Putting the "Guts" in Guthrie (updated)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 01, 2011, 4:46pm

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Don't ask about the missing "s." Jeremy Guthrie said he was ready for the regular season after allowing four runs and 12 hits in five innings against the Blue Jays in Dunedin. You could be forgiven for doubting him. Now you owe him an apology. Guthrie has held the Rays to two hits over six innings - a double by Dan Johnson in the second and a single by Ben Zobrist in the sixth. Guthrie hasn't walked a batter and he's struck out six. He's thrown 71 pitches, 52 for strikes. In his final exhibition start in Dunedin, he walked a batter, hit one and threw a wild pitch. Guthrie struck out John Jaso tonight by freezing him with a 72 mph curveball. His fastball has climbed to 95 mph. It's been an impressive start, and it comes at an opportune time following today's unfortunate news about Brian Matusz. Instant update: Guthrie didn't allow a ball out of the infield in the seventh. J.J. Hardy made a sensational play by ranging up the middle for Manny Ramirez's bouncer, spinning and firing to first for the out. David Price is done after seven innings. He allowed four runs and five hits, walked one and struck out seven. He fanned Adam Jones and Luke Scott twice.