel, “We just needed him to see pitches and make sure he’s getting his swing off with no hesitation.”
- Corey Wimberly, John Bowker, Steve Pearce, Andy Marte, Ryan Doumit, Garrett Atkins, Josh Rodriguez and Pedro Ciriaco will start tomorrow against Philly. The positions have not yet been announced. As Biertempfel points out (Doumit excluded), perhaps a last chance before to show Hurdle what they got? Another round of cuts should be happening soon.
Brad Lincoln (four innings) will get the start against Roy Oswalt. Chris Resop, Jose Veras, Mike Crotta and Chris Leroux will follow.
Kristy Robinson
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