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Baltimore could have used the momentum of a series-opening win.
Opening a crucial three-game set against the Atlanta Braves on Friday, the Baltimore Orioles knew that leaving the series opener with a win would put them in an ideal spot, especially in a crucial time of the season.
Heading into extra innings knotted at three runs apiece, Atlanta put themselves in a position to make noise with runners on the corners and no out. Reliever Andrew Kittredge had his work cut out for him in a big spot.
On a groundball hit to second by Jim Jarvis, Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday fielded the grounder and aired the ball way over the shortstop’s head when trying to get a fielder’s choice, scoring a Braves run and an outpouring of runs.
The Braves would go on to add a total of four runs in the top of the inning, just before the Orioles showed some last-minute fight with a three-run rally in the bottom of the inning, though ultimately fell short in a chaotic 7-6 loss at home.
Baltimore was set up for success by starter Trevor Rogers, who dealt against a top lineup with much poise. The southpaw tossed just 88 pitches over seven innings of work, allowing two runs and striking out six batters.
Rogers’ start was among the most dominant the league has seen this season. He garnered 18 whiffs, his most in a game since the 2022 season, and accumulated an 81.8% strike rate, the highest tally of any pitcher in a game this season with 50 pitches or more.
All in all, Rogers has continued to provide the Orioles what they need from a frontline starting pitcher over the past couple months, owning a 1.80 ERA since June 4th. But those kinds of starts should be complimented with a team win.
Right now, the Orioles need to be in the win column more than ever. With now eight games to go until the trade deadline, Baltimore owns a record of 50-54 and remains in reach of a Wild Card spot.
Baltimore manufactured their runs that led to extra innings, but a loud 10th inning, despite the loss, had its encouraging signs. Christian Encarnacion-Strand launched a two-run shot to cut the lead to one, which was his third homer already with the team.
Encarnacion-Strand was selected shortly after Blaze Alexander went down with an injury, and he has taken full advantage of the opportunity. In his first five games, he is hitting .400 with a 1.329 OPS, recording eight RBI’s as well.
Reinforcements will be needed for the Orioles, who suddenly looked more depleted than they did in their recent win streak of seven games. In the fifth inning, Chadwick Tromp recorded the team’s first hit by a catcher since Adley Rutschman on Friday, who is now injured alongside Samuel Basallo.
With the trade deadline coming closer, the time is now for Baltimore to win and remain afloat as contenders.
Continue reading...
Opening a crucial three-game set against the Atlanta Braves on Friday, the Baltimore Orioles knew that leaving the series opener with a win would put them in an ideal spot, especially in a crucial time of the season.
Heading into extra innings knotted at three runs apiece, Atlanta put themselves in a position to make noise with runners on the corners and no out. Reliever Andrew Kittredge had his work cut out for him in a big spot.
On a groundball hit to second by Jim Jarvis, Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday fielded the grounder and aired the ball way over the shortstop’s head when trying to get a fielder’s choice, scoring a Braves run and an outpouring of runs.
The Braves would go on to add a total of four runs in the top of the inning, just before the Orioles showed some last-minute fight with a three-run rally in the bottom of the inning, though ultimately fell short in a chaotic 7-6 loss at home.
Baltimore was set up for success by starter Trevor Rogers, who dealt against a top lineup with much poise. The southpaw tossed just 88 pitches over seven innings of work, allowing two runs and striking out six batters.
Rogers’ start was among the most dominant the league has seen this season. He garnered 18 whiffs, his most in a game since the 2022 season, and accumulated an 81.8% strike rate, the highest tally of any pitcher in a game this season with 50 pitches or more.
All in all, Rogers has continued to provide the Orioles what they need from a frontline starting pitcher over the past couple months, owning a 1.80 ERA since June 4th. But those kinds of starts should be complimented with a team win.
Right now, the Orioles need to be in the win column more than ever. With now eight games to go until the trade deadline, Baltimore owns a record of 50-54 and remains in reach of a Wild Card spot.
Baltimore manufactured their runs that led to extra innings, but a loud 10th inning, despite the loss, had its encouraging signs. Christian Encarnacion-Strand launched a two-run shot to cut the lead to one, which was his third homer already with the team.
Encarnacion-Strand was selected shortly after Blaze Alexander went down with an injury, and he has taken full advantage of the opportunity. In his first five games, he is hitting .400 with a 1.329 OPS, recording eight RBI’s as well.
Reinforcements will be needed for the Orioles, who suddenly looked more depleted than they did in their recent win streak of seven games. In the fifth inning, Chadwick Tromp recorded the team’s first hit by a catcher since Adley Rutschman on Friday, who is now injured alongside Samuel Basallo.
With the trade deadline coming closer, the time is now for Baltimore to win and remain afloat as contenders.
Continue reading...
