Wrapping up a 4-0 loss

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Orioles and Red Sox completed their game tonight in 2 hours and 29 minutes. Everyone wins.

The Orioles actually lost 4-0, but Rule 5 pick Aneury Tavárez went 3-for-3 with a stolen base, Ubaldo Jiménez was much better after the first inning, Chris Lee didn't allow a run in three innings and Brad Brach and Jesus Liranzo retired the side in order in their respective innings.

Lots to like, but also a loss to take back to Sarasota.

Jiménez allowed three runs and threw 31 pitches in the first before finding his way and going three-plus innings.

"Just command," said manager Buck Showalter. "Got the ball where he needed to get it a little bit more. He was good after that. Able to get that fourth up. That was good for him, so kind of ahead of the curve where he's been in the past in the spring.

"He was carrying 91-92. That's a break from the past. He's had a little trouble finding his way to start."

Showalter referred to Lee and Liranzo as "a couple good young arms."

"I'm impressed with both of those guys," he said.

Liranzo's fastball was clocked at 97 mph. He was 98-99 in his last outing. The kid brings the heat, but also composure this spring.

Liranzo, 22, has allowed one hit over five scoreless innings. He's walked four and struck out five.

"Liranzo's walk totals the last few years, we haven't seen that," Showalter said. "He doesn't look like a guy who has walked a lot of people in the past. Maybe it's a sign of things to come."

Lee allowed one hit, walked one and struck out four. He's recovered from the lat injury that ruined his 2016 season and he'll be pushing for a spot on the pitching staff this summer.

"Just been able to pitch in the strike zone," Showalter said. "Not necessarily command, but not many guys can pitch in the strike zone with their fastball. He's got some pretty impressive movement. Late life.

"I'll tell you ... it's been good that Alan (Mills) had him some last year. The changeup and slider are a little better than he's carried in the past, but it's fun to watch. Tempo is very much like Wade Miley. If anything, he's got to slow down a little bit, but he's got a good, fast arm, a lot of sink.

"Roger (McDowell) will talk about, you know, you're not going to find many guys who are going to pitch in the strike zone. It's like Zach (Britton). I'm not trying to throw that together with Zach, but it's a very similar approach. Interesting."

The Orioles selected Tavárez from the Red Sox in the Rule 5 draft. He was slow to get back to his locker after the game, stopping to hug players on the other side as they passed through the same clubhouse entrance. He wore a huge smile on his face. The night meant a lot to him.

"You kind of think about Tavárez coming back here," Showalter said. "I don't know if he ever played in a game over here, but it's probably pretty special for him, to get a chance to come in here. It's cool for him."