Downpour cancels O's game vs. Sox after two innings

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Monday's game between the Red Sox and Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium was called after the second inning due to inclement weather.

The game started more than an hour after the scheduled 1:05 p.m. ET first pitch, but the steady downpour that soaked Florida's Gulf Coast all morning Monday picked up again in the bottom of the first inning and didn't let up. Finally, after the rain picked up even more, umpires called the game.

Baltimore started Brian Matusz, and he allowed only one hit and a walk in two innings. After the game was called, Matusz headed to a covered batting cage and continued pitching.

"The weather is part of the game of baseball," Matusz said. "Fortunately, we found a window in the game to be able to get that in. And with the rain, being able to finish down in the cage and get the pitch count up to 70, so still being able to make that progression. Obviously it's not game scenario, but with [pitching coach Dave Wallace] and Scotty [McGregor] down there, we tried to make it as much like a game scenario as possible."

Steve Lombardozzi, acquired in a trade with the Tigers on Monday morning, was in the Orioles' dugout wearing No. 36.

Red Sox reliever Drake Britton, meanwhile, allowed three hits in two innings of work.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said prior to the game that Baltimore's pitching staff needed the work, which is why they wanted to get the game in so badly.

"They know we've got to get the pitching in," Showalter said. "We're here. Might as well play."

Fans who purchased tickets for Monday's game can exchange them for tickets to Thursday's game, the Orioles' only remaining home game, or request a refund.

Up next: The Orioles will head south on Interstate 75 on Tuesday to face the Twins at Hammond Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET, and the game will air on MLB.TV. Right-hander Bud Norris, who allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five Pirates hitters in five innings his last time out, is listed as Tuesday's starter.