Bucs At .500 With 2-1 Squeaker Over Orioles, Bashlor Optioned

Today's Game:

Mitch Keller, Braedon Ogle, Michael Feliz, Sam Howard, Luis Oviedo, Quinn Priester, Blake Weiman and Nick Mears got today's call. The starting lineup featured just two regulars, Fraze and Jake. Brian Goodwin, Dustin Fowler and Wilmer Difo were all getting last minute looks along with some AAA guys. It was a pitcher's afternoon delight, with the Bucs coming out on top 2-1.

Fraze - 2018 Topps Road To Opening Day

Keller finally put together a respectable three innings - no runs, one hit but still four walks and 72 pitches. It's a forward step productively, but that lack of command has to tighten up. Ogle gave up a run on a walk, double and sac fly in the fourth, then it was zeros - no runs or even hits surrendered by the remaining guys. Feliz, Howard and Mears fanned a pair in their frame; Oviedo settled for one K. Only Priester had problems, with three walks in 2/3 IP, and that ended up no problem when Weiman came on and caught a Bird looking to strand the trio.

Fraze doubled to lead off the game and Troy Stokes singled him home with two gone. A walk to Oneill Cruz, a good bunt by Kells and Fraze's single in the second plated the winning tally. That was the attack today and a reminder that baseball is a pitcher's game.

Notes:

• Fraze had two of the Bucs' six hits, scored the first run and drove in the winning run..
• RHP Tyler Bashlor was optioned by the Bucs after yesterday's game. He didn't have much chance to get into the competition this year as a minor back injury kept him out of action early on when the other guys were establishing themselves. MLB camp is down to 35 players.
• Yep, almost - Opening Day is April 1st at Wrigley and the Home Opener is April 8th, also against the Cubs. 

Tomorrow's Game:

Miguel Yajure, Kyle Crick, Richard Rodriguez, Chasen Shreve and Chris Stratton go against the Twins at Bradenton in the spring's last home tilt. It's a 1:05 game that will be on AT&T SportsNet and KDKA 1020.