FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Johnny Monell hit a three-run homer to key a five-run third inning, leading the Baltimore Orioles to an 11-5 win over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night.
Monell, a 27-year-old journeyman catcher purchased from the San Francisco Giants this offseason, connected on a fastball from Twins setup man Jared Burton.
The Orioles also stole third base twice in the same inning off Burton, making his second appearance of the spring.
Baltimore scored five more runs in the sixth, when second-base prospect Jorge Polanco made a throwing error that led to four unearned runs off Twins left-hander Scott Diamond.
NOTES: Right-hander Mike Pelfrey was surprised to learn he threw strikes on 66 percent of his 47 pitches in 2 1-3 innings. "Really?" he said. "Well, there weren't enough quality strikes in there. I was all over the place." Pelfrey took hard drive by Ryan Flaherty off the side of his right leg but stayed with the play to get the out. Pelfrey was disappointed with his "slow reactions" on that and one other ball hit back through the box. . . . Shortstop Pedro Florimon (appendectomy) took grounders with the rest of the infielders and made light throws back to home plate. He is adding a little more to his work schedule each day. . Right-hander Matt Guerrier, coming off flexor-tendon surgery in August, threw batting practice for the first time on Tuesday. He is expected to face hitters again Friday before targeting a debut March 11 at Tampa Bay.
