Tonight baseball season seemed much closer than it has yet this year. At 7:05, I tuned in to MASN to see the Orioles field their regular starting lineup against the Blue Jays. Well, Ryan Lavarnway was catching, but Matt Wieters still pulled DH duty as he continues to work his way back from elbow surgery. But there were plenty of positive things to see, like Manny Machado playing a spring training game after late-season knee surgery and delivering a couple of hits from atop the batting order. Chris Davis blasted a three-run homer to center field, and later Jonathan Schoop added a two-run shot. Miguel Gonzalez started and tossed a pair of scoreless innings, and seven relievers each added a shutout inning of their own: Brian Matusz, Darren O'Day, Zach Britton, Tommy Hunter, Brad Brach, Chris Jones, and Mychal Givens. All but the last two figure to be regulars again in 2015, and they got in their work in a 5-0 victory. Cal Ripken was even there to throw out the first pitch. So we're one day closer to the games that matter.
A week from Sunday I'll be in Bradenton to see them play the Pirates. Not sure I'll see the starters as it's a 'roadie' but I've got two more chances later in the week. Can't wait!!
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