11 months ago
Emilio Bonifacio enhanced his chance of making the Florida Marlins roster with a big day at the plate.
Bonifacio had a bases-clearing triple and drove in five runs, leading the Marlins to an 11-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.
"It's good to see (Bonifacio) swinging from both sides," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "I think this guy's going to hit and cause havoc on base. For him to have the spring training he's having, it's always good to have some success."
Acquired from Washington in the trade that sent left-hander Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham to the Nationals, Bonifacio is a second baseman who has had little offensive success in the major leagues and whose position in Florida is blocked by Dan Uggla. So the Marlins have tried him at third base and the outfield in addition to his natural position this spring.
Bonifacio hit his third triple of the spring off Hayden Penn during a five-run second, then singled in two runs off Baltimore closer George Sherrill in a four-run third. Bonifacio's 12 RBIs lead the Marlins.
Penn, one of five pitchers trying to secure the final three spots in the Orioles' rotation, couldn't get out of the third inning in what could be a career-changing outing. Because the former top prospect is out of options, the Orioles need to keep him on their 25-man roster or risk losing him on waivers.
"Not enough first-pitch strikes," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. "He pitched behind. I don't think it was mechanical at all. He just fell behind and didn't throw enough strikes, especially first-pitch strikes."
Penn appeared in command in the first inning, then walked Uggla to lead off the second and start a Florida rally.
Penn, who allowed seven runs on five hits and three walks in 2 2-3 innings, said he felt better than he has all spring. He struck out four.
"The line's bad and I didn't get it done, but I felt pretty good, I really did," said Penn, whose spring ERA rose to 8.78 over 13 1-3 innings.
Florida right-hander Anibel Sanchez increased up his victory despite allowing six runs on 12 hits over five innings.
"It's nothing bad, it's no big deal. ... I just want to throw strikes," said Sanchez. "I probably got two more starts and I want to pitch well and be healthy."
Adam Jones hit a two-run homer for the Orioles. Ross finished with three hits for Florida.
Notes: Orioles 2B Brian Roberts was scratched from the starting lineup and sent home with an upper respiratory infection. He's been fighting persistent symptoms since arriving in Los Angeles with Team USA for the World Baseball Classic semifinals. Trembley said he expects Roberts to play Friday against the Marlins in Jupiter, Fla. ... The Orioles reassigned RHP Ross Wolf to their minor league facility in Sarasota, Fla., leaving 39 players in their major league camp. ... Sherrill was hit hard, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk while getting one out. Sherrill, handed the closer's job at the beginning of camp, now has a 6.75 ERA in six outings covering 5 1-3 innings. "It's usually bad until the last couple of days when mechanics work themselves out. I'll get there. I'm not worried about it," Sherrill said.
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