The Baltimore Orioles dropped the second game of yesterday’s doubleheader, once again behind a quality start from a starter. Yefry Ramirez wasn’t perfect, but he put the team in a spot to win. Ramirez’s line: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 4 K.
Houston took the lead early on Styles’ solo homer in the first. The O’s would tie the game an inning later on Austin Wynns‘ RBI-single. Wynns was also thrown out trying to advance to second.
Ramirez loaded the bases in the fourth, and ended up walking in a run to give Houston a 2-1 lead. He would surrender another solo homer to McCann in the sixth, and the Birds trailed 3-1. The O’s would try to rally in the seventh with the bases loaded, but they could only muster one run. And that came on a wild pitch. And Houston made the Orioles pay for their neglect, with Marisnick’s two-run homer in the eighth to run the final to 5-2
Obviously that sets up a very reflective day today at Camden Yards, with both Buck Showalter and Adam Jones potentially putting on the orange and black for the final time. To be clear, Showalter hasn’t spoken to ownership about his status for next season. We’ve heard reports of his departure and so forth, but nothing official.
However after last night’s game, none other than Adam Jones talked about what could be next for the tenured manager (quote courtesy of Roch Kubatko, MASNsports):
I just think ever since he came here on Aug. 3, 2010, the franchise just gained a little more accountability, gained an edge for some time and it’s the end of an era on his part, too. A great manager, a great tenure. I don’t know if he’s going to coach or manage again, but he’s got grandchildren. Hell, go golf. Relax and go sit on the golf course.
That didn’t sound like someone who thought Buck would be back. However it’s a valid point, and one I’ve brought up myself regarding Showalter. It’s unclear if he himself wants to continue doing this. He became a grandfather for the first time last year. That seems like it would be a game-changer for anyone. So he may be in a different mindset now as opposed to in 2010.
As difficult as this season’s been for the team, I always find myself feeling a bit strange when we get to this point. Win or lose, I’ve been peppering fans with game recaps and analysis since February in the Florida Grapefruit League – and will do so again starting in a few months! It’s been a long road. And one that was made longer by the strains of this season. It just feels strange to say that there’ll be no game to cover tomorrow. But them’s the facts.
The series with Houston and of course the season will culminate this afternoon at Camden Yards. Jimmy Yacabonis gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Houston’s Charlie Morton. Game time is set for just after 3 PM.
Birdland Crush 