Álvarez at the plate and in field highlights B game win (updated)

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles won their B game over the Pirates this morning on the Camden Yards replica field if anyone was keeping actual score. It lasted seven innings, players were pulled off the field or told to stay depending on the situation. Much like an intrasquad game, except the opponent didn't dress in the same clubhouse.

Pedro Álvarez hit a home run to center field off Trevor Williams in his first plate appearance, doubled twice and struck out, the ball exploding off his bat. But he wasn't real busy in right field.

The only ball hit near Álvarez that didn't go foul resulted in a single into the gap in the sixth inning. He dived for the liner, played in on one hop and prevented an extra-base hit.

"It's one of those things where if you think about ... I was talking to somebody about how I don't know how guys dive out there," he said. "It was during batting practice And then, lo and behold, it was one of those things where you just let the game kick in, instincts kick in and they just happen. So, obviously, that's a testament to that. It's always nice to be diving around on the field."

It would have been nice to be challenged by a fly ball, but circumstances didn't allow it.

"I mean, you always want to get some action when you're out there," he said. "But I was ready for it and I'll be ready for it every pitch when I'm out there."

The vantage point on right is "different," Álvarez said, "but I've been going out there as much as possible to get a comfortable look and a comfortable feel and I felt pretty good.

"I'm happy with where I'm at. Obviously, when it's games it's a little different, but I'm glad I was able to feel comfortable and I know I'm only going to feel more and more comfortable with each rep that I get."

Álvarez made sure to keep moving toward the line to back up first base as Williams squared to bunt. One of the little things that can become a big deal if neglected.

"I think that when you play the game at this level, it doesn't matter where you're at, we all know kind of what everybody has to do," he said. "There might be one or two plays here that kind of happen once in a blue that might catch you off guard and you learn on the fly, but for the most part you put any of us out there and we'll know what to do. And when in doubt, just follow the ball."

Álvarez kept crushing it this morning, the exception being his one strikeout.

"I was fortunate enough to put some good swings on some balls," he said. "I tried my best, as best as possible, to stay sharp while I was home. Obviously, nothing is like seeing a pitcher, but I'm just happy with where I'm at right now and just planning on continuing to get more comfortable and hopefully put some more good swings (together)."

Álvarez will be in Tampa for Saturday's game against the Yankees. He's going to play right field or serve as the designated hitter, depending on whether Mark Trumbo makes the trip.

"Trum was going to contemplate whether he wanted to go over there tomorrow," said manager Buck Showalter.

Mike Wright allowed two runs (one earned) in four innings. Darren O'Day pitched two scoreless innings, the significance being a second "up."

"Mike was good," Showalter said. "A little adjustment he and Roger (McDowell) made, he carried it out in the game. And Darren got his two-inning stint under his belt."

Trumbo, Chris Davis and J.J. Hardy batted just about every inning and later took batting practice. They got in their swings.

Davis lined a double to right field, walked twice and broke the tie with a sacrifice fly to score Álvarez. Hardy and Trumbo were hitless, though the latter drew a walk.

"It's a real tribute to them," Showalter said. "It wasn't like pulling teeth. They wanted to get some at-bats, so I'm real proud of them. You don't see many guys willing to do that, actually kind of be their idea."

Center fielder Cedric Mullins, a 13th-round pick in 2015 out of Campbell University, hit a ball off the batter's eye in center field to tie the score. He had 37 doubles, 10 triples and 14 home runs last summer in 124 games at Single-A Delmarva, his 5 foot 8 frame not lacking for power.

Showalter stuck around long enough to watch Keegan Akin throw a handful of pitches in the seventh inning before heading to Bradenton. Akin didn't allow a run and players stayed on the field while Tanner Scott pitched to one batter and induced a popup.

Austin Wynns threw out a runner attempting to steal. He has a nice arm and the Orioles really like his work behind the plate.

Álvarez in right field was bound to attract the most interest this morning.

"He handled that in-between ball all right," Showalter said. "Really, you're better off to keep coming because if you step back, you take that short hop, something Kirb (Wayne) was talking to (Trey) Mancini about. Once you start going and commit, you've got to keep going or you've got a chance to get the short hop.

"He was good. Really good at the plate. So much for spring training."

Showalter said the Orioles are "taking in" the results of outfielder Anthony Santander's MRI arthrogram on his right elbow. The Rule 5 pick will remain shut down for at least a few more days before the club determines whether he can play in the outfield.

Update: The Orioles have Wright allowing an unearned run and one hit in four innings, with two walks and two strikeouts. He threw 63 pitches, 42 foer strikes.

O'Day threw 31 pitches, 22 strikes. He allowed one hit and struck out a batter.