Kevin Gausman update and notes on rotation and Pedro Alvarez (updated)

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles didn't allow any runs in the first inning today for only the fifth time in 17 spring games.

Kevin Gausman surrendered a two-out single to Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen, but he retired Starling Marte on a line drive to third baseman Manny Machado. He threw 12 pitches, seven for strikes.

Gregory Polanco worked Gausman for 10 pitches leading off the second before flying out. Gausman's fastball hit 95 mph on the stadium gun for the first time this afternoon.

Josh Harrison reached with one out on Machado's fielding error. Cole Figueroa struck out on a 95 mph fastball and Caleb Joseph threw out Harrison trying to steal second base on Gausman's 22nd pitch of the inning.

Gausman is making his second spring start after allowing one hit in two scoreless innings March 5 against the Rays. He struck out three batters.

Closer Zach Britton worked two scoreless innings today in a Single-A game against the Twins. He allowed two hits, struck out two and threw 20 of his 28 pitches for strikes.

Manager Buck Showalter told reporters in Dunedin yesterday that there were more competitors for rotation spots than people understood. He was asked this morning whether the media should be charged with an error for assuming that Yovani Gallardo's signing completed the staff.

"Not a mistake on your part. It's more of just a competition in general," Showalter said.

"A lot of times, people want to break with the right 25 instead of the best 25. We're trying to break with the best 25 and also keep the maneuverability available. But those are only if it's 50-50, you might take someone who allows you to maintain your depth. But it's not our job that the decision at the end of the day is 50-50. It should be 51-49 at some point."

Showalter conceded that the media was "led to think" that the rotation was set as camp opened.

"And rightfully so," he said. "But I think that I look at the word 'competition' differently. On paper? Yeah. But we have options we can go. But you watch a guy like Tyler Wilson and Mike Wright and (Odrisamer) Despaigne and (Vance) Worley throw. Worley's going to get a start over in (Fort Myers) tomorrow. We're trying to win. But also, spring training is a huge fooler. It is.

"You look at some of the guys. Every day I look at box scores and see guys that are one and two starters who can't get their work in. We play in conditions down here that you never play in during the season.

"If you don't reach back for your experience about evaluating people in spring training, boy, it will fool you. There's a lot of negative and positive momentum from one game. You've just got to take a deep breath and sometimes talk everybody off the mountain in that van coming back."

A reporter prefaced a question about the left field competition by again referring back to the rotation. Showalter took it in stride.

"I created this," he said. "I'm wearing it. I'm wearing it."

Asked whether the competition in camp extends to left, Showalter replied, "Oh sure. We like the options here and we'll see where left field is at the end of the day."

Pedro Alvarez tried to bunt against the shift in the first inning and bounced to the mound, making him 2-for-10 with a double and two RBIs since signing with the Orioles.

Never read too much into spring training lineups, but Showalter has Alvarez batting second today.

"You know me, anything's a possibility," Showalter said. "I'm trying to get him more at-bats. That's part of it. It was either him or Chris (Davis) because I want to break up the left a little bit. But I really want to get Pete (Alvarez) as many at-bats as I he can get.

"Sometimes, you're sensitive about when guys play against a team they were with the year before. I was talking to Pete and he said, 'No. Come on, I need the at-bats.' He said, 'I had great things in Pittsburgh. Great place in my life and look forward to seeing them."

Showalter can send his hitters to the minor league complex now that the games have started and get them nine at-bats by leading them off each inning.

Update: Gausman allowed three runs in the fourth inning to break a scoreless tie. Dylan Bundy has replaced him.

Andrew McCutchen hit a long two-run homer after Francisco Cervelli's leadoff walk. A single, double and Cole Figueroa's sacrifice fly increased the Pirates' lead to 3-0.

Gausman allowed three runs and four hits in four innings, walked one and struck out three. He threw 58 pitches, 38 for strikes.

Juan Nicasio struck out 10 Orioles in four innings. Manny Machado has the only hit.