BRADENTON, Fla. - Logan Verrett had another impressive outing today, retiring the Pirates in order in the ninth inning with a strikeout to seal the Orioles' 9-2 victory at McKechnie Field. Verrett, a Rule 5 pick from the Mets, has allowed two runs in 11 innings, with one walk and nine strikeouts. "Yeah, he's thrown the ball good," manager Buck Showalter said. "Dave (Wallace) was talking about him pitching, waiting one more day and him pitching two innings. I'm not sure how he's going to...

ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Orioles 9, Pirates 2 Recap: Ubaldo Jimenez was superb, shutting out the Pirates on four hits over five innings. He walked none and struck out three. The Orioles broke a scoreless tie with five runs in the fourth inning. Steve Pearce hit his fifth home run of the spring. Jimmy Paredes had another hit, a double in the fourth. Ryan Flaherty singled in his first two at-bats, driving in a run in the fourth, and doubled in the sixth. Paul Janish had a two-run single in the...

BRADENTON, Fla. - Ryan Lavarnway is trying to separate himself from the pack of catching candidates with the Orioles. He's doing it today at McKechnie Field. Lavarnway has thrown out both Pirates runners attempting to steal, cutting down Gregory Polanco in the first inning and Jordy Mercer in the third. He was 1-for-6 this spring. Lavarnway also has grounded into one of the Orioles' three double plays in the first three innings. Alejandro De Aza and Steve Pearce opened the first inning with...

Minor League Baseball issued a press release today detailing pace of play rules coming to Double-A and Triple-A games this season. One big difference I see between earlier rules announced in MLB is that offenders in the majors are subject to fines while offenders in the minors can have a ball or strike issued against them. Here is the release: Minor League Baseball today announced rules and procedures aimed at improving the pace of play in games at the Triple-A and Double-A levels. The...

BRADENTON, Fla. - Orioles outfielder David Lough was scratched from today's lineup due to back spasms. He's listed as day-to-day. Lough was supposed to start in center field against the Pirates. He was hitting off a tee this morning in Sarasota, bent down for a ball and felt his back tighten. Lough is 5-for-27 as he attempts to make the club as an extra outfielder. He missed a few days earlier this spring with a sore left hamstring. "He's fighting for a spot," said manager Buck Showalter....

BRADENTON, Fla. - The Orioles brought four catchers to McKechnie Field today, including Ryan Lavarnway, who's starting behind the plate. Lavarnway's chances of making the club improved with news that Matt Wieters would begin the season on the disabled list. He could back up Caleb Joseph, who figures to make most of the starts due to his plus defensive skills. "I've been happy with my camp so far," Lavarnway said. "I think as far as where I stand, that's a better question for Buck...

BRADENTON, Fla. - David Lough has been scratched from today's lineup. The Orioles haven't provided an explanation, but one is coming. Everth Cabrera moves from second base to center field. Ryan Flaherty is starting at second. Lough was sidelined for a few days with a sore hamstring. Perhaps it flared up again. We'll find out. For the Orioles Alejandro De Aza LF Steve Pearce RF Jimmy Paredes 3B Delmon Young DH Chris Davis 1B Ryan Lavarnway C Everth Cabrera CF Ryan Flaherty 2B Paul Janish...

JUPITER, Fla. - In the last four seasons, the Miami Marlins have finished with 90, 93, 100 and 85 losses. Now, after a 15-win improvement last season, they're taking aim at challenging the Nationals in the National League East. "Absolutely, we think we have a chance to win the division,'' Marlins closer Steve Cishek said. "This team is playing unselfish baseball. It's a new attitude. The players are buying into it. This team is together. We have a chip on our shoulder. We're ready to...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Catcher Matt Wieters, headed to the disabled list while continuing his recovery from elbow surgery, is unsure whether he'll be in Baltimore for opening day or stay back in Sarasota. Wieters caught only one Grapefruit League game, on March 17, before developing tendinitis in his elbow. "The latest is we're still letting it rest," he said this morning. "We're seeing improvement and it's getting better and feeling better, but at the same time, getting into the mindset where...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Ryan Lavarnway is behind the plate today for the Orioles and Paul Janish is getting another start at shortstop in a 1:05 p.m. game against the Pirates in Bradenton. First baseman Chris Davis also is making the trip. Zach Britton, Wesley Wright, Brad Brach and Logan Verrett are in the bullpen behind starter Ubaldo Jimenez. The bench includes Steve Clevenger, Chris Parmelee, Ryan Flaherty, Dariel Alvarez, Caleb Joseph, Jayson Nix, Nolan Reimold, Julio Borbon, Ozzie Martinez and...