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Baltimore Orioles 2026 Season Review: Trust “old school” going forward

The Baltimore Orioles had playoff aspirations in 2026. Opening Day dawned a bright one, and the Birds delivered – a 2-1 win over Minnesota. They took two-of-three that weekend, at least cementing that they would be in the fight until the end.

The Birds held serve through April. But cracks appeared. They had already lost Jordan Westburg for the season. They also lost Ryan Mountcastle – as it turned out, for the season. Not to mention numerous pitchers – both relievers and starters. Injuries plagued this team, as it had in 2025. On top of that, the likes of Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday (who also started the season on the IL), struggled out of the gate. And ended up struggling most of the year.

The story of the 2026 Orioles will forever be complicated. At times they looked outstanding. At times they looked lost. There were certainly bright spots, such as Coby Mayo, Brandon Young, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand. But of course, MVO Pete Alonso belongs in a league of his own.

When the Orioles signed Alonso last off season, I said they added 30 homers and 100 RBI to the lineup. Try 43 homers and 113 RBI. Not to mention, he played a gold glove caliber first base. The one knock on Alonso had been his glove. At least this year, he was as sure-handed as they came.

The Orioles at times infernally bound themselves to Sabre metrics. Maybe that isn’t bad on the surface, but too much of anything is too much. Anytime they came up against someone who was willing to think slightly outside the box, they all but couldn’t function. Teams would bunt guys into scoring position, while the O’s waited to hit home runs.

They became too tied to spin rate on pitches, and hitting the ball hard at bat. As MASN analyst and former Oriole Ben McDonald said, it doesn’t matter how hard you throw ball four. That’s very true. Similarly, it doesn’t matter how hard you hit the ball if it finds a fielder’s mitt.

The over-reliance on analytics perhaps manifested themselves the most in an unsung situation at the end of the season. On September 18th against Milwaukee, manager Craig Alberbaz lifted Colton Cowser, a lefty. He pinch hit Rece Hinds, who in fact was a righty. The computer said the situation called for a righty – which in theory was true at the time. But Hinds was hitting .177 on the year at the time. Go figure, when you lift a the big league hitter for a AA guy, you have a good chance to record an out.

At the end of the day, the O’s were officially eliminated from playoff contention after playing their 159th game. Many will argue that they were well out of it by well before then, but officially they made it that far. So yes, in it until the end.

2026 also saw the O’s trade Adley Rutschman to Boston – within the division. Perhaps also a function of analytics. On paper they got a great deal. But the computer can’t decipher how poor of a decision it is to trade within one’s division. Trading within the division is a huge risk. And one which isn’t worth taking.

Moving forward, the Orioles CAN WIN with the current mix of core players. But the organization needs to re-dedicate itself to perhaps backing off the use of Sabre metrics just a bit. There’s a place for it in the game, but the extreme to which many teams (including the Orioles) take it is too much. Why was the American League so tight in 2026? Could it be because many teams were calling games on autopilot by virtue of Artificial Intelligence? If

everyone is using the same program or the same ideas, it’s the guy who’s using feel for the game as opposed to just letting the computer handle it who’s going to win. In short, matching up (righty/righty, lefty/lefty) IS the correct thing to do in many situations late in games. But not just any righty (or lefty) will do. Would you pinch hit for Babe Ruth if the situation called for a right-handed hitter?

The computer would. Old school is always better. Old school and tradition…that’s all part of The Oriole Way. Learn from the past or be doomed to repeat it. Take it or leave it.

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Baltimore Orioles rained out on the last day

Perhaps it’s fitting that the Baltimore Orioles only played 161 games this year. That and the fact that an outside factor (weather) was the story of the final series. Game two on Saturday was “pre-rained out,” so the teams played a doubleheader on Friday. And yesterday’s game was of course rained out – all of this due to the massive Nor’Easter hitting the east coast.

The O’s did win four more games than they did in 2025. Many people will argue that’s negligible improvement and they’d be correct. But on paper it’s improvement. You have to hang your hat somewhere.

They can also hang their hat on the fact that they only played two meaningless games at the end – both on Friday. They would have played a third yesterday, but again it was rained out. It wasn’t until after game 159 that they were eliminated from playoff contention.

That’s that. The players and coaches will now scatter as they always do at the end of the season. You always say hope springs eternal as you look to next year. But even that is very much in flux given the labor situation. It could be awhile before we can say that.

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Baltimore Orioles win big to begin twin bill

The Baltimore Orioles were eliminated by the ChiSox during the offseason. This in the playoff race. The was commemorated of course by the Birds playing a twin bill due to weather in New York tomorrow – at Yankee Stadium. Trevor Rogers only went four innings in his final start of the season, but was dominant. Rogers’ line: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K.

While the O’s wanted more out of this season, keep in mind that it wasn’t until they had played 159 games that it happened. So there’s that.

Pete Alonso continued his torrid pace, which won him the 2026 MVO award. His two-run homer in the second gave the O’s a 2-0 lead. Two innings later Christian Franklin’s RBI-single with the bases loaded extended the lead to 3-0.

As I said, the bases were loaded. The bases remained loaded. This meaning that the O’s set themselves up for a big inning. And Dylan Beavers delivered – his first big league grand slam later in the inning ballooned the lead to 7-0.

New York would get on the board in their half of the fourth with an RBI-single by Rosario. But the O’s weren’t going to let this one get away. To add insult to injury for New York, Jeremiah Jackson added a solo homer to extend the lead to 8-1 in the sixth. The kicker? It was an inside-the-park homer.

For what it’s worth, that was the second inside-the-park homer the Orioles have hit this year. Also the second one they’ve hit in September. The first of course was a few weeks ago – also in New York (against the Mets).

Pete Alonso came back with another home run, this one a solo shot in the seventh. It was a mammoth shot, normally seen off the bat of a guy named Judge at Yankee Stadium. Gunnar Henderson added an RBI-single in the eighth, and NY would tack one on in the ninth. And the O’s took the first game of the doubleheader, 10-2.

As I said, the teams are playing two today due to tomorrow’s game being “pre-rained out” due to the Nor’Easter on the east coast. So…let’s play two!

The series continues in just a few moments at Yankee Stadium. Brandon Young gets the start for the O’s, and New York is yet to announce a starter. The game will begin momentarily.

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Baltimore Orioles sweep Toronto off the base paths

After the Baltimore Orioles won the first game of a twin bill against Toronto this afternoon, Trey Gibson rightfully went seven innings. The scorecard doesn’t indicate that, but he went almost seven innings. And looked outstanding in the process. Gibson’s line: 6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s two-RBI single in the first inning set the tone and gave the O’s a 2-0 lead. He later scored on Colton Cowser’s RBI-double, extending the lead to 3-0. Encarnacion-Strand would come back in the fourth for an encore, and his solo homer put the O’s in the lead at 4-0.

The start of the night however was Trey Gibson. He picked up where Oriole pitching left off in the first game, and dealt a death blow to Toronto. Again, he rightfully should have pitched at least seven innings. He did make it back into the dugout after what he thought was the third out in the seventh…

…but apparently that doesn’t mean much. Toronto manager John Schneider has a way of rubbing other teams the wrong way. And in a move that made no sense save for rattling a division rival, he shot his shot. After what we thought was the end of the inning, John Schneider issued a challenge.

The final out appeared to be a 4-1 putout by Jeremiah Jackson. However Schneider challenged the play, suggesting that Jackson’s foot was in the outfield grass when the ball was hit. Which under new MLB rules over the course of the past few seasons (banning shifts), is illegal. After review the umpire overturned the call, and awarded the hitter (Keys) first base on an error.

Gibson walked the next hitter, and was pulled. It’s tough settling back in the dugout, thinking you’re out of the inning, only to have to go back out there. Gibson deserved better. Needless to say, that was an oddity.

Whether or not Jackson’s shoe was actually grazing the first strands of outfield grass, is another story. I say that Schneider has a way of rubbing other teams wrong because that was sort of a gamesmanship move, in a moment where it meant nothing for his team. That due to the fact that by virtue of his team losing to the Orioles in the first game, they had already been eliminated from the postseason play.

Yennier Cano got the O’s out of the inning, so there’s that. They also brought on Felix Bautista in the ninth, and while he surrendered a two-run homer, he closed out his first game at home since last summer. Hopefully a foreshadowing moment going into next year.

As this is being written, the Orioles are still mathematically alive for the postseason. This albeit the odds are long. Assuming they don’t make it, there will be many moments on which we’ll look back and blame. One of them being that afternoon in Toronto when the game went wayward due to a Toronto runner going way out of the base path.

For what it’s worth, MLB acknowledged that was a bad call. In layman’s terms, the Orioles got hosed. That’s one of many things which stand out. And it’s one of many things which will have aided in the Orioles being home in October. Because keep in mind that (assuming they’re eliminated at some point) they will have missed the playoffs due to so many loses on the margins. Including that one.

So perhaps it’s fitting that it was the Orioles who eliminated Toronto from the postseason chase. As part of a series sweep. While people are perhaps justly critical of the Orioles this year, it goes without saying that they aren’t the team who was a hair away from a World Series title last year, and couldn’t make the playoffs in 2026.

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Baltimore Orioles: Petr Alonso’s 40th homer lifts the O’s

Shane Baz had a rough start to last night’s game against Toronto. To begin with, the game had a 45-minute rain delay before it got going. That seemed to get to Baz at first. But end of the day, he gave the Orioles a quality start. Baz’s line: 6.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 2 K.

Small things have had a way of snowballing on this Orioles team this year. And we saw it again in the first at-bat of the game. Baz walked Bateman on a pitch timer violation. We know that nothing good ever happens after a walk. But you never want to issue a free walk because of your own temporal negligence,

After Baz walked a second hitter, Lukes’ RBI-single gave Toronto a 1-0 lead. That leadoff walk on a pitch timer violation bit the Orioles. Before the inning ended Springer would add an RBI-single, and Keys a sac fly-RBI. It appeared not to be the Orioles’ night.

Again, seemingly small things have snowballed on this team all year. Could Toronto have put up three had Baz gotten Bateman out? Absolutely. But the fact is that set a certain tone, and it came as a result of a lack of attention to detail.

But Baz stabilized himself – and quick. Those were the only three runs that he surrendered in the game. At one point he retired twelve straight hitters. Needless to say, something shifted.

The Orioles luckily weren’t about to let a pitch timer violation on the first at-bat beat them on this night. Gunnar Henderson smacked a solo home run in the fourth to get the Birds on the board. Two innings later he did it again – a solo homer, that is. Henderson, who of course has had a down year, made a huge impact in last night’s game.

However he was still overshadowed. Which is sad and unfair, but it wasn’t his night. Overall, it was the Orioles’ night. But if there was one individual who stood out, ironically it wasn’t Henderson.

With the Orioles still trailing 3-2 in the last of the eighth, Christian Franklin drew a pinch-hit leadoff walk. With two outs later in the inning, Pete Alonso stepped to the plate. And he sent a shot deep into the Baltimore night. His two-run home run gave the Orioles a 4-3 lead. Which turned into a 4-3 win.

It was Alonso’s 40th home run of the season. $: also hit it on his son Teddy’s first birthday. When the Orioles signed Alonso I remarked that they added 30 homers and 100 RBI to their lineup…try 40 homers. And with five games to go in the season, Alonso sits at 108 RBI.

Obviously assuming that the O’s don’t go to the postseason, it remains a footnote in a sense. But it should give fans hope going into the future. To say that Alonso’s a gamer is an understatement. Needless to say, he’s been worth every penny.

The series continues this evening at Camden Yards. Chris Bassitt gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Toronto’s Max Scherzer. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Shut out twice and swept away

Brandon Young was only the most recent hard-luck loser for the Baltimore Orioles last night. You can’t win games if you don’t score runs. And for the second consecutive game against Milwaukee last night, the O’s didn’t. Young’s line: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 9 K.

You can strikeout as many people as you want, but if your offense can’t put runs up you have no chance. Keep in mind, this is an offense which has been without Jordan Westburg all year. They also lost Jackson Holliday to injury last week for the rest of the season. The only sure thing in the lineup all season has been Pete Alonso, but one guy can’t do it all,

Pratt’s RBI-single in the second gave Milwaukee a 1-0 lead. Two innings later on the fourth Contreras’ solo home run extended that lead to 2-0. Pratt struck again in the seventh with an RBI-single once again, closing the scoring in the Orioles’ 3-0 loss.

That last run was charged to Felix Bautista. Yes…THAT Felix Bautista. He made his season debut last night, and his first appearance since July 20th of last year.

It’s great to see him back on the field. That part goes without saying. However I do question whether or not he should have been out there. With the Orioles’ playoff hopes waning daily, is it worth throwing him out there where he could re-injure himself again? As I said though, good for him for making it back.

The O’s were swept in the final two games of the Milwaukee series. Again as I said, you can’t win without scoring. That will always remain a fact. With the loss Friday, Milwaukee swept them. At least on Friday they scored.

The O’s now welcome Toronto to town for the first of three tonight at Camden Yards. Shane Baz gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Toronto’s Trey Yesavage. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Defense has to matter

Cade Povich had a semi-strong outing for the Baltimore Orioles last night. Albeit a short one – he threw one bad pitch. Povich’s line: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 K.

Povich surrendered a three-run homer to Chourio in the second. The ball barely made it over the wall, but it made it over. But the O’s pounced in the last of the third. They put the first two runners on, and Pete Alonzo smacked a three-run home run to tie the game.

Povich was lifted after only 71 pitches, Admittedly that’s high for only being in the fourth inning. But it was that sort of game; Milwaukee (and the Orioles) fouled off pitch after pitch. Other than the homer, Povich sort of moved along in the game.

He was entering his third time through the order. The numbers indicate that Povich starts to lose it there. So he was removed.

In fairness, the bullpen was strong. It was also rested after an off day yesterday. It was also a de facto postseason game, and you could argue that Craig Albernaz managed it from that perspective. My personal opinion is that Povich is a serviceable starter. That’s an opinion which stems from feel for the game. But if you’re that bound to sabre metrics and convinced a starter can’t go through the order three times, he shouldn’t be a starter.

The Orioles held serve for the most part. However starting in the seventh, the algorithm chimed in again. With two outs and a runner on second, Craig Albernaz pinch hit Rece Hinds for Colton Cowser – to face the lefty Hall, I get it – the probability of a righty hitting a lefty is greater. I’m not sure I would have sent up a righty hitting .177.

That may seem like one at-bat. But predictably Hinds recorded an out. Hall found a way to get the righty out. Hinds of course took Cowser’s spot in center. Cowser, whose defense is obviously strong. (Remember him climbing the wall in Denver a few weeks ago?!)

Milwaukee had a runner on first in the ninth, with one out. Contreras split the defenders and sent a double into the gap in left center. Hinds appeared to flub the ball off the wall, which allowed the run to score, giving Milwaukee a 4-3 lead in the ninth.

On top of that, it’s also fair to question the rout Hinds took to the ball. Contreras was credited with an RBI-double, but if not for the flub of the ball it’s fair to question whether the run scores if the ball is fielded cleanly. Feel for the game tells me that defense matters. The computer seemed to indicate it didn’t matter as much as getting a righty – any righty – into the game.

Yeljch’s RBI-single later in the inning seemed to seal the deal. However the Birds battled back, and in fairness they used situational hitting to perfection to do it. They put two runners in scoring position in the last of the ninth, and Samuel Basallo and Christian Encarnacion-Strand tacked on sac fly-RBI. That tied the game at five and we went to extra’s.

However Frelick’s run-scoring single in the tenth gave Milwaukee a 6-5 lead. The O’s went quietly in the bottom of the inning, and Milwaukee went onto victory. The O’s fought, but came up short.

It’s fine to use sabre metrics. You have to on some level. But in some cases you have to question what the computer model is telling you. Does it make sense to lift a regular player and a good defender for what amounts to a AAA player hitting .177? On paper though of course is did in the moment, because the situation called for a righty – any righty. But the game isn’t played on paper. It’s not played by computers. It’s played in context,

The series continues this afternoon at Camden Yards. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Milwaukee’s Robert Gasser. Game time is set for just after 4 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles complete the sweep in Queens

The Baltimore Orioles did something last night at Citi Field which has been tough to do. They swept a team – at their place. Chris Bassitt turned in one of his better pitching performances, leading the way for the O’s. Bassitt’s line: 6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K.

Of course, Pete Alonso was the guy to get things going. He hit the ninth pitch of the game out of the ballpark giving the O’s a 1-0 lead. When things are falling for you, sometimes that’s all you need. For the record, the O’s needed slightly more than that. But not much.

One inning later the rout was on. Jeremiah Jackson smacked a two-run home run. In theory that should have been enough. But Christian Encarnacion-Strand added a two-run shot one inning later in the third. That was followed by a solo homer by Samuel Basallo. And the O’s led 6-0.

Bassitt would allow a run in the fourth when he issued a walk to Young, and then balked him to second. Young would then score on an RBI-single by Semien. However Bassitt immediately induced a groundout in the wake of that, ending the inning.

Not that they needed it, but the O’s added an insurance run in the ninth on an RBI-single by Samuel Basallo. With the win, they swept the New York Mets, with the underlying story of course being Pete Alonso. Kudos to everyone for how they handled this – the NY Mets, Alonso, and the fans. It was class all around.

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Baltimore Orioles: Mayo on the Polar Bear’s day

Shane Baz lived dangerously for the Baltimore Orioles yesterday evening against the NY Mets at Citi Field. However I don’t think that either he nor the Birds expected him to exit early for the reason that he did. Which could be a huge problem. Baz’s line: 4.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K.

Baz loaded the bases with one down in the first. New York took a 1-0 lead on a sac fly-RBI by Young. However in a harbinger of things to come later, the Birds seized the lead right away. Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeremiah Jackson each smacked solo home runs in the second, and the O’s led 2-1.

However an RBI-single by Soto in the bottom of the inning would tie the game. One inning later a solo homer by Benge would give New York a 3-2 lead. Baz never really got into a rhythm last night, but whatever rhythm he had ended in the top of the fifth. He took a Bichette come backer smack off of his right elbow. 105 MPH off the bat.

Manager Craig Albernaz immediately came out with the training staff. Baz attempted to throw a pitch, but it sailed to the backstop and he was immediately lifted. Baz said after the game that he hoped to avoid the IL. You have to hope it’s one of those things that looked worse than it was.

Of course many in the crowd came to Citi Field to see Pete Alonso – their former first baseman, who they miss desperately. Alonso also came into Queens with 299 career home runs. So his ninth inning solo homer was huge in the grand scheme of the game, given that it was an equalizer. But…

…it was magically fitting that his 300th homer came in the ballpark and in front of the fans where he played for so many years. The people who still have so much affection for him – and he for them. Moreso than any other sport, sometimes baseball gives us little moments like that which just make sense.

The game went to extra’s, and Gunnar Henderson’s leadoff single put runners at the corners in the tenth – with the ghost runner (Christian Encarnacion-Strand) going to third. Encarnacion-Strand would later score on a wild pitch, giving the Birds a 4-3 lead. However New York tied it in the bottom of the inning when their ghost runner scored on a groundout.

We went to the eleventh, and Dylan Beavers drew a walk to put two runners on. Coby Mayo came to the plate, looking to do damage. Needing to do damage. So he sent a deep fly ball to dead center field. The ball smacked off of a combination of the wall and the fielder’s glove, and trickled out into the field…

…and it just died. It stopped rolling, light years away from any fielder. By the time New York’s entire outfield converged on the ball and got it back in, Coby Mayo had himself a three-run inside-the-park home run.

Needless to say, that was the game. New York would get one back in the bottom of the inning on a run-scoring single by Bichette, but the Mayo homer was the game’s climax. You can’t come back from a moment like that. Call it a side of Mayo for the Polar Bear.

The series concludes tonight at Citi Field. Chris Bassitt gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by New York’s Robert Stock. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: A polar win in Queens

Brandon Young was taxed with starting what was perhaps always going to be the most emotionally charged game of the season for the Baltimore Orioles. Pete Alonso returning as a visitor to play AGAINST the NY Mets was always circled on the calendar. This by both teams. Young’s line: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 5 BB, 6 K.

New York, the NL version of them at least, showed out for Alonso. Honestly, I’ve never seen such an outpouring of love for a returning player. We this all the time – players returning to where they had began their careers and were still well thought of – all the time. Never have I seen such an outpouring of admiration as we saw. From NY Mets’ fans this evening towards Pete Alonso.

And mind you, Alonso sits on 299 career home runs. He didn’t get his 500th HR tonight. But there’s two games left. And odds are it’s on both his and the fans’ radar. Again, I can’t stress enough the class that New York fans showed in the moment. Pete Alonso was truly a beloved player in Queens. And it was on display tonight.

Heston Kjerstad’s RBI-single in the second gave the Birds a 1-0 lead. That lasted until the fourth when Ewing’s solo home run dunked the O’s out of the lead, tying the game at two. (And yes, you see what I did there!) That tied the game, and we played on.

Gunnar Henderson smacked a solo homer in the eighth, which in essence won the game for the Orioles. The Birds continued to record outs on defense, which is exactly what you want in that circumstance. And the O’s went home, 2-1 winners.

The series continues tomorrow at Citi Field. Shane Baz gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by New York’s Shawn Manaea. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Solo home runs and outfield positioning

The Baltimore Orioles now find themselves in a situation where they need wins with few games remaining. They had the opportunity early today to get ah early lead for starter Trevor Rogers. And they couldn’t do it. Rogers’ line: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 5 K.

A single and two walks loaded the bases for the O’s before they even recorded an out. It also appeared they had taken a 1-0 lead when Coby Mayo walked with the bases loaded – but did he really?! The full count pitch was challenged by Toronto, and the challenge was upheld. It went from a 1-0 lead to one out and the bases still loaded.

But the O’s still had a shot to start on top. And they couldn’t do it. Two strikeouts ended the inning and let Toronto off the hook.

Toronto came out characteristically aggressive in the second inning. McAdoo got on base with a single, and promptly stole second base. He would score on an RBI-double by Gimenez later in the inning.

About that; I’ve said since at least last year that the O’s play their outfield too deep. I get the point; it’s easier to close in running forward that tracking the ball backwards. But look at how many fluke pops dump their way in front of the outfield. Furthermore, with pitchers being told to focus on spin rate more so than anything else, the ball at times does strange things off the bat.

And that’s what happened with that Gimenez hit. He blooped a ball shallow into the outfield, with Christian Encarnacion-Strand deflecting the ball off his glove, and left fielder Dylan Beavers not being able to get there in time. Maybe…just maybe…if Beavers is playing slightly more shallow, this isn’t an issue.

The O’s would even the score in the fifth on an RBI-single by Pete Alonso. But it was a short-lived tie. Toronto of course throws the script out the window, especially against the Orioles. The book says that solo home runs don’t hurt you. And yes, I agree with that sentiment. In the same way that surrendering a FG in the first quarter of an NFL game shouldn’t hurt you.

But that also assumes that you don’t surrender back-to-back-to-back solo home runs. That’s akin to a three-run home run. The culprits were Springer, Guerrero, and Okamoto. All three were on pitches smack in the middle of the strike zone. Mind you, the Orioles have had trouble all year with teams in effect knowing that they were pitching to the fringes of the plate. But right down Broadway isn’t the answer either.

The Orioles had a chance to bury Toronto early on. And they just couldn’t do it. Toronto on the other hand took advantage of the opportunities they were given. That’s the difference in this game. That might be the difference in the season.

That trend continued in the eighth when Toronto loaded the bases with two out, and the Orioles rewarded them by walking on a fifth run. To top that off, Springer smacked a bases-clearing double to extend it to 8-1. Should that ball have been caught? In my opinion, yes. But it homely under Dylan Beavers’ glove in left field. Could that have been due to the outfield playing too deep again?

As I said, I’ve said since at least last year that the outfielders were too far back. It seems to be proven and re-proven time and again. Whatever the algorithm is saying, it’s not working. And this has been the case over multiple managers, meaning that the directive may not be coming from the dugout.

The Orioles now head to Queens to open a three-game set with the NY Mets at Citi Field. Brandon Young gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by NY’s Jonah Tong. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Multi-run innings play both ways

The Baltimore Orioles won last night thanks to a big inning. Today it was Kyle Bradish who was victimized by one, in essence in reverse. Not as big an inning as the O’s pulled off last night, but big enough. Bradish’s line: 3.0 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 2 K.

Toronto got on the board early with Guerrero’s RBI-single in the first inning. That may have been the biggest mistake the Orioles made today. Guerrero’s had an awful season. Last thing they want is a series against them (the O’s) being the spot where he turned it on.

Kirk would add an RBI-single before the inning ended. However it was the third which did the Orioles in. Bateman led off the inning with a solo home run. Kirk would add a two-run shot later in the inning, after Guerrero returned to form by striking out. Toronto continued to threaten, but Bradish pitched out of it.

The O’s did get one back in the fourth when Christian Encarnacion-Strand reached on a fielding error, pushing a run across. That sequence also included a throwing error by Toronto, but they pitched out of the inning. Toronto would get that run back in the sixth on an RBI-double by Giminez.

The Orioles had thoughts of getting back into the game, however. Pete Alonso’s two-run home run in the seventh cut the lead to 6-3. But Toronto would load the bases in their half of the frame, and extended the lead and the final to 7-3 on a sac fly-RBI.

The O’s now find themselves at three games out of the final Wild Card spot. This makes tomorrow a must-win. The O’s of course will see Toronto once more before the season ends – at Camden Yards.

The series concludes tomorrow at Rogers Centre. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Toronto’s Dylan Cease. Game time is set for just after 1 PM

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Baltimore Orioles led by another big inning

For the second time in a week, the Baltimore Orioles won a game thanks to a big inning. Last night in Toronto, starter Chris Bassitt was the beneficiary. Granted, you would rather a more balanced attack across the entire game, but whatever gets the job done and wins the game. Bassitt’s line: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K.

Dylan Beavers hit the second pitch of the ballgame out of the park, giving the O’s an early lead. Toronto threatened in the bottom of the inning, but Bassitt pitched out of it. Perhaps with an assist from a pickoff at first base by Samuel Basallo. Also a bizarre (non) challenge on what ended up being strike three to end the inning – also by Basallo.

The O’s used three base hits to load the bases to lead off the second. Keep in mind that over the course of the season, we’ve seen this happen and the O’s ground into a double-play, netting one run. But Heston Kjerstad broke that mold, lining an RBI-single to right field – and the bases remained loaded.

In the immediate aftermath, Colton Cowser’s two-RBI double extended the lead to 4-0. That brought Beavers back to the plate, and he complimented his first inning home run with a two-RBI single. All of that before the Orioles recorded an out in the second inning.

Bassitt pitched out of a few other jams along the way. He did give up a solo home run to Okamoto in the fourth. He began to tire in the sixth, putting a couple of runners in base. He left the game before recording an out, and reliever Josh Walker allowed on run to score – on an RBI-groundout. But he closed the inning down, and the O’s lead stood at 6-2.

Coby Mayo gave them what amounted to an insurance run with a solo homer in the seventh. They didn’t totally need that run, but it always helps. Toronto got an eleventh hour two run homer from Bateman in the last of the ninth, which needless to say made the Orioles nervous. But the closed out a 7-4 win north of the border.

The series continues this afternoon at Rogers Centre. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Toronto’s Spencer Miles. Game time is set for just after 3 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Caddywampus innings always help

For once, the Baltimore Orioles put up runs for Shane Baz. He’s had some of the worst run support in the majors this year. At first it appeared the game was going in that direction. But things change quickly. Baz’s line: 5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 5 K.

After a leadoff bloop hit, DeLauter smacked a two-run home run in the top of the first inning. That’s the sort of way Cleveland does things. And it’s how teams have beaten the Orioles all year. Get on base and find a way to get the run in. But two can play at that game.

The O’s put the first two runners on base in the third in typical Cleveland fashion. A bloop single and an infield hit. Cleveland starter Griffith then committed a throwing error trying to pick off Carlos Narvaez at first base. The sad thing is it at least appeared as if he may have picked him off – minus the bad throw.

That left two runners in scoring position with nobody out. Dylan Beavers’ two-run double immediately tied the game at two. After a subsequent single and a walk, the O’s had the bases loaded, again with nobody out. Christian Encarnacion-Strand was then hit by a pitch, giving the O’s the lead. That’s was followed by a Jackson Holliday RBI-single which extended the lead to 4-2.

That escalated quickly. Cleveland finally recorded an out on a sac fly-RBI by Rece Hinds. RBI-singles by Jeremiah Jackson and Leody Taveras extended the lead to 7-2. That finally chased Griffith from the game, following which an RBI-single by Dylan Beavers closed the scoring in the inning – and the O’s leading 8-2.

That’s the sort of inning which has evaded the O’s all year. And it began by guys just getting on base. And it continued by more and more guys getting on base. Get runners on base and anything can happen.

Baz would tire in the sixth, and surrendered a two-run homer to Lowe. That was followed later in the inning by an RBI-double by Bailey. That chased Baz, however he left with an 8-5 lead.

The O’s also took advantage of a major Cleveland mistake later on. Coby Mayo rightfully should have fouled out to end the sixth inning. However the ball was dropped by Ramirez, continuing the at-bat and the inning. Mayo smacked a solo homer on the next pitch.

Cleveland threatened in the eighth and ninth, but the Oriole bullpen held. With the 9-5 win, the Orioles took the series. They now have an off day tomorrow and head north of the border to Toronto on Friday.

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Baltimore Orioles: Defensive miscues cost games

Brandon Young was only the most recent victim of the defensive miscues committed by the Baltimore Orioles. Not even necessarily on the field – although the stat line would disagree. But more so by whomever works out the lineup before the game. Young’s line: 3.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 2 K.

That’s not a good stat line. But Cleveland’s the sort of team who puts the ball in play and sort of plays things out. This as opposed to always trying to hit the ball hard.

Kwan led the game off with a double, and he scored on an RBI-single by Adell. One inning later Martinez led off the second with a triple. But it probably should have been a double; it was misplayed by Leody Taveras in the right field corner.

Martinez would score on an RBI-single by Bailey. Taveras would also misjudge a line drive later in the inning, leading a base hit. Bazzana’s three-run homer would extend the lead to 5-0. One inning later in the third Halpin’s RBI-single would extend the lead to 6-0.

Taveras is a center fielder by trade. The Orioles almost internally insert people anywhere they can if it helps their stats on offense. Defense matters also. And because the O’s didn’t pay attention to that, they found themselves in a 6-0 hole.

Samuel Basallo would ground out with the bases loaded in the fourth, cutting the lead to 6-1. In fairness to Taveras, he would bounce back in the fifth. His RBI-double in the fifth cut the lead to 6-2. Later in the inning Pete Alonso would cut it to a one-run lead with a three-run home run.

However a four-run seventh would seal the Orioles’ fate. To make matters worse, Gunnar Henderson would leave the game in the eighth after fouling a pitch off his food. If he misses time, the Orioles will find themselves in a world of trouble.

The series concludes tomorrow at Camden Yards. Shane Baz gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Foster Grittin. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Trevor Rogers played stopper

Trevor Rogers turned in perhaps the best quality start that one could turn in, and when the Baltimore Orioles direly needed it. Cleveland is a team that the Birds would in theory need to leapfrog to make it into the postseason. Rogers, along with Oriole bats which appeared to show signs of life, kept the O’s relevant in that fight today. Rogers’ line: 7.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K.

After being swept by Boston over the weekend, this was exactly the sort of game the Orioles needed. Cleveland starter Cantillo struggled with control his entire outing. He flat out couldn’t find the strike zone the whole way. He hit Samuel Basallo with a pitch in the second, and then walked Receiver Hinds. That brought Dylan Beavers to the plate, who smacked an RBI-double to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead.

That kind of set the tone. Coby Mayo would smack a solo home run in the third, extending the lead to 2-0. Later in the inning, Cantillo would load the bases after two walks. Blaze Alexander would proceed to walk as well, this with the bases loaded. That extended the lead to 3-0.

Incidentally, that bases loaded walk came AFTER Cantillo was lifted, Cleveland had seen enough by that point, and went to their bullpen. But the Birds didn’t stop there. Pete Alonso would also draw a bases loaded walk, and the O’s led 4-0.

You would have liked to have seen some sort of bases-clearing knock in there somewhere. But when you’ve lost six straight and your playoff chances are flailing (on Labor Day at that), you have to start somewhere. One way or the other, the O’s extended their lead in that sequence.

Rogers experienced a slight hiccup in the sixth when he allowed an RBI-double in the sixth. This of course with two outs. But he induced a fly out immediately after, ending the inning.

But the Orioles didn’t allow that to stop them. Coby Mayo smacked a two-run home run in the last of the sixth, which acted as insurance runs. It was Mayo’s first multi-home run game of his career. Needless to say, it made a huge difference.

Clevaland, among other teams, is known for inducing soft contact. With Andrew Kitteredge on to close the game, Cleveland put two runners on by way of very soft contact. That led to a three-run homer by Lowe. Cutting the lead to 6-4.

It also caused the Orioles to use another reliever. But they ultimately closed out a 6-4 win. Largely on the heels of Trevor Rogers and Coby Mayo. In terms of the standings it keeps the O’s relevant. For now. It also snaps a six-game losing streak.

The series continues tomorrow at Camden Yards. Brandon Yoing gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Computers are crashing the Birds

It’s tough for Baltimore Orioles’ fans to blame Kyle Bradish for today’s loss. Sadly, not only was it the Birds’ sixth straight loss, but it also completed a four-game sweep at the hands of Boston. Bradish’s line: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R (0 earned), 4 BB, 3 K.

Bradish pitched well enough to win – as far as four inning outings go. But he was failed by a few things. For starters, Boston fouled off pitch after pitch. Whether it was ticking a ball as it went into the catcher’s mitt, or smacking tape measure foul balls. That drive up Bradish’s pitch count big time.

And similar to other starters, it’s not Bradish’s fault that the offense isn’t clicking. There’s nothing he can do about that. One good note in that front; Christian Encarnacion-Strand gave the Orioles the lead in the first with an RBI-double. That was the Orioles’ first run since late on Thursday.

Things actually seemed to be progressing well in the second, as the O’s recorded two outs with one on. But Bradish worked around that, and induced a ground ball by Monasterio….until, his efforts were foiled. Gunnar Henderson booted the ball and the fielding error left two on and two out.

Predictably, White smacked a three-run home run in the next at-bat, giving Boston a 3-1 lead. All three of those runs are unearned. Defense has been a problem all season long. In this instance, it came from a source in Henderson from whom one might expect better. But it’s happened all year.

It’s easy to say that Bradish may have thrown a sinker that didn’t sink to White. But he was failed by the defense behind him. That’s glaring. You also might consider that catcher Adley Rutschman may have had some advance knowledge on Bradish. Or overall on the O’s in terms of pitch selection in certain situations. Another reason to never trade in the division.

One other point to that effect. The O’s had Rece Hinds (who was called up to replace Luis Robert who went to the IL before the game) for aboard with a double in the fifth. He was promptly picked off by Rutschman at second.

That’s no coincidence. Rutschman knows what the Orioles do. He’s been a part of it. He may well have known the O’s were eyeing third before the O’s did. Which is scary. Again, don’t trade in the division.

Lastly, it’s not Bradish’s fault that his mound opponent, Tolle, was outstanding. He surrendered four hits and one run. He struck out 12. For what it’s worth, the Orioles sat Samuel Basallo in three of the four games against Boston (at the beginning of the game). Against three southpaws.

Could Basallo have done any worse than what we saw out of the Oriole offense this series? Marching up is one thing. Doing it all game and every game from the get go is another. Cleveland is throwing a lefty tomorrow also, for what that’s worth.

You don’t sign Basallo to the extension to which the Orioles signed him last year only to sit him due to a computer. For all I know the results would have been worse, but at a certain point you have to play all your cards. Numbers and Sabre metrics be damned.

The Orioles either have an inability to buck the trends, or they aren’t being allowed to do so. Tolle struck out 12 – do we not think that Adley Rutschman may have told the pitching staff how Oriole bats might react to certain pitches? (The O’s struck out 17 times total today.) Tolle threw a steady diet of four-seam fastballs. And the Orioles bit every time.

On a side note, I’m convinced that there’s some algorithm which says there’s a better probability of winning if you don’t use ABS challenges. Because the Orioles seem to infernally refuse to use them. They okay the game where they flare at the umpire and indirectly question the strike zone.

Again, it would stand to reason that the algorithm says that’s better. Or the app. Everything has an app now. To be blunt, baseball is won the same way it always has been. Since the dead ball era until now. It’s timeless. It’s part of the fabric of our country. You win games the old fashion way. Not in aerospace. There’s nothing about this game that’s “aggressively modern.” Someone should understand that.

The ao’s now stay at home to open a three-game set with Cleveland at Camden Yards. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Cleveland’s Joey Cantillo. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Craig Albernaz broke the script

Chris Bassitt took the loss this evening, but in reality the Baltimore Orioles’ offense took the loss. There’s no scenario in which you can win a game while scoring zero runs. None. Bassitt’s line: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 6 K.

There appears to be some sort of sudden issue with Oriole bats. The Birds just can’t get anything going over the course of the past week. It’s almost as if all of their equity was spent when Colton Cowser climbed the wall in Denver. Because not many runs have scored since then.

Manager Craig Albernaz played a role in this loss. But not in a way that one might think. With two outs in the sixth Bassitt loaded the bases, prompting Albernaz to go out to the mound – presumably to change pitchers. However Bassitt appeared to talk him out of lifting him.

To be clear, this is a case of a manager doing EXACTLY what I think a manager should be doing: going with a gut instinct. It shows feel for the game, which is something that ALL MANAGERS need to have. Again, this is something that’s IMPERATIVE in baseball.

But when Artificial Intelligence, among other computer programs, removes the need for any sort of feel for the game, you should expect that managers won’t have it. The results say that Alberbaz should have lifted Bassitt when he wanted to. Because Boston took a 2-0 lead on White’s subsequent two-RBI single.

To add insult to injury, that was a softly-hit single; not something you can predict. Boston just did what came naturally, while the Orioles either remained guided by Sabre Metrics, or overrode those Sabre Metrics in a performative manner. Either is detrimental. Neither is good.

Wong would add an RBI-single before the inning ended which rode the lead to 3-0. One inning later Kiner-Filefa’s two-RBI double extended the lead to 5-0. End of the day the big story here is that the O’s couldn’t muster a run. They loaded the bases in the eighth but Pete Alonso struck out.

I’m not sure what sort of Artificial Intelligence is being used, but it’s working to opponents’ benefit. You have to have the aforementioned feel for the game. Granted, Craig Albernaz made a gut decision in keeping Bassitt in. And I applaud him for bucking the technology. However said technology also removes the need for feel for the game – in theory. It automates everything.

Point being, many managers don’t know how to have feel for the ballgame – because Sabre metrics have removed their need to have it. Work with me here folks…perhaps if that’s a muscle that opposing teams occasionally exercised, it would come more naturally to Craig Albernaz.

By going off the script, we don’t know if Albernaz would have still lost the game – had he stayed on script. But maybe it would be easier to switch into manual mode if he were allowed to do it more often. Maybe it would work better. Interpret as you wish.

The series concludes tomorrow at Camden Yards. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Payton Tolle. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Shane Baz is snakebitten

Sometimes you have to wonder if Shane Baz of the Baltimore Orioles is snakebitten. Tonight was a typical start for him in 2026. In short, he needed to be absolutely perfect. And he was – minus one pitch. Baz’s line: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K.

Those are outstanding numbers. An OUTSTANDING stat line for a game. Any pitcher in baseball would take that on any given day. Heck, any manager would take that for his pitcher. It’s NOT on Baz that the O’s couldn’t get anything going offensively.

Baz gave up a solo home run to Gasper on the second pitch of the game. That’s the only mistake he made. Solo home runs aren’t supposed to hurt you. Tonight they cost Shane Baz and the Orioles the game.

On top of that, Baz picked up his teammates. Boston put two on thanks to a Jackson Holliday error in the third, but Baz got them out of it. Anytime Boston threatened, Baz (and the bullpen) pitched out of it. He made a mistake on the second pitch of the game. And it cost him and the O’s the game.

You can’t under any circumstances blame a starter for a game like this. I’ve heard people suggest that there is some culpability because a starter like Baz knows he’s got a thin margin. But…is it reasonable to expect that he has to be perfect?

On a side note, I find it strange that Samuel Basallo wasn’t in the starting lineup for the second straight day. I understand matchups, and why that’s important. But Basallo’s been a huge part of this team’s offense. They signed him to a large extension a year ago. And…the best place for him is starting a game on the bench?

The series continues tomorrow at Camden Yards. Chris Bassitt gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Sonny Gray. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Don’t trade in the division

Brandon Young pitched to a quality start. Putting the Baltimore Orioles in a spot to win last night against Boston. It’s possible that Craig Albernaz left him in a little too long. But it’s easy to second guess. Young’s line: 6.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 7 K.

Right off the bat however, the Orioles were haunted by their former all-star catcher. Adley Rutschman smacked a solo homer in the first. However the O’s battled. They tied the game at one on a sac fly-RBI by Pete Alonso in the last of the first. They would also take a brief 3-1 lead in the fourth on back-to-back homers by Luis Robert and Pete Alonso.

But two innings later Boston began working their way back. And again it began with Rutschman, who smacked a second solo home run. Kiner-Filefa’s RBI-single in the seventh tied the game at three. Incidentally, that came with two out and a two-strike count – again.

Boston would take the lead at 5-3 in the seventh on a two-run homer by Sogard. A solo shot by Anthony in the ninth gave them some insurance. And it’s a good thing for their sake that they got that, because Christian Encarnacion-Strand smacked a two-run homer in the last of the ninth. But it wasn’t enough, and the Birds fell 6-5.

The glaring thing isn’t the two-run home run by Sogard. It’s the two solo shots by Rutschman. They say solo home runs don’t hurt you. But this season the Orioles have made a career out of being hurt by them in one way or another.

The first home run was on the second pitch of the at-bat. The second one was on the first pitch. Both were in the same location – up and in. If there’s anyone who knows what the technology or AI that the Orioles use in terms of pitching, it’s their former All-Star catcher.

Make no mistake, he didn’t guess on those pitches. He didn’t see a pitch he liked, and went for it. He knew what was coming.

All the more reason not to have traded inside the division. Now to be clear, the Orioles got a haul for Rutschman. Nobody’s disputing that. But a team that was seeing Rutschman 12 or 13 times a year was willing to give up what they gave up to get him. AND they can now use him AGAINST the Orioles. Never trade to a division foe; no matter how good the deal looks on paper. That’s old school thinking – as in, pre-sabre metrics. And make no mistake that it’s still correct.

The series continues this evening at Camden Yards. Shane Baz gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Ranger Suarez. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles victimized by seventh inning homer

Kyle Bradish had his struggles last night in Colorado, but he also put the Baltimore Orioles in a spot to win. He labored through five tough innings, minimizing the damage as best he could. Bradish’s line: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K.

Bradish was tripped up by the same thing which has haunted the Orioles all season. He recorded two quick outs in the last of the second, and then allowed Colorado to rally. Amador’s solo home run gave Colorado a 1-0 lead. That homer also came on a two-strike count, again which has haunted Oriole pitching all season.

On another two-strike count in the next at-bat, Veen would triple. The play was reviewed as a possible home run, but upheld as a triple, But Vern would score on an RBI-single by McCarthy – also on a two-strike count.

Again, two out or two strike rallies have plagued the Birds all season. It’s almost uncanny how opponents seem to be at their best with their backs against the wall in a count or in the inning. Odds are it’s coincidental. But it’s also a trend.

One inning later the O’s put runners at the corners with one down. Gunnar Henderson tapped a tight grounder down the first base line, beginning a double-play. However the runner from third scored before the 1-6-1 double-play could be completed.

That cut the Colorado lead to 2-1. You hate to end the inning, however in a playoff chase either the score 2-0, you take that. The Birds would tie it in the seventh on Jackson Holliday’s solo home run.

However the seventh was also where the game got away. Runfield’s rwo-run homer in the bottom of the inning sent Colorado off to a 4-2 win, evening the series. It came off of Luis De Leon, who was called up to the majors earlier in the day. It was his big league debut.

Obviously the Orioles promoted him for a reason. But you do have to question using a young guy in his major league debut in high leverage – both in a game as well as in the season. Second-guessing is easy, however it just seems that a moment like that is best suited for someone with experience.

The series concludes today at Coors Field. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Colorado’s Tomoyuki Sugano. Game time is set for 3:10 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Mile High Orioles Magic

Despite a rain storm, the Baltimore Orioles have made it back to .500. Case Povich was called back up to the big leagues to make the start last night, and lasted five solid innings. Povich’s line: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K.

Povich allowed a run in the fourth, but limited the damage. With two outs, Beck smacked an RBI-single. That also left two runners in scoring position, and on top of that Povich walked the next batter. However he induced a fly out to end the inning, and the Orioles only surrendered the one run.

But they quickly got it back. Samuel Basallo’s RBI-double in the fifth tied the game at one. Povich probably could have gone deeper than five innings, however a driving Denver rain storm inducing a rain delay of over an hour and a half intervened. Unfortunate, but needless to say Povich put the team in a spot to win.

Coby Mayo walked to begin the seventh – and for the record, it was a 3-2 count and he was called out on strikes. But he challenged the pitch, and it was overturned. Two additional walks would load the bases. Colton Cowser at first appeared to ground into an inning-ending double-play. However on review…he was safe at first. A run scored, and the Orioles were riding a mile high with a 2-1 lead.

Yet the greatest threat to that lead was the last pitch of the game. Colorado led off the ninth with a double, and later in the inning with two outs McCarthy sent a deep shot to center. Folks to be clear, it was destined to be a walk off two-run homer. And it wasn’t going to be close…until it was.

Colton Cowser tracked the ball, leapt at the wall, and…brought the ball back into the field of play. The ball was over the wall. Colorado had basically won the game. But Cowser’s Mile High Magic not only robbed them of a home run, but it closed out a win for the Birds. A win that has them officially back at .500 on August 31st/September 1st (due to the rain delay, the game ended after midnight).

The series continues this evening at Coors Field. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Colorado’s Gabriel Hughes. Game time is set for 8:40 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: That Gunnar guy

As often as Baltimore Orioles’ starters have pitched to quality starts this year only to lose, maybe it was time for the ball to fall the other way for once. Chris Bassitt probably didn’t deserve to be the winning pitcher in Sacramento today. But he was – by default. Bassitt’s line: 5.0 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 4 K.

Gunnar Henderson put the Athletics on notice early with a solo home run in the first. But the A’s weren’t going quietly this afternoon. Butler’s two-RBI double gave them a 2-1 lead. Before the O’s really got things going, the A’s extended the lead to 5-1 by the end of the third.

Yet as quickly as things fell apart, things were different. Pete Alonso and Henderson singled to start the fourth. That brought Coby Mayo to the plate, and with one swing he changed the trajectory of the ballgame. His three-run homer cut the lead to 5-4.

One inning later the O’s put two on with two out. Gunnar Henderson strode back to the plate. You could argue it’s moments like these which speak to Gunnar’s value to the organization. Because his three-run homer gave the Birds a 7-5 lead.

Pete Alonso led off the eighth getting hit in the head. He was removed, and manager Craig Albernaz said after the game that he would be fine. But in that sequence, Henderson came back up to bat. And his RBI-triple extended the lead to 8-5

The bullpen closed out an 8-5 win, and a sweep of the A’s in Sacramento. The Birds now sit one game under .500. More importantly, only one game back of Cleveland for the final Wild Card spot.

The O’s now head to Denver to open a three-game set against Colorado at Coors Field tomorrow night. The Orioles’ starter is TBD, but Colorado will throw Tanner Gordon. Game time is set for 8:40 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Late night Mayo

The Baltimore Orioles sent Brandon Young to the mound late last night in game one of three against the Athletics in Sacramento. AndYoung didn’t disappoint, pitching to a quality start. Yojng’s line: 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K.

The O’s struck first, with Dylan Beavers driving in a run in the second with an RBI-single. Carlos Narvaez would later reach on a fielding error, extending the lead to 2-0. That inning began with a walk to Coby Mayo to lead off the inning. Nothing good happens after a walk – unless you’re the team at bat.

Young pitched valiantly, only surrendering a solo home run in the last of the seventh. Craig Alberbaz pulled him after that, however that cost Young the win. Rico Garcia allowed a HBP and a single, followed by a sacrifice bunt. That put two runners in scoring position, and the Athletics immediately took advantage. Butler’s RBI-single tied the game at two.

Luckily for the O’s, the second runner was out at home plate. So the game was still tied, however the O’s did surrender the lead. Then or at all.

The game went to extra innings, and the Birds immediately took advantage of the ghost runner. The Athletics wanted nothing to do with Pete Alonso, so they intentionally walked him in the top of the tenth. However Coby Mayo’s run-scoring single gave the O’s a 3-2 lead. Christian Encarnacion-Strand would immediately follow with an RBI-single To pad the lead at 4-2.

And it’s a good thing he did, as Gelof’s run-scoring single in the last of the tenth cut the lead to 4-3. But that was the best that the Athletics could muster, sending the Birds to a 4-3 victory. The Orioles now stand two games out of a postseason spot.

The series continues tonight at Suter Health Park. Shane Baz gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by the Athletics’ Jack Perkins. Game time is set for just after 10 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles saved by the “Strand’s of time”

Kyle Bradish had to grind for the Baltimore Orioles last night. On paper it should have been easy to at least qualify for the win with a seven-run lead. But sometimes things happen. Whether they’re fair or foul. Bradish’s line: 4.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 2 BB, 4 K.

The O’s picked up where they left off Tuesday night. Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s RBI-single gave them a 1-0 lead in the first inning. But that turned into an onslaught in a sense. Dylan Beavers followed suit with another RBI-single, and Leody Taveras cleareded the bases with a three-run home run.

Bradish struggled himself in the first inning. He got out of it without surrendering a run, but he put a couple of runners on before retiring the side. Maybe that foreshadowed later,

But the O’s kept going offensively. Pete Alonso smacked a two-run home run in the top of the second. That ran the lead to 7-0. One would think that would be enough in a sense. But the baseball God’s don’t always agree. St. Louis would get one back in their half of that frame with a solo home run by Gorman.

Bradish would record one out in the fifth before running into trouble. He would load the bases, and then give up a two-RBI single to Burrleson. Walker would add an RBI-double…but with a small twist.

It was a chopper down the third base line. It was ruled fair by the third base umpire. It was borderline, needless to say. But the umpire called it fair well before the ball would have gone over (or missed the bag). That’s not a reviewable play.

That led to a two-RBI double by Church. Suddenly that seven-run lead was only 7-6. After Bradish left the game, Church would proceed to steal third base. He would later score on a sac-fly RBI, and suddenly we were tied at seven.

You never want to be on the south end of a big comeback like that. But this is baseball. Sometimes these things happen. And it remained tied until the almost end.

Samuel Basallo led off the ninth the a single. He was immediately pulled for pinch-runner Luis Vasquez (who replaced Tyler O’Neill when he was sent to the IL earlier in the day). Vasquez would go to second on a wild pitch, bringing Christian Encarnacion-Strand to the plate.

Encarnacion-Strand has really stepped up with all the injuries. He’s been a godsend for this team both in the field, as well as at the plate. And he proved it again late, as his RBI-double scored Vasquez, sending the Orioles to an 8-7 win.

It’s easy to say that it should have never come to that – fair or foul. But games like that happen in baseball. And end of the day, the O’s scratched out a win. That shouldn’t be taken lightly no matter how it went down.

The series concludes this afternoon at Busch Stadium. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the O’s, and his mound opponent is yet to be determined. Game time is set for 2:15 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Eight-run 5th seals it for the former Browns

The Baltimore Orioles were the St. Louis Browns until 1953. After that season, the franchise moved to Baltimore and became the Orioles – keeping the now iconic Orange & Black color scheme. Fast forward to August of 2026, and Chris Bassitt was on the mound as the franchise returned to St. Louis as the Orioles. Bassitt’s line: 6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K.

To be blunt, this was a rout. The O’s set the tone with a three-run homer from Pete Alonso in the third inning, and a solo shot from Christian Encarnacion-Strand later in the frame. St. Louis made a slight attempt to fight back in the fourth with a solo homer by Church. Then the fifth inning happened.

Coby Mayo extended the lead to 5-1 with an RBI-single. Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s two-RBI single later in the inning brought it to 7-1. After the Orioles reloaded the bases, Dylan Beavers walked in another run.

And we went on. When the smoke cleared, the Baltimore Orioles, the former St. Louis Browns, or whatever you wanted to call them…the team wearing Orange & Black, were winning 13-1. St. Louis brought in a position player to pitch before it ended.

Pete Alonso asked for out of the lineup after the fifth inning. Alonso’s been slightly injured for awhile, yet he still produced. You have to hope it’s nothing serious and nothing lingering. In short, you have to hope it’s Alonso seeing the scoreboard and reading the writing on the wall.

Chris Bassitt played as big a role as anyone. He kept pitching and saved the bullpen – after a 37 minute fifth inning where he was on the bench. The Orioles also drove a stake through the St. Louis bullpen, setting up the rest of the series nicely.

The series continues tomorrow at Busch Stadium. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by St. Louis’ Michael McGreevey. Game time is set for 7:45 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: #RIPFlanny

From 2011 onwards, I said that so long as I opted to pen a Baltimore Orioles’ column, I’d commemorate this day. August 24th…the day that an untimely death rocked Birdland. That of the great Mike Flanagan.

Flanagan (“Flanny”) held various posts within the organization throughout his time. None more treasured than pitcher, of course. However he was also the pitching coach here and there, as well as a broadcaster, and an executive.

Here’s the thing with Mike Flanagan; he was one of “us.” Yes, he was an Oriole – which made him a celebrity. That goes without saying. But how many 80’s kids of my generation rode the bus with his kids? How many O’s fans of my Dad’s generation knew Flanagan through various places around town?

Mike Flanagan was an everyday guy who happened to be good at baseball. But he was SO PROUD to be an Oriole. It killed him to be traded to Toronto at the end of his career. And when his contract was up he signed back with the O’s as a reliever. When he joined the Orioles, he moved here and became a Baltimorean. And while he was always proud of his New England roots, he lived and died with everything that was important to the City of Baltimore over a long period of time.

15 years after his untimely death, I’m still writing about him. He wasn’t perfect; but everyone who ever saw him pitch, watched one of his pitchers (as a pitching coach), watched one of the players he acquired (as an executive), or heard him call a game, knew the mark he left on this organization. I’m privileged to check all four of those boxes. Rest in peace, Flanny. Today and everyday. We miss you.

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Baltimore Orioles: One late run won’t cut it

Shane Baz rightfully should have won for the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon at Camden Yards against Tampa. Or more like…the Orioles should have won for Baz. He was more than adequate to win today. It just didn’t happen. Baz’s line: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 3 K.

The two teams sat on one hit each for some time. Heck, the O’s almost finished the game there. Needless to say, it wasn’t a day for offense.

The game was both scoreless and uneventful until the sixth inning. Baz recorded two quick outs, followed by back-to-back singles putting runners at the corners. A two-out rally – all that Tampa needed. Diaz would score on a subsequent wild pitch by Baz. RBI-singles by Caminero and Simpson extended the lead to 3-0.

When guys get on base, anything can happen. Tampa exemplifies that. The Orioles stuck on the one hit until the ninth when Colton Cowser smacked a solo homer. But today wasn’t for the Birds, who fell 3-1.

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Baltimore Orioles pinch and squeeze Tampa in extra’s

Brandon Young worked through parts of six innings tonight for the Baltimore Orioles. End of the day, he put the Birds in a spot to win tonight at Camden Yards against Tampa. Young’s line: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 3 K.

Young surrendered a solo home run to Hicks in the second. This after the O’s left some runners on base in the last of the first. Tampa always gets fat on what you leave behind. And they look for any opening they can find.

And in a warped sort of way, they did that in the sixth inning as well. Following a leadoff walk, Diaz singled to Tyler O’Neill in right, who came up throwing – to third base. Make no mistake, it was a great play by Tyler O’Neill. He gunned out the runner at third in a brilliant and tactical manner, leaving one out and one on.

However Simpson’s RBI-single later in the inning doubled the Tampa lead at 2-0. The runner the O’s couldn’t clear off the bases ending up biting them. That’s what Tampa does – despite the O’Neill throw and the out at third. Say what you want about Tyler O’Neill’s hitting, but his defense is too notch.

With one on and one out in the eighth, the Birds trailed 2-0. Yet Craig Albernaz had a couple of bullets in the holster. He shot one by sending Samuel Basallo up as a pinch-hitter to n lieu of Coby Mayo.

And Basallo immediately delivered. He smacked a two-run home run, which tied the game and electrified the Camden Yards crowd. In a snap, the game had turned.

The game went to extra innings, where of course we see the ghost runner on second. Rico Garcia came in to pitch the tenth, and recorded the first out on a Mullins ground out. However that pushed the go-ahead run to third base, bringing Walls to the plate.

Walls isn’t the best hitter on planet earth. But he can bunt. The O’s brought the infield in, anticipating a squeeze play. And sure enough, Tampa delivered.

After Walls swung through the first pitch, he bunted the second one. Only thing was he bunted it right back to Garcia, who immediately made the play at the plate, with the catcher Carlos Narvaez tagging the runner out at home. That left a runner at first with two outs, and the following hitter popped out to right.

The Orioles correctly anticipated what Tampa was going to do. Heck of a play by Garcia to make the play at the plate. The Orioles anticipated a squeeze play, with the runner running on contact. And they were right.

The O’s had the ghost runner in the tenth also. And that ghost runner scored on a Dylan Beavers walk off run-scoring double. That sent the Birds home 3-2 winners, meaning that they’ve now won two different series’ from Tampa on two different consecutive weekends.

The moments you’re conditioned to remember from this game are Basallo and Beavers. But DO NOT underestimate the defensive aspect in this game. Tyler Wells, Rico Garcia, and Carlos Narvaez each played a major role on that side of the ball. Runs saved are runs scored in a one-run game.

The series concludes tomorrow at Camden Yards. Shane Baz gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Tampa’s Nick Martinez. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Did ol’ blue afford the O’s a break?

The Baltimore Orioles came into tonight’s game with Tampa in dire need of a win. Trevor Rogers, the winning pitcher the last time the Birds won (on Sunday) was on the mound – so there was that. And they were playing the same team as they were that day, in Tampa. So there was that as well. Rogers’ line: 7.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K.

Jackson Holliday led off the ballgame with a single that he extended into a double. Lee Alonso’s subsequent RBI-single gave the Birds a 1-0 lead in the last of the first. But Tampa sort of did the same thing in terms of ambushing a starter – this in the second. Simpson’s RBI-single tied the game at one.

But Tampa wasn’t done yet. In short, Rogers had one bad inning – the second. Later in the inning with one down and one on, Piper smacked a two-run homer – the first home run of his career. Never a good sign when you surrender someone’s first big league homer. But Rogers re-centered himself, and got out of the inning.

Granted it was early in the game. But that felt fairly definitive given that Tampa is a first place team, and the Birds had lost four straight. But the O’s immediately got a ray of hope. Dylan Beavers’ solo home run in the bottom of the inning cut the lead to 3-2. His third home run in as many games.

The key moment of the game came in the last of the fifth inning. However it was sort of an unsung moment. With two on and one out Jackson Holliday had a two strike count. Holliday checked his swing, and the call was appealed to third base umpire Dillon Wilson, who ruled that Holliday had checked his swing.

Whether he did or didn’t is almost irrelevant. Holliday at least had the perception that he had come around, and started walking back to the dugout. This before Wilson ruled he had checked his swing.

Tampa manager Kevin Cash came out incensed to argue, and was promptly ejected. Whether Holliday checked his swing or not, Cash may have had a point in that the hitter even felt like he came around. Yet the at-bat continued.

Holliday would immediately tie the game with a sac fly-RBI. Later in the inning Pete Alonso’s thirtieth home run of the year came in the form of a two-run homer, giving the O’s a 5-3 lead. The bullpen was strong, and closed it out, putting the O’s back in the win column.

Many would say that after the New York series, the Birds were due to get a call to go their way. One way or the other, fans should want the correct call to be made. That should be the goal. Whether Holliday checked his swing or not is almost irrelevant. Needless to say, HE thought he was out. That could in theory speak volumes.

The series continues tomorrow at Camden Yards. Brandon Young gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Tampa’s Shane Mclanahan. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Don’t try to do too much

One could argue that Kyle Bradish actually served a good purpose tonight for the Baltimore Orioles. In a morose sort of manner, that is. This in the sense that he ate innings and perhaps saved a bullpen reliever or two. Bradish’s line: 5.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R (3 earned), 2 BB, 5 K.

The game started in a 20 minute weather delay. Bradish faced the minimum through two, however allowed two base hits to start the third and put runners on the corners with nobody out. The Orioles seemed content to give up the run, and sure enough Caballero rolled over a ground ball in the infield.

However it was to the worst possible spot with the infield at double-play depth, that being the hole between first and second. Jackson Holliday tried to nail the runner at second, and in trying to record the out and throw the ball back to first for a double-play, Gunnar Henderson dropped the ball. The run from third scored, and the Orioles got no outs.

Given the angle, the correct play would have been to surrender the run and get the out at second. Gunnar Henderson tried too hard to get it all, and got nothing. And that’s perhaps a motif for the season. If you try too hard to do it all, you get nothing.

Think back to last night; the Orioles focus so much on exit velocity, with the naive belief that’s going to lead to runs. Pete Alonso hit the ball so hard and at such a launch angle, that supposedly they couldn’t see if it went over the foul pole. SUPPOSEDLY. New York scored the winning runs without the ball leaving the infield.

Rice and Ramos would follow with RBI-singles and doubles respectively. New York led 3-0, with only one of those runs being earned. New York took what was being given them.

The O’s would get on the board in the last of the fifth with a solo home run by Dylan Beavers. But come the sixth, New York got that run back and then some. Garcia and Jones each smacked solo homers, and Chisholm would add an RBI-triple in the eighth.

You can’t give away outs and award the opponent with extra chances in baseball. That Henderson error set the tone for the game. And that’s perhaps a point that has overshadowed the entire season. Attention to detail and the yearn to figuratively do it all has hurt this team a lot this year. Perfection is often the enemy of good.

The O’s now welcome Tampa to town for the first of a three-game set at Camden Yards. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Tampa’s Freddy Peralta. Game time is set for 7:15 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Fair is foul

For the second consecutive game against New York, the Baltimore Orioles got a start which was good enough to win. This time out of Chris Bassitt. Not a perfect start, but one where the O’s were set up nicely. And for a plethora of reasons (some beyond their realm of control), they couldn’t pull it out. Bassitt’s line: 5.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K.

The O’s did get an early lead. With runners at the corners and two out in the first, the Orioles attempted a double-steal. And Jackson Holliday slid safely into home plate, giving the O’s a 1-0 lead.

New York would tie the game in the second with an RBI-single by McMahon. They would then take the lead on a sac fly-RBI by Lombard. Rice’s solo home run an inning later would extend the lead to 3-1.

But the Orioles fought back. Pete Alonso’s solo homer in the last of the third got them to within 3-2. And there it remained until the last of the sixth when Dylan Beavers’ solo home run tied it back up at three. But nobody will remember that about this game.

According to the play-by-play readout of the game, Pete Alonso struck out to end the sixth inning (with the game tied at three). Basically if you’re watching from aerospace, that’s what you see. Baseball isn’t played in aerospace. Maybe a metaphor there.

Alonso smacked a shot to left that had home run distance and then some. It was hit so hard and so far, that it went over the foul pole and landed on the other side. Admittedly with the naked eye, it looked foulish. And in fact, the umpiring crew on the field ruled it foul. BUT…

…replays seemed to concretely show that the ball went over the foul pole. When I say concretely, I mean the New York broadcast indicated that they thought it was a home run. Everyone in the ballpark thought it was a home run. Except the umpiring crew…

…and the replay center in New York. The ruling came down saying that they felt it wasn’t clear enough to overturn the call on the field. Alonso would strike out to end the inning, and New York would take the lead an inning later after loading the bases with two outs. Lombard scratched in a run on a swinging bunt that went as an infield RBI-single. Chisholm would score on a wild pitch by Yennier Cano, sending the Birds to a 5-3 loss.

There’s probably some irony in the fact that in the moment that everyone will remember in this game, Pete Alonso hit the ball so hard that it couldn’t be deciphered if it went over the foul pole or not. And New York scored the two winning runs without hitting the ball out of the infield. Crazy if you think about it.

No one moment truly decides any game. But that’s about as deflating a moment as you’re going to see. To be blunt, nobody who saw that play over and over thought it was a foul ball. Nobody. Except the people who mattered. There’s no point of replay if you’re going to deny what you see in front of you. That was a home run. And it was taken away from Pete Alonso and the Orioles.

On a related note, Craig Albernaz seemed only mildly agitated at the call. He also was fairly careful in tiptoeing around his words after the game regarding that play. That’s a moment and a situation that almost mandates a manager to get ejected. Yes, it’s stagecraft. But players knowing that leadership is behind them can do wonders. Does “the algorithm” not allow for that?

The series concludes tomorrow at Camden Yards. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by New York’s Gerritt Cole. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: You have to hit in the clutch

New York hit in the clutch last night. The Baltimore Orioles did not. The victim? Starter Shane Baz, who most certainly pitched well enough to win last night. Baz’s line: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 10 K.

The O’s loaded the bases in the second, due in part to a fielding error. But they couldn’t take advantage, as Carlos Narvaez struck out to end the inning. Grisham smacked a solo home run in the third to give NY a 1-0 lead.

Again, you have to take advantage when opportunity knocks. The O’s let their opponent off the hook. Granted, that’s a spot where you miss Samuel Basallo’s bat out of the catcher’s spot.

The O’s did tie the game however. Coby Mayo smacked a solo home run of his own in the bottom of the inning. It goes both ways – solo home runs don’t hurt you. However needless to say, they’re something.

Baz would allow two runners on in the sixth, and was lifted. Again, he pitched well enough to win last night – a quality start. Entertained Josh Walker, who walked the first hitter and struck out the next one. He then surrendered a two-RBI single to Grisham. And on a two-strike count at that, giving New York a 3-1 lead.

The O’s would put two on in the seventh but couldn’t muster much. End of the day New York took advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves. The Orioles did not. That’s a game that got away, and at this stage you can’t have that.

The series continues this evening at Camden Yards. Chris Bassitt gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by NY’s Will Warren. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles can’t complete the sweep

The Baltimore Orioles had an opportunity to sweep the best team in baseball at their place this evening. Brandon Young wasn’t at his best, but he was picked up by Oriole bats. But end of the day, nothing was enough. Young’s line: 4.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K.

This was a back-and-forth affair, and Tampa came out ahead. However the O’s got the scoring started with Coby Mayo’s mammoth solo home run in the second inning to give the O’s a 1-0 lead. A solo home run by Diaz would tie the score at one in the third.

However the O’s would put two runners in scoring position in the top of the fourth, and had both of them score on Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s two-RBI single. But remember, this is Tampa. These guys don’t give up, and despite the fact that the O’s took the first three games in the series, they at times can’t be beaten. Two home runs, a solo shot by Vilade, and a two-run shot by former Oriole Mateo, put Tampa ahead, 4-3.

But for the moment, that wasn’t enough. Pete Alonso tied the game an inning later with a solo home run. The O’s would later take a 6-4 lead that inning with a two-run home run by Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Where would the Oriole be without him?!

However it wasn’t to be for the Birds tonight in Tampa. Aranda’s RBI-single in the seventh cut the lead to 6-5. DeLuca would follow with a two-RBI single later in the inning, giving Tampa a 7-6 lead. The O’s put a few runners on late, but couldn’t muster anything more, thus dropping the finale.

It’s tough not being able to take the finale and sweep the series. However taking three-of-four against the team with the best record in baseball is something. It sets the Orioles up well as they open a key home stand.

The Orioles head home to open a three-game set with the NYY. Shane Baz gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by NY’s Carlos Rondon. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: One challenge defeated analytics like thunder and lightning

Tropicana Field has been a house of horrors for the Baltimore Orioles, who sent Trevor Rogers to the mound there this afternoon. A house of horrors in 2026, as well as in the past. Both Friday, yesterday, and today, that hasn’t been the case – but none more so than this afternoon. Rogers’ line: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K.

The O’s got a few runners on base in the first few innings, but the teams in essence spent the beginning of the game feeling one another out. Rogers made one bad pitch, resulting in a solo homer to Vilade in the fourth. It was one run, but perhaps it gave you a sinking feeling. If it did, it shouldn’t have.

The Birds put two on in the fifth by way of walks. Yohel Pozo lined out to second base with one out, and Tampa doubled Leody Taveras off of second to end the inning. And to end the threat.

Or did it?! Craig Albernaz challenged the out call at second base, and the call was overturned. The replay was pretty conclusive in that Taveras got his hand back into the bag at second. That left the Orioles trailing 1-0 and hitting with two runners on with two outs.

That’s where Tampa manager Kevin Cash made an unforced error. That more or less cost his team the game. He followed analytics with no regard to feel for the game.

He pulled his starter, Peralta – who was leading the game, pitching well, and between 70-80 pitches in. Instead he went to a southpaw reliever, Clevinger – to pitch to Jackson Holiday. They say that numbers don’t lie, and southpaws have the advantage pitching to a lefty. But…removing a strong pitcher in the fifth with a reasonable pitch count. For that?! Seemed draconian.

Numbers don’t lie. But they also don’t play the game. Human beings do. And the human being of Jackson Holliday made cash out of Cash’s decision with an RBI-single to tie the game at one. As a severe thunderstorm brewed outside the Trop, hometown boy Pete Alonso’s subsequent two-RBI double catapulted the O’s into a 3-1 lead.

Sabre metrics do play a role. But you have to have feel for the game. Craig Albernaz has gotten better at that of late. Being more tied to what the computer says to do bit Kevin Cash today big time. It’s one thing to match up late in a game. This was in the middle innings. Further compounding Cash’s decision, Clevinger had to pitch to three batters (or the end of the inning). So once his lefty-lefty matchup failed, he couldn’t change pitchers again to pitch to Alonso.

And here’s the thing about dramatic moments in games; they give teams confidence. The thunderstorm outside might have played a role also. One way or the other, Colton Cowser smacked a two-run homer in the sixth to extend the lead to 5-1. A single and a walk brought Jackson Holliday back to the plate, and his two-RBI double extended the lead to 7-1. That included Yohel Pozo flopping himself onto home plate and being ruled safe – a call upheld on a replay challenge.

As if that wasn’t enough, the O’s loaded the bases. Christian Encarnacion-Strand would then clear them with a double. That broke the game wide open, and gave the Birds a 10-1 lead. Tampa would tack on a meaningless RBI-single by Mateo in the bottom of the inning, and the O’s have taken the first three games of this four-game wrap-around series in Tampa.

From Tampa’s perspective, they had opportunities to right the ship – this had they not let things snowball. But that challenge in the fifth inning changed the entire scope of the game. It forced Tampa to make a decision; play the numbers, or leave a pitcher in the game who appears to be throwing well. They erred on the side of playing the odds. And the Orioles made them pay for that decision with thunder and lightning.

Craig Albernaz has fallen into this trap before also. And as I said above, I’ve personally seen him make improvements in that area, and at times has trusted his gut and his players. Numbers and stats are important – that isn’t up for debate. But knowing when it’s actually stupid to play the numbers is also important. Today it was the opponent over-managing, and the opponent working themselves out of a game during to analytics. And again, the Orioles struck like bolts of lightning.

The series concludes tomorrow night at Tropicana Field. Brandon Young gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Tampa’s Shane McClanahan. Game time is set for just after 6 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles hold on to cut Tampa’s joie de vivre

Earlier in the season the Baltimore Orioles ended a 15-game winning streak held by Boston. This evening at Tropicana Field, Tampa put their nine-game win streak on the line against the Birds and Chris Bassitt – who was activated off the IL to make the start. Bassitt’s line: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 3 K.

The O’s put runners at the corners in the second inning, and took a 1-0 lead on Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s RBI-groundout. An RBI-double by Palacios in the bottom of the frame would tie the game, but the Birds hung tough. They would retake the lead on a solo homer by Colton Cowser in the third, only to have Tampa once again follow suit and tie it at two on Mesa’s RBI-single in the bottom of the inning.

Bassitt was okay for his first start off the IL. Sadly for him however, the game was still tied when he left in the top of the sixth. The O’s loaded the bases in the seventh, with first base being full due to an intentional walk to get to Dylan Beavers. And he catapulted the Orioles into the lead with a two-RBI single at 4-2.

When you’ve played as inconsistently as the Orioles have this year, and as poorly as they have at Tropicana Field, that was a huge moment. Especially given the standings, and given the fact that Tampa had won nine straight. And part of why they won nine straight is the certain amount of joie de vivre with which they operate. It’s on a frustrating frequency on which the rest of us can’t work.

The bigger play however was the eighth inning two-run homer by Gunnar Henderson. It was his twentieth home run of the season, and it gave the Birds a 6-2 lead. Which was huge…

…because of Tampa’s aforementioned joie de vivre. They were never going to go quietly. Yennier Cano came on for the ninth, and after surrendering two base hits he uncorked a wild pitch and left two runners in scoring position. He would strike out Diaz, and allow a two-RBI single to Aranda. Caminero’s RBI-groundout would record the second out, but left the O’s with no more wiggle room at 6-5.

Crag Albernaz opted to change pitchers and brought in Cal Sanders. He induced a flyout on the first pitch to Vilade, ending the inning. And the game.

Again, Tampa doesn’t go quietly. Maybe because they’re so peppy and happy. And there’s a quiet confidence about them whereby if they lose, they just come back tomorrow and try again. But end of the day, not even that attitude was enough to defeat the Orioles and get their win streak to ten.

The series continues tomorrow evening at Tropicana Field. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Tampa’s Ian Seymour. Game time is set for just after 6 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Power surge

Brandon Young wasn’t at his best for the Baltimore Orioles last night. Certainly not his worst, either. It was one of those famous in between starts, and You mg motored through six innings. Young’s line: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R (1 earned), 3 BB, 4 K.

For what it’s worth, the previous two games had starters lifted early. So the fact that Young went six innings saved the bullpen a bit. He also qualified for a quality start.

Gunnar Henderson singled to lead off the game, and was followed by Pete Alonso. And Big Pete set the tone for the evening with a two-run home run. That gave the Birds a 2-0 lead, immediately putting Minnesota on notice.

In reality however, Henderson set the tone by getting on base. That’s what a lead off man is supposed to do. One has to hope that last night’s game is a catalyst for Henderson breaking out of his slump.

And I say that also in part because in his next at-bat in the second inning, Gunnar Henderson hit a two-run home run of his own. That doubled the Orioles lead. It also meant that Minnesota needed to score at least five to beat the Orioles. And when you’re playing a team who put up nine the day before and refused to take its foot off the gas, that makes a difference.

Young would load the bases in the last of the second. However the only run he surrendered was on an RBI-groundout by Roden. In limiting the damage, he pitched through difficulties and maintained the status quo. And he was rewarded for that, as one inning later Christian Encarnacion-Strand smacked a solo homer and extended the Orioles’ lead to 5-1.

The O’s may have another issue at catcher coming out of this game, as Yohel Pozzo got clipped by a swing in the last of the third, and had to leave the game. In short, it’s an injured thumb, and x-rays were negative. Whether a roster move is pending remains to be seen. Lee’s subsequent run-scoring double cut the lead to 5-2.

That’s an unearned run, as catcher’s interference was called on Pozzo – which is an error. That pushed a runner already at first base into scoring position, further highlighting the Orioles’ luck with catchers. Samuel Basallo and Adley Rutschman were both hurt, Rutschman was traded to Boston, Basallo’s still injured, and now one of the replacements might be down as well.

Josh Walker and Yennier Cano retired Minnesota in the seventh and eighth, and Andrew Kitteredge closed things out in the ninth. All in all, a good win for the O’s, who need to finish off the series today in strong fashion.

The series concludes this afternoon at Target Field. Shane Baz gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Minnesota’s Zebby Matthews. Game time is set for 1:40 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Unwavering on approach since June of 2024

It would have probably stood to reason that the Baltimore Orioles would have changed things up a bit against former starter Dean Kremer last night. But they couldn’t for the most part. Trevor Rogers turned in an uncharacteristically short start on top of that, and Oriole bats couldn’t muster much until late. Rogers’ line: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K.

Rogers, along with all Oriole pitchers, was tentative. As I’ve said many times, you don’t want to just throw the ball consistently right down Broadway. But you have to attack the strike zone. They don’t consistently do that, and they didn’t do it last night.

Rogers surrendered a solo home run to Martin in the third. One inning later however the Birds would actually tie the game in a fairly strange manner. With one out and runners at the corners, Tyler O’Neill struck out and Jackson Holliday was caught stealing on the base paths. However Craig Albernaz had apparently put on a double-steal, enabling Gunnar Henderson to in essence steal home plate.

However Rogers gave the lead right back. He hit the first batter of the fourth by a pitch, followed by a double by Lee – resulting in two runners in scoring position. Culpepper’s sac fly-RBI would give Minnesota the lead back at 2-1.

When you’re trying to pitch exclusively on the fringes, that will sometimes happen. In fact, Rogers hit another batter before the inning ended. Sometimes pitches get away from someone. It happens. However when you aren’t allowing a pitcher to attack the strike zone and instead consistently and tentatively pitching to the fringes of the plate, you run the risk of a pitch getting away.

Minnesota recorded two infield hits to lead off the seventh. One was in no man’s land, and Jackson Holliday didn’t have time to make the throw to first. The second was a soft bunt, compounded by a throwing error which put two runners in scoring position. When you pitch to the fringes, fringe things can happen. Jeffers’ two-run single gave Minnesota a 4-1 lead.

Later in the inning Bell’s three-run home run extended the lead to 7-1. The O’s would rally just a bit, with Coby Mayo smacking an RBI-double and Christian Encarnacion-Strand an RBI-groundout in the eighth. However Minnesota didn’t call off the dogs; they added two more in the bottom of the inning before Coby Mayo’s two-RBI double in the ninth. All in all, the Birds dropped this one 9-5.

Kremer pitched outstanding against his former team. This would be one reason you don’t help out someone with whom you’re competing directly for a postseason spot. Especially when you’re playing them in short order.

The Orioles slowly began going into a swoon in mid-June, 2024. They were never the same after that. Something changed; is it approach? Effort? Maybe even luck? Tough to say.

However as I alluded above, the Orioles cannot change their game plan. They always attack the fringes of the plate. Dean Kremer, because he was forced to do this also, knows that. If there were ever a time to maybe change up your approach, it would be against a guy who was part of said approach until a couple of weeks ago.

But whomever calls the shots in game wasn’t about to let that happen. Again, since June of 2024, the Orioles the O’s have been very rigid in how they’ve approached games from a pitching perspective. Kremer knows this. He also knows the machine won’t allow anything to change it. So he was Minnesota’s “advance scout” for this series. Minnesota hitters infernally refused to swing at anything that wasn’t right over the plate. And it worked.

And the fact that a pitcher like Kremer was able to go to a different team and throw seven innings of one-hit ball against his former team is equally incriminating. He knew that the Orioles aim only for launch angle and exit velocity. And he used that to his advantage.

Since June of 2024, the team has been managed very rigidly. This over three different managers (one of whom was an interim manager). You can’t win games on a spreadsheet. You win them on the field. It’s no mystery what the Orioles are doing. The word got out in June of 2024. And the results since then show that.

The series continues this evening at Target Field. Brandon Young gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Minnesota’s Bailey Ober. Game time is set for 7:40 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Polar Bear plunges a stake deep in the heart of Texas

Coming into this afternoon’s series finale in Texas, the Baltimore Orioles had gotten great pitching but little in the way of hitting. Cade Povich was hoping he wouldn’t be the latest victim. The good news is he wasn’t. The bad news (for Povich) is that he didn’t stick around long enough to qualify for the win. Povich’s line: 3.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K.

The Orioles put two runners on with two outs in the first inning. Dylan Beavers’ RBI-single gave them a 1-0 lead. Leody Taveras followed with an RBI-double, and the O’s led 2-0 early on.

After Povich sent Texas down 1-2-3 in the last of the first, Colton Cowser smacked a mammoth solo homer to center in the second, and the O’s led, 3-0. Later in the inning Gunnar Henderson drew a walk, bringing Pete Alonso to the plate. And Big Pete sent a two-run homer over the left field wall, giving the Birds a 5-0 lead.

Povich was cruising, as for once were Oriole bats. However the third inning brought problems for Povich. He allowed an infield single with one out, followed with a walk with two outs having been recorded. Suddenly Povich couldn’t find a strike zone, and he surrendered a three-run home run to Nimmo which cut the lead to 5-3.

Povich got out of that inning without any further runs scoring, but he seemed spooked. That ended up being his last inning, which wasn’t a huge deal as the Oriole bullpen was well rested due to starters pitching deep (albeit in losing efforts) in the first two games of the series. You wish that Craig Albernaz would have allowed Povich to qualify for the win, but end of the day he opted for the bullpen.

In the mean time, Pete Alonso smacked his second two-run homer of the ballgame in the fourth, extending the Oriole lead to 7-3. It was Alonso’s first multi-home run game as an Oriole. And in the wake of the rough third inning, it re-centered the Orioles a bit.

Tyler O’Neill provided some insurance in the sixth with a two-run homer of his own. To further the point, Colton Cowser walked in a run in the ninth. Texas would also slide two across in the bottom of the inning – runs which meant nothing.

End of the day you wish you had won this series. However the Orioles finished it off with a bang, running away with a 10-5 victory off of Pete Alonso’s bat, deep in the heart of Texas. Hopefully the offensive output continues.

The O’s now head to Target Field to open a three-game set against Minnesota. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Minnesota’s Dean Kremer (of course a former and very recent Oriole himself). Game time is set for 7:40 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles within two games of .500

Needless to say, the selloff has been harsh on the Baltimore Orioles this week. However the O’s also have quietly continued their push into the standings and for the postseason in the midst of heavy trade winds against them. Trevor Rogers continued their quest for October this evening against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Rogers’ line: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 9 K.

To be blunt, the Orioles need to extend Rogers. He’s a free agent at the end of the year, but he’s been invaluable to this franchise in 2026 – and before. Withstanding a lockout, he should be an Oriole in 2027 and beyond.

The O’s pulled ahead in the fourth inning, following a walk. And it came from the unlikeliest of spots. Tyler O’Neill’s two-run homer gave the Birds a 2-0 lead. That was followed up by a solo shot by Coby Mayo, and the Orioles led hapless Anaheim, 3-0.

However Anaheim chipped away. Siri’s solo home run in the sixth cut the lead to 3-1. Meckler’s RBI-single in the seventh further cut the lead to 3-2. The game hung in the balance in a sense. But not for long.

Gunnar Henderson reached on a HBP in the last of the eighth. He would advance on a throwing error, and Craig Alberbaz would pinch-hit Leody Taveras for Tyler O’Neill. O’Neill, who had already smacked a home run.

To his credit, Craig Alberbaz has pushed a lot of the right buttons of late. He isn’t always given credit for that, specifically not from me. But he’s pushed the right buttons recently. As he did tonight.

Leody Taveras’ two-run home run extended the lead to 5-2. And that made it a lot easier for Andrew Kittredge, who came on to close things out in the ninth. With the win, the O’s closed to within one game of the final playoff spot (at the time of this article’s publication, and to within two games of .500.

The series concludes tomorrow at Camden Yards. Brandon Young gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Anaheim’s Ryan Johnson. Game time for a set for just after 12:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Cade Povich cool as a Polar Bear

The Baltimore Orioles put Cade Povich in a bit of a spot tonight. Povich was activated off the IL, and was taxed with starting tonight against Anaheim – in the first game after GM Mike Elias controversially traded Adley Rutschman (among others). And to his credit, Povich delivered. Povich’s line: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K.

Povich has quietly had a great regular season, despite the injury. Coming into to tonight’s game, he had a 3.91 ERA. My personal opinion is that he’s a keeper. Despite having traffic on the base paths for most of the night, he did pitch a shutout over six innings.

The Orioles immediately inserted a couple of their new players into the lineup, including Christian Franklin and Carlos Narváez. The latter of which (who was obtained in the Rutschman trade) was hit by a pitch in the third. The Birds would proceed to load the bases, and Pete Alonso’s two-RBI single would give them a 2-0 lead.

This wasn’t a game noted for its offensive output. With one out Coby Mayo would triple in the seventh. Franklin would then reach on a fielder’s choice, with Mayo being thrown out at home plate.

Craig Albernaz had the contact play on. The O’s always seem to have the contact play on. It didn’t work. The O’s ran into an out. How good a bunter Franklin is, but would a safety squeeze not have been a better idea there? The contact play works well if the game is truly on the line late in the game. The scenario didn’t call for it in that instance.

Grissom’s run-scoring double in the eighth sort of drove home the point about the safety squeeze. Suddenly the Orioles were only ahead by one, and that out at home plate registered greater. To make matters worse, an error by Christian Encarnacion-Strand at third helped drive the run in.

But the Orioles pitched out of it. On top of that, they got an insurance run from Tyler O’Neill in the form of a solo home run in the last of the eighth. Yennier Cano closed Los Angeles out in the ninth, and the O’s took the first game of this series, 3-1.

This was a huge win. Not regarding the postseason race or anything, because the math says the Orioles are still very much alive for that. But it was a big win for the psyche of the clubhouse, given the players who were unceremoniously removed over the past day-and-a-half. The Orioles had no choice but to win the game today. And yes, the standings say they’re very much alive.

They also won this game and beat former starter Grayson Rodriguez. He was of course traded to LA in the off season for Tyler Ward – who was just traded to Seattle yesterday, Needless to say, Rodriguez had injury issues beyond his control. But the Birds certainly didn’t want him coming back in here and beating them.

The series continues tomorrow evening at Camden Yards. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Los Angeles’ Reid Detemers. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles send Adley Rutschman to Boston

Adley Rutschman was the Baltimore Orioles first round pick in 2019. Not only that, he was the first overall pick in the draft. He was a 1:1.

Today President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias traded Rutschman to division rival Boston. Rutschman is a free agent after 2027, and he’s currently on the IL with a wrist injury. In return for Rutschman, the Orioles are reportedly getting RHP Anthony Eyanson, OF Endy Azocar, RHP Kyson Witherspoon, C Carlos Narvaez, and a player to be named later. Eyanson and Witherspoon are the #2 and #3 prospects in Boston’s system.

Whether that’s a legitimate haul for Rutschman remains to be seen. Perhaps some of that depth was even warranted in the Orioles’ farm system. What IS factual is that six of the eight deadlines in the current Elias regime have been sales.

On top of that, this goes well against the grain of baseball logic. While the O’s got some decent players back, traditionally you don’t trade within your division. Many will say that’s a good thing. While my view is irrelevant, again I’ll just reiterate that regular logic goes against this.

It’s also worth mentioning that the O’s are still 2.5 games back in the playoff race. Adley Rutschman is a franchise sort of player who’s now going to be that for a division rival. There does appear to be something wrong with that picture. But that’s the reality of the situation.

It’s entirely possible that Mike Elias is comfortable with the Orioles continuing their postseason push without the likes of Rutschman, Taylor Ward, and Dean Kremer. It could be that he’s comfortable with those players being on teams who are directly competing with the Orioles. But needless to say, the moves are curious.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Orioles locked C Samuel Basallo into a longterm deal last year. So while Basallo’s injured also for now, there’s no question mark at the catcher position for the foreseeable future. But again, usually you don’t help out your division rivals.

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Baltimore Orioles send Taylor Ward to Seattle

The Baltimore Orioles have traded Og Taylor Ward to Seattle. With the MLB Teade Deadline set for 6 PM this evening, Ward appears on the move. Neither side has confirmed the deal.

In return, the O’s appear poised to receive RHP’s Alex Hoppe, Brock Moore and Harrison Kreiling. All three appear to be high leverage relievers. Perhaps they can be stretched out. Time will tell.

Despite an unfortunate turn of events over the weekend against Philadelphia, the Orioles are 2.5 games out of a playoff spot. In Seattle and Minnesota, they’ve now traded with two teams with whom they’re competing for that spot. I find that odd. But perhaps I’m outdated in my thinking. In my world you never make someone who’s a threat to you better.

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Baltimore Orioles: Nothing good happens after a walk – or after bad challenges

You can’t pitch better than Shane Baz did tonight for the Baltimore Orioles. Sadly tonight’s game against Philadelphia was also par for the course, as the Orioles don’t seem to score runs in games when Baz pitches. Beginning and ending with tonight – where they put up zero. Baz’s line: 6.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K.

Philadelphia’s starter Sanchez matched Baz. Both were outstanding. The Orioles lost a challenge in the third inning, on a pitch that was outside the strike zone by over an inch and a half. In the moment however it was a non-issue because Baz got out of the inning. In the moment being a key phrase there.

Philadelphia would take a 1-0 lead in the fifth on an RBI-single by De La Cruz. This with two outs in the inning, and on the heels of a walk. The only walk of the game that Baz issued. Which was followed by the only run of the game that he allowed.

Remember that bit above about that missed challenge not hurting the Orioles in the moment? It began to hurt them in the seventh when Taylor Ward missed their second and final challenge of the game. On a pitch that was clearly a strike. Putting them out of challenges for the game.

I fundamentally disagree with computers calling balls and strikes. But the system is what it is; the O’s haven’t been good with challenges this year – either offensively or defensively. They either challenge the wrong pitches or let bad calls go unchecked. Or, they shoot their wad early and often.

With Philadelphia still leading 1-0 in the top of the eight, Schwarber walked on a full count with one out. Ball four was CLEARLY in the strike zone to the naked eye. A fact that was backed up by pitch track. But the Orioles couldn’t challenge. Grant Wolfram tapped his hat, but the Birds were out of challenges. Everyone in the ballpark knew thatwas strike three. But it went as ball four.

Following a second walk and a wild pitch, Bohm’s RBI-single extended the lead to 2-0. After Bohm’s RBI-single it was 3-0. Crawford would tack on a two-RBI single later in the game, extending the lead to 5-0. Most of the runs in that sequence came off of walks…

…and nothing good happens after a walk. Walks may only equal one base, but they’re runners on base. Philadelphia took advantage of their opportunities once those runners got on. Meanwhile the Orioles were 0-for-3 with RISP. You can’t win games like that.

You also can’t win games by challenging pitches that you have no business challenging, leading to you being out of challenges. Again, that system isn’t something in which I believe. But it’s there, and you have to utilize it correctly. When the Orioles were faced with a pitch that was an OBVIOUS strike three, they couldn’t enforce it.

It’s easy enough to say that it’s nobody’s fault but their own that they allowed the inning to balloon after that. AND that they couldn’t put a run on the board, losing 5-0. And that’s true. However does nobody on and two outs not sound better than one on and one out? Do we think that inning still balloons the way it did if that’s a strike three instead of a ball four? And make no mistake, IT WAS a strike three.

The series concludes tomorrow afternoon at Camden Yards. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Philadelphia’s Zack Wheeler. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles trade Dean Kremer to Minnesota

Word on the street is that the Baltimore Orioles traded starter Dean Kremer to Minnesota shortly after last night’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia. Again word on the street is that in return they’re receiving Jhomnardo Reyes, a single-A outfielder. Neither the Orioles or Minnesota have announced the trade.

Kremer heads to Minnesota with a 6.50 ERA on the season. (It ballooned to that level after his most recent starts in Boston and Detroit.) For his part, Reyes was Minnesota’s 12th prospect in their organization. He also bats from the left side.

The Orioles are a game-and-a-half back from the final Wild Card Spot. So they aren’t selling – per se. This is a curious move to me, especially given the fact that the team currently in the final Wild Card spot is…Minnesota. The trade deadline is Monday, which is an off day for the Orioles. Does this foreshadow the addition of another pitcher?

Kremer was slated to start on Tuesday, so the O’s will need a starter for that game against Anaheim. They could also skip the start, given the off day. The Orioles also head to Minnesota in just over two weeks. Needless to say, best wishes to Dean Kremer.

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Baltimore Orioles: Brotherly “Gun”

Brandon Young pitched well for the Baltimore Orioles tonight. Wellish. He had his struggles, but also his share of misfortune. Young’s line: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 5 K.

Young gave up an infield single and a walk to lead off the game. And the infield single was a good pitch – Turner just hit it soft enough to be an infield hit. Harper’s RBI-single would give Philadelphia a 1-0 lead. An RBI-single hit the opposite way.

Later in the inning Marsh’s RBI-groundout would extend the lead to 2-0. But keep in mind that the O’s had to come to bat as well – nine times at that. Dylan Beavers would lead off the game with a double, and after a wild pitch that sent him to third, Pete Alonso would tie the game at two with a two-run home run.

Oriole bats couldn’t get much going after that. Philadelphia’s starter (Painter) settled in and shut them down. Philadelphia on the other hand took their lead back at 4-2 thanks to two solo homers. One by Turner in the third, and one by Realmuto in the sixth.

Solo home runs aren’t supposed to hurt you. But they almost hurt the O’s. After Painter left the game, things started to shift. The Orioles had runners at first and second with one pitch in the seventh. Christian Encarnacion-Strand sent a deep liner to the gap in center, which fell as a two-RBI double which immediately tied the game. Talk about a guy who’s been dialed in of late!

But that only set the tone. After Pete Alonso was hit by a pitch the Birds had runners at the corners, needing one to take a lead against a good Philadelphia team. Gunnar Henderson strode to the plate. Gunnar Henderson who’s struggled all season.

You could see in his eyes he wanted this. He wanted to play the hero at least once. And boy did he. He would eventually smack a two-RBI triple, and the Orioles led, 6-4. Gunnar was noticeably animated after sliding in safely. He knew what he had done. And it felt good.

The Oriole pen shut down Philadelphia 1-2-3 in both the eighth and ninth. The eighth inning belonged to Yennier Cano, who of course signed a two-year contract extension before the game. And he earned every penny in that eighth inning.

This is the Orioles’ second consecutive game where they’ve come from behind. Granted, this one wasn’t as dramatic as the other day in Detroit. But it shows a never say die attitude. And at least today, it came off the bat of a player in Gunnar Henderson who had been hoping for such a moment all year.

The series continues tomorrow night at Camden Yards. Shane Baz gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Philadelphia’s Cristopher Sanchez. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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Baltimore Orioles: Detroit swung, the O’s didn’t

Dean Kremer was unable to muster any sort of momentum for the Baltimore Orioles tonight in Detroit. Nor was anyone else who pitched in the game. Neither in the game or in the wake of last night’s win. Which ended up being a big deal, given tonight’s result. Kremer’s line: 4.0 IP, 8 H, 8 R, 3 BB, 4 K.

In short, Detroit hitters were swinging away at will against Kremer and everyone else the Orioles threw up there. The Orioles almost assumed their outs were fait accompli. An opponent hellbent on winning and a passive approach at the plate on your part rarely ends well.

Keith’s two-RBI triple in the first was really all Detroit needed. Their pitching shut down Oriole hitting. However Kremer also couldn’t find the strike zone. He lived on the fringes, as did every other Oriole pitcher. One inning later Valencia’s solo homer, combined with Torres’ two-RBI double extended the lead to 5-0.

Kremer should have been pulled there. But he went back out. Before the fourth inning was over, Detroit led 8-0. The big play in that? A two-run homer by Torres. On a cutter that stayed up.

At times it almost looked like Detroit knew what was coming. And I don’t say that in an effort to say a team was stealing signs. I say that in the context that I think the Orioles have tipped pitches (accidentally, of course) for some time, and that they need to figure out what they’re doing to in effect tell other teams what they’re doing.

None of that explains the Orioles’ passive approach at the plate tonight. They tallied three hits in the game. You can’t win games with that sort of output. In short, guys are guessing where pitches are going to be. And they’re guessing wrong.

Detroit really wasn’t in the mood to stop, when the smoke cleared it was a 14-0 final. To be clear, the final two runs came on a two-run home run by Valencia in the eighth inning. Off of Chadwick Tromp.

Which is equally baffling. I’m not sure whose idea it was to have a catcher be the position player to pitch in a blowout, but it’s a curious choice. Needless to say. Granted, it could also mean that a roster move is forthcoming, involving Tromp.

This is a game you have to just forget about. YES, they have to figure out if someone’s tipping pitches, and then how to stop it. However that’s been true for two years. But you have to forget about it and move onto tomorrow.

The series concludes tomorrow afternoon at Comerica Park. Trevor Rogers gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Detroit’s Tarik Skubal. Game time is set for just after 1 PM,

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Baltimore Orioles: A win for “Rocky J. Squirrel!”

The Baltimore Orioles found themselves sending Kyle Bradish to the mound in this evening’s series opener in Frostbite Falls – Detroit, that is. Bradish wasn’t at his best, although he never trailed in the game. Bradish’s line: 4.2 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 4 K.

As the game began and our hero’s settled in, the O’s took an early lead. Taylor Ward’s first inning RBI-groundout gave them an early 1-0 lead. Jeremiah Jackson’s RBI-groundout an inning later, followed by Dylan Beavers’ RBI-single. And the O’s led 3-0.

Detroit’s McKinstry would lead off the home half of the second with a triple. The ball bounced in front of Leody Taveras, and the run later scored on on Lee’s sac fly-RBI. Needless to say, that’s about as good of an outcome as you could have hoped for.

But the O’s would get that run back on Coby Mayo’s RBI-single in the third. Detroit would net two in the fourth, cutting the lead to 4-3. It was almost like the game was hanging in the balance.

But the O’s were having none of a comeback for Detroit. Like Rocky & Bullwinkle shut down Boris & Natasha however, the Birds put a stop to Detroit’s aspirations of winning today. Leody Taveras’ solo home run in the fifth, followed by a two-run homer by Coby Mayo. However Detroit would put two back on the board in the fifth, et the O’s managed to hold the lead at 7-5.

Of all people, it was Tyler O’Neill who put the exclamation point on the night. His solo home run in the seventh extended the lead to 8-5. But the game for once wasn’t the entertainment.

That fell to the black squirrel who worked its way onto the field. That squirrel had to have touched every blade of grass on the field. Not to mention running on the infield dirt. Hoke plate umpire Bill Miller had the Detroit grounds crew (with an assist from Leody Taveras) remove the squirrel during a time out, Miller then got on the mic and personally thanked the grounds crew. Crazy; the squirrel was later removed.

The series continues tomorrow night at Comerica Park. Dean Kremer gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Detroit’s Troy Melcom. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.