The Baltimore Orioles continues their skid last night in game one of four against Boston. Starter Asher Wojchiekowski didn’t pitch horrendously. However he fell victim to a high pitch count. Boston hitters fouled off pitch after pitch, chasing him earlier than he would have liked. Wojciechowski’s line: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 4 K.
Boston got on the board in the second on Peraza’s RBI-single. Incidentally, it was another run surrendered by the Birds on a softly-hit blooper. There isn’t much anyone can do about this. It’s just something that seems to happen a lot.
Later in the inning Verdugo grounded into a fielder’s choice-RBI. This very well could have been an inning-ending double play instead of another run scored. However Nunez had an ever-so-brief problem getting the ball out of his glove, which resulted in the Birds not being able to turn two. When things aren’t going well things like that happen.
An inning later Boston would get a solo homer out of Bogaerts. However the Birds briefly fought back in the seventh. Pat Valaika got them on the board with a solo homer. But the only thing that did was ensure they didn’t get shut out.
Boston would put four insurance runs on the board in the top of the ninth just for good measure. As I said, when things aren’t going well things like that happen. The O’s need to come back to the ballpark today rededicated to their fundamentals among other things.
Starters also need to go deeper into games. One of the reasons four insurance runs in the ninth inning happens is because the bullpen is taxed. If starters can start going deeper into games, that helps rest the bullpen.
The series continues tonight at Camden Yards. John Means gets the start for the Birds, and Boston is yet to announce a starter. Game time is set for just after 7:30 PM.
Birdland Crush 