masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – T.J. McFarland gave up two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning on a wild pitch and Joe Benson’s fourth hit of the night, as the Braves walked off with a 6-5 win over the Orioles.
McFarland stranded two inherited runners in the seventh and tossed a scoreless eighth, but he didn’t record an out in the ninth. He’s allowed 10 earned runs (11 total) and 23 hits in 12 1/3 innings for a 7.30 ERA.
“I don’t think anybody threw the ball better tonight on the field than…

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – T.J. McFarland gave up two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning on a wild pitch and Joe Benson’s fourth hit of the night, as the Braves walked off with a 6-5 win over the Orioles.

McFarland stranded two inherited runners in the seventh and tossed a scoreless eighth, but he didn’t record an out in the ninth. He’s allowed 10 earned runs (11 total) and 23 hits in 12 1/3 innings for a 7.30 ERA.

“I don’t think anybody threw the ball better tonight on the field than McFarland,” said manager Buck Showalter. “He was really good, the whole outing. What did he give up, four ground balls there?

tj-mcfarland-gray-sidebar-throws.jpg“This infield is as hard as a rock. You see how many balls were bounding around there. But Mac was really good.”

McFarland’s velocity has been up this spring, with his fastball touching 93 mph. But the ERA needs to come down, which is part of my instant analysis.

Showalter wanted starter Wei-Yin Chen to work five innings tonight. Chen totaled 68 pitches before Wesley Wright replaced him.

“He’s ready to go,” Showalter said. “He felt good. He’s going to work on normal rest. He could have thrown some more. Usually, he’d go down and throw a little more, but because of the rest factor … He’s ready to go. His next start will be in Tampa.”

Ryan Webb was charged with two runs and three hits in two-thirds of an inning. With no room in the bullpen, he’s expected to be designated for assignment if the Orioles can’t find a trade partner.

“He had a real good first two hitters and just couldn’t finish the inning off,” Showalter said.

“I thought he was probably as crisp stuff-wise as he’s been all spring, so that was unfortunate.”

Showalter predicted before the game that Nick Markakis would get a couple of hits, and the former Oriole went 2-for-3.

“I was kidding with him some,” Showalter said. “It wouldn’t have been too pleasant during the regular season. But we’ve seen that before.”

Showalter said he may make a few roster cuts on Friday. He’s also going to reveal his No. 4 starter, which is expected to be Bud Norris, who would pitch in the home opener on April. 10.