Home games haven’t been kind to the Baltimore Orioles thus far in 2021. Thus far, and including today’s loss, the O’s have won exactly six games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Dean Kremer got the start this afternoon in the series finale against Tampa, and it wasn’t even close. Kremer’s line: 3.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 3 K.
First off, I found Brandon Hyde‘s usage of Kremer to be interesting today. On one hand I suppose one could argue that it appeared Kremer didn’t have it today, and Hyde pulled him after three innings in an attempt to salvage the game. However he also could have been using him as an “opener.” Tough to say.
Tampa got the lead in the second, and never looked back. Wendle smacked a solo homer, followed later in the inning by a three-run shot by Arozarena. The O’s did attempt to fight back. Trey Mancini‘s solo homer cut the Tampa lead to 4-1.
Mancini’s been a bright spot for the Birds in this series. That was his third home run of the three games in which we saw Tampa this week, and also including multiple hits and RBI. Unfortunately the homers were solo shots, however the fact that he’s stroking at the plate bodes well for this lineup moving forward. Especially as the Birds head to Washington this weekend for three games under National League rules (with the pitcher hitting).
However Tampa ensured that the O’s weren’t about to come back. This after they came back late in the game last night. Choi’s RBI-single in the sixth ran the score to 5-1. Tampa would go onto put five more runs on the board before the end of the game, defeating the Orioles, 10-1 this afternoon at Camden Yards.
It’s interesting to note the Birds struggles at home, against how well they’ve played on the road. Obviously John Means’ no-hitter came on the road in Seattle. There’s really no decent explanation as to why the O’s can’t seem to win at Camden Yards.
Then again, the explanation is plain as the noses on our faces. The O’s have played the following opponents at home: Boston (twice), New York (twice), Seattle, Oakland, and Tampa. Those are tough teams to play anywhere. (Although they did perform better on the road against both Seattle and Oakland.) Especially seeing Boston and New York twice.
However the season itself is a grind. You’re going to have up’s and downs. The O’s will now head out on the road for a relatively long trip, taking them through Washington, Minnesota, and Chicago. So if there is something at home which has hampered them, this is a good chance to even things out a bit as they head away from Camden Yards.
The Orioles now head down the pike for the first installment of the Battle of the Beltways at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. Jorge Lopez gets the start for the O’s, and Washington is yet to name a starter. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Note: Washington’s starter is TBD due to two players having been put on the COVID-19 list. One of them tested positive and is asymptomatic, and the other is in quarantine. Our thoughts are certainly with them; at the time this article is being written Washington is playing a day game in Chicago against the Cubs. Presumably they will update their starter following the game.
Birdland Crush 