BRADENTON, Fla. —
Trying to earn a job in the Baltimore Orioles’ rotation, Jake Arrieta struck out five over four scoreless innings and allowed two hits Monday in a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Arrieta, the Orioles’ opening-day starter last year, became the first Baltimore pitcher to throw four innings this spring training.
“We didn’t really talk about it much but I assumed that I’d go four, depending upon where my pitch count was at that point in time,” he said. “As far as what’s in the tank, I feel like I could go six or seven innings right now. And that’s a good feeling to have, to know, when there’s that much left in the tank when you haven’t thrown four innings yet. So, everything is good. Mentally, right where I need to be, and I’ll be ready to go next time.”
Left-hander Zach Britton, another of the candidates, allowed one run in two innings of relief, giving up an RBI double to Josh Harrison in the seventh.
Pirates left-hander Jeff Locke, also competing for a rotation job, gave up two runs and eight hits in 3 1⁄3 innings. The 25-year-old pitched from the stretch most of the day. He threw his two-seam fastball to both sides of the plate, saw progress in his curveball and said his changeup was as good as it’s been this year.
“I think I just have to keep attacking guys at this point,” Locke said. “When the time comes to bring the team north they’re going to bring the best players that are going to give the team the chance to win every night. Obviously, that’s something you want to be a part of, but I have to just keep going out and be myself and do the things I do well.”
Locke was relieved by 26-year-old right-hander Phil Irwin, who could win up in the rotation or the bullpen. He gave up one run and three hits in 3 2⁄3 innings with seven strikeouts.
Baltimore’s L.J. Hoes hit a two-out, RBI single in the second and Lew Ford homered in the third.
Brad Hawpe, who played for Pirates manager Clint Hurdle in Colorado and is in camp as a non-roster invitee, homered in the eighth against Daniel Schlereth. The Pirates’ Neil Walker, who was 2-for-16 coming into the game, doubled in the first inning off Arrieta.
Notes: The results of an MRI on Orioles RF Nick Markakis’ neck were not expected until today. ... Baltimore optioned OF Xavier Avery, LHP Mike Belfiore and RHP Zach Clark to Triple-A Norfolk. ... RHP Chris Tillman says his abdominal soreness is better, a day after being scratched from his scheduled start. ... RHP Luis Ayala pitched a scoreless fifth, his first exhibition game appearance. ... LHP Wei-Yin Chen’s next appearance will come in a minor league game because Orioles manager Buck Showalter doesn’t want him facing AL East opponents during the rest of spring training. ... Pittsburgh RHP Charlie Morton threw his first batting practice after undergoing elbow ligament-replacement surgery in June. He threw 12 pitches to two batters. ... RHP Jeff Karstens (biceps) threw a bullpen session and is to pitch two innings in a game Wednesday. ... Pittsburgh went without a DH for the first time this year, opting to bat Locke ninth.
Pro
Arrieta pitches well, but Bucs beat Baltimore
- Pro
-
-
Pens seize 3-1 series lead over Senators
Sidney Crosby was careful not to get too far ahead of himself after helping the Pittsburgh Penguins rout the Ottawa Senators for a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.
-
Liriano dominant in third start with Bucs
Francisco Liriano’s fastball is going where he wants it to. The Pittsburgh Pirates are following suit.
-
Miller improving, but cautious about return
Heath Miller knows his football career isn’t over, just paused. When the injured Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl tight end will be able to hit the “play” button again is anybody’s guess.
-
Senators relish chance to even series with Penguins
After a win in Game 3, the Ottawa Senators are confident they can tie their series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
-
Snider’s grand slam lifts Bucs over Cubs
Travis Snider took a pregame pep talk from his manager to heart. Relaxed and with a clear head, he delivered a crucial sixth-inning home run for the second time in five games.
-
Humbled Steelers ready to forget offseason
Troy Polamalu walked off the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice field on Tuesday with rookie safety Shamarko Thomas hanging on the veteran safety’s every word.
-
Goalie Anderson gives Senators a chance
Craig Anderson has his game back, and just in time to give the Senators a chance.
-
Ottawa rallies to top Pittsburgh
Colin Greening scored 7:39 into double overtime, and the Ottawa Senators rallied for a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins that cut their series deficit to 2-1 on Sunday night.
Daniel Alfredsson got Ottawa even 1-1 by scoring a short-handed goal with 29 seconds left in regulation just after the Senators pulled goalie Craig Anderson for an extra skater. -
Locke grinds through as Pirates blank Astros
Jeff Locke didn’t have his best stuff Sunday. He didn’t need it to shut down the majors’ worst team.
Locke allowed three hits over seven innings, Pedro Alvarez homered and the Pittsburgh Pirates won for the eighth time in 10 games, 1-0 over the Houston.
Locke (4-1) won his fourth straight decision and gave up one run or fewer for the fifth time in his past eight outings. He struck out four and walked three. -
Bengals’ Hawkins visits Windber for charity tourney
Andrew Hawkins never forgets his roots.
- More Pro Headlines
-
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
