The Baltimore Orioles pitched well for the second consecutive game. That’s seemingly been the motif this spring, as the O’s have pitched well in most games. This afternoon they sent Baltimore native Bruce Zimmerman to the mound, and he didn’t disappoint. Zimmerman’s line: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K.
Zimmerman was solid on a day when Orioles’ pitching in general was solid. And after coming out of the game he himself seemed very satisfied with his outing (quote courtesy of Roch Kubatko, MASNsports):
I think I threw really well. I had a little bit of control issues that first inning. Loved having that solid defense behind me today, picking me up with that double play as well as a couple of those wind balls that Rio (Ruiz) played extremely well because it was moving around a lot up there.
I think my second and third inning I was able to settle down and really attack some hitters. Changeup was really good today. Didn’t really get to use my breaking balls as much, but overall I think it was a pretty solid day and the defense helped me out, which was nice.
After Zimmerman exited however, Tampa got on the board. Martinez’s RBI-single gave them a 1-0 lead. And as they say, that’s your ballgame.
It may not have been a good day at the plate for the O’s, but the pitching was once again solid. And I think the coaches understand that not all games are going to yield big runs on offense. Especially against a team like Tampa who gets on base through any means necessary. But the fact that the pitching shut them down for the most part today is something that should give coaches and fans a lot of hope.
The O’s return home to Ed Smith Stadium tomorrow as the New York Yankees come to town. Kohl Stewart takes the mound for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by NY’s Clarke Schmidt. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.
Birdland Crush 