METS (ss) 4, ORIOLES 1
at Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Saturday, March 8

Mets at the plate: Youngsters Fernando Martinez and Richard Lucas both had two hits for the road team. Catcher Raul Castro drove in the Mets' first run with a sacrifice fly. Marlon Anderson, one of the most experienced players in the lineup, walked once and struck out twice. Young shortstop Reuben Tejada hit a single in the ninth inning, walked once and was picked off.

Orioles at the plate: Brian Roberts and Melvin Mora got the game going for the Orioles with a pair of singles, and Kevin Millar drove in Baltimore's first run with a sacrifice fly. Mora and Millar both got hits later in the game. Mike Costanzo struck out twice and grounded into a double play. Adam Jones returned from a back injury to get one hit in two at-bats.

Mets on the mound: Lefty prospect Jonathon Niese worked two innings, giving up three hits and one earned run, and Jorge Sosa took the ball to pitch three scoreless innings. Willie Collazo and Nate Field both pitched effectively in relief.

Orioles on the mound: Brian Burres worked into the third inning on Saturday, allowing five hits and striking out two batters. The southpaw balked in one run, and veterans Rocky Cherry and George Sherrill both pitched well in relief. Matt Albers, who may challenge Burres for the fifth starter's job, worked two scoreless innings in relief.

Grapefruit League records: Mets 7-4, Orioles 5-4-1.

Up next: The Orioles will play the Marlins on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. ET, and Adam Loewen will be pitted against Florida's Ricky Nolasco.

The Mets will play against the Astros at 1:10 p.m. ET, and John Maine will take the ball for them.