The Baltimore Orioles recalled starting pitcher Bruce Zimmermann before tonight’s series opener against Boston at Camden Yards. And Zimmerman set the trend for the game, which the Orioles won. Zimmermann’s line: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K.
The lone run Zimmermann surrendered was a solo homer by Schwarber in the second inning. After Zimmermann had departed Renfroe smacked a solo shot in the sixth inning. From Boston’s standpoint, they were off to the races.
But the Orioles had other ideas. Ryan Mountcastle continued his all out assault on the Orioles’ record books by tying the game in the last of the sixth with a two-run homer. It’s going to be tough for Mountcastle to win AL Rookie of the Year given that he plays for a losing team. But make no mistake that he’s made a strong case, and absolutely should be in the running.
Later in that sixth inning Pedro Severino gave the Orioles the lead at 3-2 with an RBI-single. And Ryan McKenna supplied an RBI-single in the last of the eighth, giving the Orioles an insurance run. And eventually a 4-2 victory.
Boston entered the night in possession of the second wild card spot, one game behind New York for the top spot. They were also a game ahead of Toronto, who’s currently out of the playoff picture. So the Orioles are going to leave their mark on the AL playoff race one way or the other.
They have two more this week against Boston of course, and then they close the season this weekend in Toronto. So the Birds will be heard. They’ll have their say on the final standings.
The series continues tomorrow night at a Camden Yards. Zac Lowther gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Nathan Eovaldi. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Birdland Crush 