Short outing for Hammel (Markakis homers)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 23, 2012, 10:07am

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SARASOTA, Fla. - Jason Hammel stuck around for only two innings today, leaving the game with the score tied, 2-2, and his pitch count at 59. Hammel retired the side in order in the first inning, striking out two, but he allowed two runs and three hits in the second, with two walks and two more strikeouts. He needed 39 pitches to get through the inning, and Brad Bergesen replaced him to start the third. Hammel threw 36 strikes among his 59 pitches. In four outings, Hammel has allowed four runs and 10 hits in 11 2/3 innings, with five walks and 12 strikeouts. He held the Braves to one run over 4 2/3 innings in his last start. Jason Repko singled in one run in the second inning, and another scored on a strikeout/passed ball. Bergesen allowed a single and walked two batters in the third without giving up a run. He was aided by a double play. Update: Nick Markakis hit his first spring homer, a two-run shot to left field in the third that followed Nick Johnson's double. Orioles 4, Red Sox 2. Left fielder Jason Repko almost made a leaping catch, but the ball kept carrying. The wind didn't help Repko's cause.