The Baltimore Orioles sent Dean Kremer to the mound in game two of three in Texas. Kremer pitched a great effort, although he was pulled in the fifth inning in an effort to match up. However he put his team in a spot to win the game. And as I’ve said many times, that’s all you can ask of a starter. Kremer’s line: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K.
Kremer gave up one run, on an RBI-single to Dahl in the fourth inning. While no other runs were surrendered after Kremer left, the O’s couldn’t make any headway in the game. That is until they got into Texas’ suspect bullpen.
Cedric Mullins‘ RBI-single in the seventh tied the game at one. But it was Trey Mancini who made the biggest impact. His RBI-double later, in the eighth inning, put the Orioles in the lead. Later in the inning Ryan Mountcastle added a sac fly-RBI, closing out the inning with the Birds leading 3-1.
The Orioles would add a few insurance runs in the ninth. DJ Stewart‘s RBI-single ran the score to 4-1. Later in the inning Maikel Franco would add a two-run home run, giving the O’s a 6-1 win.
This was a good team win. Not one moment in theory was better than another. However Mancini giving the team the lead was huge. As were those insurance runs in the ninth inning. Too often teams get a lead or have a small lead for most of a game, only to see it disappear at the end. But insurance runs ensure that won’t happen.
This in theory also takes pressure off the Orioles. Winning the first two of a series gives them the impression of playing with house money tomorrow. If they lose, two-of-three isn’t bad. If they win, they’ve swept the weekend series in Texas. So again, house money.
The series concludes tomorrow at Globe Life Field. John Means gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Texas’ Kyle Gibson. Game time is set for just after 2:30 PM.
Birdland Crush 