Wrapping up a 5-4 win

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Stefan Crichton picked up his fourth spring save today, as the Orioles defeated the Braves 5-4.

Outfielder Austin Hays, a third-round pick last year, recorded the game-winning RBI with an infield hit in the ninth inning that scored Adrian Marin. The ball ricocheted off first base.

Marin tagged and took third base on Cedric Mullins' fly ball to shallow right field, setting up his dash home.

Manager Buck Showalter isn't ready to pronounce Wade Miley ready for opening day or to slot him in the rotation. It's still too early.

Miley allowed one run and threw 64 pitches in four innings.

"We'll see how he feels tomorrow," Showalter said. "He felt good. He was politicking for another inning, so that's good to see. Tough day to pitch physically. That's our hottest day of the spring.

"I'm not going to commit until I see how he feels the next couple days, see how the work day goes, but today was a step in the right direction to make one of the five starts for us."

Showalter was checking up on new pitcher Alec Asher on his ride today to Lake Buena Vista. The Orioles acquired the right-hander from the Phillies for a player to be named later or cash, the deal becoming official after they reviewed his medicals.

"Good young arm with options," Showalter said. "Actually pitched against us this (spring). I was looking at that outing on the way over here to refresh myself. I think the plan is he's going to come to camp with us so we can work him into an outing.

"Another good arm that's maneuverable for us. He's got some challenges that he's gotten behind him."

Craig Gentry can't possibly do any more to convince the Orioles that he belongs on the 25-man roster. He walked twice, doubled and stole two bases and is batting .333. He also continues to impress in the outfield.

Gentry has seven stolen bases, one fewer than Rule 5 pick Aneury Tavárez. Joey Rickard led the club last year with four and he didn't play after July 20.

"He does something every day to impact the game and win a ballgame," Showalter said.

"He's a baseball player, a lot like Rickard. He's a trustworthy guy if he's healthy. That's why we brought him in here. He can play all three outfield positons above average, he throws above average and he's hit left-handed pitching.

"He probably would be one of our better baserunners. He really knows how to run the bases. He made some really good decisions today."

Showalter called together a group of players yesterday that included Gentry, Chris Dickerson, Chris Johnson and Robert Andino, "talking about, we've really pushed them with the WBC and everything," he said, "but I don't know what else you can ask of a guy to be noticed and to be considered than what Craig's done."

Showalter wants to make more cuts, but it may not be possible with the long drive back to Sarasota.

"Believe me, I'm ready, if I've got to go to their house," he said, "but you've got to have some cooperation."