In a high-scoring spring training clash, the Baltimore Orioles seized an early lead, holding off the Tampa Bay Rays to emerge victorious with a final score of 12-8 in Sarasota, Florida. The Orioles’ potent offense and a stellar performance from starter Tyler Wells paved the way for their success.
The Orioles wasted no time, jumping to an impressive eight-run lead after just two innings. Jordan Westburg capped a five-run first inning with a three-run homer, setting the tone for Baltimore’s offensive onslaught. Adley Rutschman, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, and home runs from Ramon Urias and Daniel Johnson contributed to the Orioles’ 15-hit barrage. Starter Tyler Wells showcased his skills, allowing just one run over four innings to earn the win and improve his spring training record to 2-0.
Despite Taj Bradley’s scheduled start for the Rays being interrupted due to chest muscle tightness, Erasmo Ramirez (0-2) stepped in, facing a tough Orioles lineup. Ramirez struggled, surrendering eight runs on eight hits in three innings. The Rays showed resilience with Rob Brantly hitting two home runs, and Randy Arozarena launching his first spring dinger. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Orioles’ early lead.
Cardinals Outslug Red Sox in 8-6 Victory
In a high-scoring contest, the St. Louis Cardinals emerged victorious with an 8-6 win over the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers, Florida. The Cardinals’ offense was led by Alec Burleson and Ivan Herrera, both hitting home runs and driving in two runs each. Despite a challenging outing for Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore, who gave up five runs on seven hits in four innings, the team secured the win.
Boston’s Brayan Bello (0-1), fresh off signing a lucrative six-year, $55 million deal, struggled in his start, allowing four runs on six hits over three innings. Trevor Story, who hit his first spring home run, and Ceddanne Rafaela added to the Cardinals’ offensive display. The Red Sox showcased their power with home runs from Rafaela and a three-hit performance from Story.
Blue Jays Cruise to 8-1 Victory Over Yankees
The Toronto Blue Jays dominated the New York Yankees with an 8-1 victory in Dunedin, Florida. Justin Tuner went 3-for-3 with two RBIs, leading the Blue Jays’ 12-hit offensive surge. Santiago Espinal and Daulton Varsho also contributed with two RBIs each to support starter Jose Berrios (1-0), who tossed 3 1/3 innings of one-run ball.
Jose Rojas provided one of the lone highlights for the Yankees, going 2-for-3 with an RBI single. Reliever Duane Underwood Jr. (0-1) took the loss for the Yankees, yielding two runs during his appearance.
Astros’ Offensive Surge Propels Them to a 9-1 Win Over Marlins
The Houston Astros unleashed a six-run fourth inning, leading them to a commanding 9-1 victory over the Miami Marlins in Jupiter, Florida. Grae Kessinger and Yordan Alvarez delivered two-run hits during the decisive inning, supporting starter Hunter Brown (2-0), who gave up only an unearned run over 3 2/3 innings.
Marlins starter Jesus Luzardo (0-2) struggled, allowing three runs on five hits over 3 1/3 innings. The Astros showcased their offensive depth, securing the win and extending their strong spring training performance.
Pirates Defeat Braves 5-1 with Solid Pitching and Timely Hitting
The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a 5-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves in Bradenton, Florida, with a combination of solid pitching and timely hitting. Oneil Cruz’s early home run set the tone for the Pirates, while Billy McKinney capped a four-run sixth inning with a three-run shot. The Pirates used six pitchers to limit the Braves to just two hits.
Josh Fleming (1-0) earned the win for the Pirates after delivering two scoreless innings of relief. Despite a strong performance from Joe Jimenez (0-1) for the Braves, who gave up only one run in 1 1/3 innings, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pirates’ lead.
Tigers Edge Twins 1-0 in Pitchers’ Duel
In a tightly contested pitchers’ duel, the Detroit Tigers secured a 1-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins in Lakeland, Florida. Kenta Maeda (1-1) shone for the Tigers, tossing four scoreless innings and outdueling the Twins’ Joe Ryan (1-1), who allowed the game’s only run over his four innings of work.
Javier Baez’s sacrifice fly in the second inning plated Kerry Carpenter, who had tripled, providing the Tigers with the decisive run in a game dominated by strong pitching performances.
