Baltimore Orioles: David Hess struggles in big league return

The Baltimore Orioles recalled RHP David Hess in advance of last night’s game in San Diego. Unfortunately for the O’s, Hess’ start didn’t exactly go as planned. Hess’ line: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 7 K.

Hess gave up back-to-back homers to Tatis and Reyes, literally on the first two pitches of the game. Not exactly an auspicious beginning. Anthony Santander‘s third inning RBI-single cut the lead to 2-1. Unfortunately for the O’s however, that’s as close as they would get.

Hess would surrender two third inning homers as well. A two-run shot to Hosmer, and a solo home run to Urias. And that ended his night. Hosmer would also add a three-run shot in the seventh to run the final score to 8-1.

Now if there’s anything positive that can be taken away from this start for Hess, it’s his seven strikeouts. Over just under five innings, that’a pretty impressive. However while Hess will take the seven strikeouts as a positive thing, it’s also indicative of the larger problem in this start.

In effect, Hess was getting too much of the strike zone. That’s why the first two hitters smacked homers – the ball was right smack in the middle of the zone. If you’re overpowering people that might be one thing. And in many cases Hess was. You don’t get seven strikeouts without overflowing people here and there.

But in at least four other cases the hitters got to Hess and smacked homers. And this illustrates one of the many reasons why pitching in fact is so challenging. Needless to say, it’s not for the faint of heart. You want to throw strikes. But if you get too much of the strike zone, you’re going to find yourself in trouble more often than not. And that’a what happened to Hess last night.

The short series in San Diego and the Kong west coast swing concludes this afternoon at Petro Park. Tom Eshelman gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by San Diego’s Dinelson Lamet. Game time is set for just after 3:30 PM.