Baltimore Orioles defeat Tampa Bay Rays – MLB Spring Training
Baltimore Orioles defeated Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in a Spring Training game on Monday at the Charlotte Sports Park here in Port Charlotte, Florida. Orioles adopted a very aggressive approach in a game that was played on a very competitive note. Dominating their
rivals in almost all departments of the game, they established complete control over the contest right from the start. The Rays had their chances but they were unable to raise their game when it mattered and they paid the ultimate price.
Wade Davis got off to an amazing Spring Training start as he made the most of available opportunities to keep his place on the Rays’ pitching rotation. The starter showed great control and accuracy as he pitched two scoreless innings in a 28 pitch showing.
However, despite his best efforts, the Rays lost to the Orioles’ split squad 1-3.
David was quite outstanding in his rookie season with 12 wins. He earned 11 more win last season, showing he is mature and a composed pitcher. For Orioles, Brad Bergesen had a great time on the field as he yielded a walk and struck out two batters in two
innings pitched to earn a win.
"I thought it was good. I think I stayed under control. Threw all my pitches, and I threw everything for strikes," Davis said. "I've still got to get better at some things, but that was a good first day."
"A good way to start it out," Bergesen said. "Everybody pitched well today," Showalter said, "including Pedro."
"Sharp, real sharp. Aggressive in the strike zone," Orioles’ Manager Joe Maddon said. "He went right after hitters, was not messing around. I like that."
The orioles’ pitchers executed their game plan to perfection as they limited the Rays’ batters to only one hit until the ninth inning. Alfredo Simon was the leader of the pitching pack for Orioles as he allowed no run on his on-target throws. Rays’ leadoff
single was earned against Pedro Strop. Orioles were unable to live up to the expectations last season. It will be interesting to see if they can bring things back on track in 2012.
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