If it was possible to play a game starkly opposite to the previous one, the Baltimore Orioles found a way to do it in Texas last night. Whereas Tuesday’s game was a shootout, the Birds last night found themselves in a pitcher’s duel behind starter John Means, who pitched a great game. Means’ line: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K.
Means gave up an RBI-double to Andrus in the first inning – and that was it. Both sides has multiple shots at scoring more runs. The Orioles left a small army on base. They didn’t have any problems getting guys on. It was getting them in where they struggled.
The Birds appeared poised to drop this game 1-0. However Richie Martin smacked a solo homer in the ninth inning to tie the game. For once it was the O’s hunting someone in the waning seconds of a game and coming back on someone late. The game stretched to the 12th inning, where Texas won it on DeShields’ was off RBI-single. Someone had to win, and it wasn’t the Orioles’ day.
But that last line is intended in more than one manner. The Orioles sustained multiple injuries in this game, exhausting their bench and making one wonder what will happen going into tonight’s game and beyond. Things could get dicey.
Catcher Pedro Severino left the game in the first inning after being clunked on the head with a foul ball. Home plate umpire Brian O’Nora noticed something was off with Severino, and called for the Orioles’ trainers. Later on we received word that Severino didn’t have a concussion.
DJ Stewart left the game with what was later called a sprained knee after crashing into the brick facade at Globe Life Park. It’s a shame because Stewart had finally gotten a hit after being in a mini-slump since coming up. The last thing he needs is to be on the IL. Jonathan Villar also left the game after apparently straining his left thumb.
All three of these players could well avoid the IL. However where does that leave the Orioles tonight and heading into the weekend in Houston? They completed the game without a bench player left to spare. It wouldn’t shock me to see at least one guy on the IL today, just because the Orioles need a bench going into these games.
The series in Dallas concludes this evening at Globe Life Park. David Hess gets the call for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Texas’ Ariel Jurado. Game time is set for just after 8 PM.
Birdland Crush 