LOEWEN'S WILD RIDE

In his first game action since undergoing elbow surgery in June, Orioles starter Adam Loewen couldn't find home plate and left in the second inning after 39 pitches. He walked the bases loaded with no outs in the second and was replaced by Craig Anderson, who promptly allowed a two-run single to Brett Carroll that gave Florida a 3-1 lead. Loewen didn't surrender a hit, but he walked four and struck out two. Ten of his last 11 pitches were balls.

NO RELIEF

Loewen wasn't the only Orioles pitcher who took a beating. Jamie Walker allowed five runs, all with two outs, in the fourth inning. Lance Cormier surrendered three runs in the sixth. And just when the Marlins appeared to tire themselves out, Alejandro De Aza hit a grand slam off Esteban Yan in the ninth to complete the scoring. Chad Bradford gave up one run in the third, which didn't seem so bad.

SHORT DAY

The Orioles dug into the Marlins' bullpen a little earlier than expected. Sergio Mitre left after three batters with a sore elbow. He walked Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis, and Melvin Mora reached on an error. Daniel Barone replaced Mitre and retired the next three batters without another run scoring, leaving the teams tied, 1-1.

ON DECK

The Orioles make their first road trip of spring training, heading up Interstate 95 to play the Marlins in Jupiter, Fla. Steve Trachsel makes his first appearance for the club since signing a minor league contract earlier this month. Dennis Sarfate, Greg Aquino, Randor Bierd, Jim Johnson, Jim Hoey and Ryan Bukvich are scheduled to follow him. Left-hander Mark Hendrickson starts for the Marlins.

ROCH KUBATKO