NATIONALS QUICK WRAP Score: Cardinals 4, Nationals 4 (nine innings) Recap: Wilson Ramos had three hits, Max Scherzer pitched four innings of two-hit ball and Ryan Zimmerman added an RBI single in his first Grapefruit League appearance. Scherzer allowed a run with a walk and five strikeouts in his longest start of the spring. The Nats' first four hitters in the first inning reached via hits with Bryce Harper's run-scoring double, a Michael Wacha wild pitch and Zimmerman's single providing a...

ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Twins 14, Orioles 5 Recap: Pedro Alvarez ripped an RBI double in his first O's at-bat in the top of the first. It came on a 1-1 pitch from Ricky Nolasco. Alvarez also grounded out and flied out in his first O's game. Miguel Gonzalez struggled again, allowing six runs and seven hits over 1 2/3. He has allowed 14 runs in 5 2/3 over three spring starts for an ERA of 22.24. Gonzalez has allowed six or more runs in two of his three starts. Hunter Harvey gave up five runs...

FORT MYERS, Fla. - There will be no prolonged hitless streak for new Oriole Pedro Alvarez. He crushed a 1-1 pitch off the right-center field fence for an RBI double in the first inning here today against the Twins. Alvarez smoked the offering from Minnesota right-hander Ricky Nolasco to provide the Orioles a 1-0 lead during their three-run first inning at Hammond Stadium. Joey Rickard led off with an infield single to third base and one out later, Christian Walker singled ahead of the Alvarez...

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Orioles catcher Matt Wieters might have a sore right elbow, but for now it appears the concern level is low. Before today's game here, manager Buck Showalter said no MRI for Wieters is planned yet. Wieters spoke with reporters about his elbow in Sarasota. "There is a reason an MRI is not scheduled at this point," Showalter said. "If the next two or three days don't manage as we hope, that might happen. That is up to Richie (Bancells, head athletic trainer). He should be...

SARASOTA, Fla. - T.J. McFarland threw about 25 pitches in his bullpen session this morning and said his left elbow felt good. "Threw a good side and no problems. Everything was good, coming out all right," he said. "Tomorrow, we'll reassess it. I'm not anticipating any problems, but tomorrow they'll reassess it in the morning and we'll go from there. I think I feel good and ready to get back out there." McFarland has made only two spring relief appearances, the last on March 6. He's...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Catcher Matt Wieters said this morning that his right elbow is "a little stiff, a little sore" and he can't give a timetable on his return to the lineup. Wieters was removed for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the first inning of yesterday's game against the Twins due to discomfort in the elbow. He had X-rays that came back normal. "Nothing too bad, but definitely a little sore from yesterday. Get some treatment on it today and take it day by day," he said after today's...

VIERA, Fla. - New Nationals manager Dusty Baker has been coy about naming his opening day starting pitcher, even though everyone expects right-hander Max Scherzer to take the ball on April 4 at Turner Field in Atlanta. On the first day of spring training, when asked if he was ready to name his opening day starter, Baker declined. But on Sunday, he gave a more firm indication that Scherzer may draw the assignment for a second straight year after signing a seven-year, $210 million contract. "He...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Matt Wieters' right elbow is a little better this morning. Wieters was examined by team physicians. He didn't appear at his locker during the hour that the media was allowed inside the clubhouse. Wieters left yesterday's game after the top of the first inning with soreness in his surgically repaired elbow. He wasn't scheduled to make the trip to Fort Myers for today's game against the Twins. It's doubtful that Wieters will play Monday...

VIERA, Fla. - Ryan Zimmerman will make his first start of the Grapefruit League campaign this afternoon, serving as the designated hitter for the Nationals against the Cardinals in a 1:05 p.m. game that will be broadcast on MASN. Zimmerman has spent the bulk of spring training managing a case of plantar fasciitis in his left foot, and the Nationals have taken a cautious approach while monitoring and treating the nagging injury. Zimmerman said he could still get the 45-50 at-bats he needed to...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Pedro Alvarez makes his Orioles debut this afternoon, batting cleanup and playing first base against the Twins in Fort Myers. Hyun Soo Kim is in left field and Jonathan Schoop is at second base. Caleb Joseph is behind the plate. Matt Wieters wasn't scheduled to make the trip, and he's out indefinitely after leaving yesterday's game with a sore right elbow. For the Orioles Joey Rickard CF Ryan Flaherty 3B Christian Walker DH Pedro Alvarez 1B Jonathan Schoop 2B Hyun Soo Kim LF...