Saturday afternoon’s split-squad game in Port Charlotte, FL was won by the Baltimore Orioles 6-4 over the Tampa Bay Rays. Baltimore’s lineup seemed to be comprised of players who are either on the bubble to make the MLB roster or are certain to play in the minors in 2024.
Kolten Wong (1 for 3, HR, 2 R, RBI), who exercised his opt-out on Friday, led off the game with a wind-aided homerun to right field.
Colton Cowser (1 for 4, HR, R, 2 RBI) hit a two run homerun in the fifth inning and is now slashing .318/ .434/ .750/ 1.184 with 6 homeruns on the Spring campaign.
A seventh inning RBI single by Frederick Bencosme (1 for 2, RBI) and a two RBI single by Maverick Handley (1 for 2, 2 RBI) in the eighth stretched the Orioles lead to 6-0.
Keeping the Rays in check was starter and winning pitcher Julio Teheran (1-1) who limited Tampa Bay to just 1 hit over 4.0 innings while walking 2, striking out 3 and hitting a batter. Teheran retired the side in order in the fourth inning.
** Post game UPDATE:
Chayce McDermott relieved Teheran and gave up a run to the Rays on a Randy Arozarena homer in the eighth inning and exited after allowing back to back singles to open the ninth. He finished with a line of 4.0 IP, 3 R, 6 H (HR), BB, 5 K.
Nolan Hoffman finished out the game, allowing 1 run on 1 hit in 1.0 inning and 2 inherited runners to score.
Coby Mayo went 3 for 4 with a run scored, Connor Norby went 1 for 3 with a double, a run scored and a stolen base and Billy Cook went 2 for 2 with a double and a run scored.
