The Baltimore Orioles’ bullpen was unable to hold the lead for Dylan Bundy this evening. Bundy didn’t get credited with a quality start, but he put the Birds in a position to win. And he left with the lead in the seventh. Bundy’s line: 6.0 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 5 K.
One thing I’ve noticed out of numerous Oriole pitchers (including Bundy) this year is that many of them are actually getting too much of the plate at times. Bundy’s one walk evidences that in a way. Pitches were in the zone, and many hitters took advantage of that – starting with Texas’ Calhoun, who smacked a solo homer in the first inning.
However they didn’t lead for long. Trey Mancini hit his 30th homer of the season (a solo shot) in the last of the first, tying the game. And Richie Martin provided a three-run homer in the second inning, giving Bundy and the O’s a 4-1 lead.
However Texas rallies twice in this game – the first time being in the wake of the Martin homer. Texas put two men on in the third, and Calhoun was coming back to the plate. And he would connect again, tying the game at four.
But the Orioles has a rally of their own in them in the fifth. With a guy on base, Anthony Santander put the Birds back in the driver’s seat with a two-run home run to give them a 6-4 lead. However the lead’s only as good as the bullpen staff trying to protect it, and the Birds’ ‘pen couldn’t get the job done this evening.
The seventh inning found Bundy chased from the game, and back-to-back RBI-singles gave Texas three runs. It also gave them the lead at 7-6. Which turned into a 7-6 victory over the Orioles.
End of the day, Texas rallied twice, and the Orioles only once. Most of these games are tight, and you have to be able to rally. The O’s couldn’t do it tonight.
The series continues tomorrow at Camden Yards. Aaron Brooks gets the start for the O’s, and Texas has yet to name a starter. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Birdland Crush 