The Baltimore Orioles cruised to a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark on Wednesday in spring training action. Jeremiah Jackson paced the offense, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. On the mound, Albert Suárez turned in a solid outing, working 4.0 innings of 1-run ball with five strikeouts. The Orioles finished with 7 hits on the day while holding the Jays to 5. It was an encouraging performance for the Orioles as they continue sharpening the roster for the regular season. Games like these serve as a valuable measuring stick for where the team stands heading into the campaign.
Key Performers
Jeremiah Jackson was the standout at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. The long ball provided a major boost to the offensive attack. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Orioles offense.
Ryan Mountcastle added to the attack, going 2-for-4 with an RBI, Blaze Alexander provided support, going 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Adley Rutschman also contributed, going 2-for-4 with a double. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.
On the other side of the diamond, Addison Barger led the Jays offense with a 1-for-2 with a home run and an RBI day. George Springer also contributed, going 1-for-2 with a double. Myles Straw added a 1-for-2 effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Orioles pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Albert Suárez earned the win after pitching effectively, working 4.0 innings while allowing 1 earned run on 3 hits with five strikeouts. He threw 75 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.
The bullpen combined for 5.0 innings of work, allowing 1 earned run while striking out five. The relief corps did its job in protecting the lead after the starter departed. Managing the bullpen workload is a key priority during the spring, and every outing helps the coaching staff gauge who is ready for high-leverage situations. Alex Pham recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Dietrich Enns stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. The outing gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season.
How It Happened
The Orioles struck first, plating two runs in the first inning. Jays responded with a run in the second. The Orioles countered with a run in the fourth. Jays struck back with a run in the seventh. The Orioles out-hit Jays 7-5 on the day, with both teams playing clean defense. A crowd of 7,269 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was a productive day for the Orioles, who continue to put the pieces in place ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff will take the positives from this outing and use the remaining spring games to finalize the roster. Days like this one suggest the Orioles are heading in the right direction as Opening Day draws closer.