Fox and Markakis tee off in second (updated)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

March 01, 2011, 8:37am

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SARASOTA, Fla. - Jake Fox just unloaded on Andy Sonnanstine, figuring that the Rays' starter is fair game today. Fox, batting ninth today, homered to left-center field on the first pitch thrown to him. Orioles 5, Rays 0. Matt Wieters flied to left before Fox stepped to the plate. Fox is starting at first base today. He's trying to make the club as the backup catcher or second utility infielder. Just as I was going to send this entry, Nick Markakis launched his second home run in two innings. His ball sailed over the right field fence. Orioles 6, Rays 0. Sonnanstine has served up five home runs today, matching the number of batters he's retired as Luke Scott steps to the plate. Scott struck out. Sonnanstine must have found his groove. Jeremy Guthrie retired all six batters he faced, striking out one and not allowing a ball out of the infield. He threw 25 pitches, 19 for strikes. Rick VandenHurk has replaced him. Update: Wieters' RBI double off Rob Delaney in the fourth increased the Orioles' lead to 7-1, and Fox delivered his second RBI with a single to left-center field. J.J. Hardy led off with a single, and he scored on Wieters' double to left-center field