Brian Matusz Shines on Saturday & Chris Davis

This afternoon, the Orioles defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, Fla, 1-0.

Once again, the pitching came through strong for Baltimore as they shut out a Philadelphia team with several of their everyday players in the lineup.

Brian Matusz was stellar on Saturday, throwing four shutout innings. Obviously, one cannot take a lot from a Spring Training start – especially in the second week; however, consider the hellish year that Matusz had in 2011, his outing raised eyebrows in a good way. He struck out four, allowed three hits and walked none.

Matusz is not a lock to make the 25-man roster right now, but his strong showing on Saturday undoubtedly improves his stock. I still believe unless Matusz becomes Bob Gibson re-incarnated, he may probably start the season off in Norfolk (Triple-A), and go from there.
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As well, pitcher Alfredo Simon – whose role on the Orioles might be in question the closer Opening Day approaches – hurled three scoreless innings. Luis Villarreal and Miguel Socolovich – who got the save – each tossed a scoreless frame.

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