FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Eli Whiteside's two-run single capped a four-run eighth inning Friday and propelled the Baltimore Orioles to a 7-6 victory over the Florida Marlins.
Before the game, the Orioles had a moment of silence for Steve Bechler, the pitching prospect who collapsed from heatstroke in a Feb. 16 spring training workout and died the next day.
During the game, the Orioles confirmed that righthander Scott Erickson will undergo shoulder surgery and miss most of the season.
Melvin Mora had three singles and scored a run and Brian Roberts singled, doubled and scored for the Orioles.
Bill Pulsipher struck out two while recording four outs in relief and Michael Garcia tossed a perfect ninth for the save.
Chad Allen homered and drove in two runs and Abraham Nunez had a pair of RBI for the Marlins.
Rick Croushore yielded one run, a hit and a walk while retiring one batter to take the loss.
