Cedric Mullins was the story tonight for the Baltimore Orioles. Had the game gone any other way however it would have been starter Matt Harvey. The goal of a starting pitcher is to put the team in a position to win. Harvey did that, as he pitched to a quality start. Harvey’s line: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K.
Harvey had the lead early after retiring New York in the top of the first. Mullins led the game off with a solo homer in the first inning. Upon further review, the ball made it onto Eutaw Street. Unofficially, that’s the 108th home run ball hit onto Eutaw Street in the history of Camden Yards.
Freddy Galvis’ RBI-double in the second would extend the Birds’ lead to 2-0. However following the inning Galvis would come out of the game with an injury. Later on the Orioles would announce that he had strained some muscles in the groin area.
New York would get on back in the sixth to pull to within 2-1 on Judge’s RBI-double. But if I’ve said it once I’ve said it a million times; if you get guys on base sometimes things happen. The O’s had runners at the corners and one out. Rio Ruiz (the runner at third) was awarded home plate on a ball. The Birds led 3-1.
But they wanted and needed more. Mullins came up to bat again in the seventh, and promptly deposited his second home run of the game into the seats. This one, also a solo shot, gave the O’s a 4-1 lead.
New York would load the bases in the eighth, and Urshela would smack an RBI-single. However Judge tried to take third base, and with two outs was promptly cut down. The umpires ruled that what would have been the second run didn’t score before the out was recorded, prompting New York manager Boone to get ejected from the game.
It also kept the score at 4-2 as opposed to 5-3. And the key to that play was Austin Hays’ throw to third from the outfield. Hays is quickly becoming a stud – both at the plate and on the field.
The series continue last evening at Camden Yards. Bruce Zimmerman gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by New York’s Corey Kluber. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Birdland Crush 