Wrapping up a 7-6 victory

SARASOTA, Fla. - David Washington hit his second exhibition home run today, a wind-blown two-run shot to center field that gave the Orioles a 7-6 walk-off victory over the Pirates at Ed Smith Stadium.

Craig Gentry singled with one out in the ninth before Washington came to the plate.

"He's put some good swings on balls the last week," said manager Buck Showalter. "He's hit some balls hard. He's a really good young man to be around, too. He works hard. He's been a pleasure to have in camp. He's well-thought of by coaches. He works hard.

"I think it's his first big league camp and he's making good use of his time with impressions. A big, strong young guy."

Oliver Drake gets credited with the win despite allowing the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth on Alen Hanson's RBI double. Drake has surrendered seven runs and nine hits over five innings this spring and he's out of minor league options.

Mike Wright didn't make it through the third inning and allowed three runs and six hits.

"Still like to see him manage the damage a little bit, but the breaks weren't kind to him," Showalter said. "I think he had another two broken-bat singles. He probably deserved a little better line. Still like to see him manage the things that the game creates and his pitch count."

Rule 5 pick Anthony Santander had 10 strikeouts in 20 at-bats before hitting his first home run today, a two-run shot that gave the Orioles a 5-4 lead. He crushed the ball to right field.

"I told John (Russell) when he was on-deck, I said, 'You know, he's about due to square one up. It's been a while.' I walked to the end of the dugout and he hit it, and John looked down at me. That's against the wind there, too. Turned the wind around. That's a big blow. With no wind, it would have been nice to see where that one landed."

Caleb Joseph had two hits and a walk and he threw out two runners at second base.

"Caleb's doing well," Showalter said. "He seems to be pretty locked in. Putting a lot of good swings on the ball and catching well."

Showalter said earlier today that he exchanged text messages last night with Adam Jones after the center fielder delivered a walk-off single for Team USA.

"How proud we were of him," Showalter said. "He said it was a special moment. And the reward for that is do it again."

Meanwhile, Pedro Álvarez probably won't take his physical with the Orioles until Monday in Sarasota. He agreed to terms on a minor league deal this morning.

Alvarez's contract includes a later opt-out clause, believed to be in May, which gives the Orioles time to evaluate him as an outfielder. He's going to get lots of work at the position on the back fields.

Trey Mancini has been working in the outfield with vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson and could get into a few games later this spring instead of being confined to first base and designated hitter.

Today's attendance: 7,487, the first sellout of the spring.