The Baltimore Orioles have struggled against Tampa the last few years. They almost find a way to beat the Orioles, no matter what happens. They took a 2-0 lead on starter Alex Cobb last night, and it appeared that the trend was continuing. Cobb’s line; 4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 2 K.
Tampa put up runs in the first and third on RBI-doubles, following an hour rain delay before the game. And that’s one of the many ways they’ve done the Orioles wrong over the years. They get people on base and quickly get them in. They have no issue piecemealing one run here and one run there. One run means their opponent has to score two to beat them.
The Orioles however could have rolled over and played dead. Knowing the history of Tampa prancing to victory using any means possible, what would have been the point. But orange and black…those colors don’t run.
The Birds showed Tampa the way that they operate. As opposed to piecemeal, they score runs in clumps. Anthony Santander tied the game at two with a two-run homer in the fourth. A few minutes later, the Birds had the lead when Pedro Severino went back-to-back and smacked a solo shot.
Tampa tried to win by playing the Orioles’ game with a solo homer by Lowe to tie the game in the fifth. But the orange and black weren’t going to allow this night to be spoiled. They got the lead back in the last of the fifth on Santander’s RBI-single. Rio Ruiz would reach base in the seventh in a fielder’s choice in the last of the seventh, and a run would score on a throwing error. And Hanser Alberto would add a solo homer in the eighth to complete the Birds’ 6-3 victory.
I do think it’s important to note that this is a team that’s given the Orioles problems. Not as many as say New York, but I digress. They’ve always seemed to be able to find a way to win. But the Birds didn’t allow it on this night. Because these colors don’t run.
The O’s also consummated a trade after the game. Reliever Richard Bleier was traded to the Miami Marlins for a player to be named later. An interesting turn of events for sure, but that’s the news.
The series continues this evening against Tampa at Camden Yards. Wade LeBlanc gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Tampa’s Tyler Glasnow. Game time is set for just after 7:30 PM.
Birdland Crush 