Philly’s Moyer sharp in spring debut

Posted Mar 22, 2010 by TBO.com

Updated Mar 22, 2010 at 11:05 AM

CLEARWATER — Jamie Moyer pitched five sharp innings in his spring debut, but the Philadelphia Phillies fell to the Baltimore Orioles 5-4 Sunday.

Before rallying for three runs in the bottom of the ninth, keyed by Greg Dobbs’ two-run homer, the Phillies had scored one run in 26 innings following back to back shutouts.

Moyer, who is in competition with right-hander Kyle Kendrick for the fifth spot in the rotation, held Baltimore to one run and five hits. Moyer, the oldest player in baseball at 47, struck out six and walked none.

Twins 12, Rays 3

FORT MYERS — Minnesota tagged Tampa Bay starter Wade Davis for five runs in the first inning. Davis, trying to earn a spot in Tampa Bay’s starting rotation, gave up seven runs — five earned — in two innings. He walked one and struck out one.

Scott Baker, already named the Twins’ Opening Day starter, struck out three, walked one and gave up one hit in five innings.

Before agreeing to a $184 million, eight-year contract extension, Joe Mauer went 2 for 4 with a run scored, boosting his spring training batting average to .470.

Astros (ss) 10, Red Sox (ss) 7, 8 innings

FORT MYERS — Jon Lester struck out seven over 5 1-3 innings. Lester gave up three runs on five hits and did not walk a batter in his fourth start of the spring. Closer Jonathan Papelbon, who had not given up a run this spring in six innings, allowed six runs — five earned — in 1-3 inning on six hits and a walk.

Papelbon said he has been dealing with the effects of a migraine.

Astros starter Bud Norris went 1 2-3 innings, giving up five runs on five hits and two walks with two strikeouts.

Nationals 9, Marlins 7

JUPITER — Josh Johnson allowed two runs and three hits in 4 1-3 innings. Johnson struck out four but he also walked two and gave up two extra-base hits, including a double to Chris Duncan after allowing a two-out walk to Ian Desmond in the first inning.

Johnson, who signed a four-year, $39 million contract over the winter, threw 80 pitches.