Norris, Orioles get past the Pirates
BRADENTON, Fla. – Baltimore starter Bud Norris gave up a solo homer to Andrew McCutchen, then settled in and helped the Orioles beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-2, Thursday night.
McCutchen homered to right field in the first inning. The reigning NL MVP has reached base in all 10 of his games this spring and is batting .556 (15-for-27) with three walks.
In five innings, Norris gave up two hits, walked two and struck out five. The right-hander retired five of the final six batters he faced.
Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano left in the sixth inning with tightness in his left groin. Liriano limped slightly as he walked to the clubhouse. He gave up four hits in 5 2-3 innings, walked one and struck out four.
Nelson Cruz drove in the Orioles’ first run with an RBI double to center field.