Pearce having a Game 1 to remember (Markakis homers, O's win 5-1)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter refers to Steve Pearce as a "professional hitter," a guy who can sit for long stretches without complaint and still make solid contact at the plate. Pearce is providing a nice little demonstration today in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Pirates. Pearce was 1-for-7 before the Orioles designated him for assignment last week. He's 3-for-3 today with two run-scoring singles. The Orioles lead 4-1 after Pearce's second RBI hit with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning. It came after Steve Clevenger reached on an error and J.J. Hardy singled. Pearce was a career .217 hitter against right-handers before today, compared to .266 versus lefties. All three hits today came against Pirates right-hander Charlie Morton. Pearce's last three-hit game came against the Rays on June 9, 2013 at Tropicana Field. The last two hitters in the lineup have driven in all four runs for the Orioles. Ryan Webb retired all three batters he faced before left-hander Zach Britton replaced him. Britton hit Andrew McCutchen with one out in the seventh - the third Pirate hit today. Starter Bud Norris also came close to Tony Sanchez, the umpires overturning their call after manager Buck Showalter issued a challenge. Second baseman Jemile Weeks came out of the game after grounding out to end the sixth. Jonathan Schoop has replaced him. Not sure if that's a defensive move or if Weeks is hurt. Will check after Game 1. Also, continue to speculate over the pending roster move. Left-hander Troy Patton will be activated before Game 2. Update: Nick Markakis hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot to right-center field in the seventh inning after Nelson Cruz was thrown out trying to steal. Orioles 5, Pirates 1. Darren O'Day has replaced Zach Britton with one out in the eighth. Showalter not shy about using his bullpen in the first game of a doubleheader. Update II: Left-hander Brian Matusz got the first two outs in the ninth inning, Tommy Hunter stranded two runners and the Orioles won Game 1, 5-1, at Camden Yards. Hunter recorded his seventh save by getting a called third strike on Gaby Sanchez. The Orioles scored more than three runs at home for only the second time in 12 games. The Orioles are 1-7 when committing an error. O'Day's pickoff throw at second base skipped into center field in the eighth inning. Also, the Orioles are 1-6 at home when their opponent scores first.