Jordan Lyles did the Baltimore Orioles a “solid” this afternoon. This based on pure longevity and staying in the ballgame. He pitched a strong start for the Birds, into the eighth inning. Lyles’ line: 7.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R (3 earned), 1 BB, 5 K.
When you’re playing a doubleheader and your starter goes into the eighth in game one, you’re in really decent shape. Win or lose. It helps save your bullpen.
Cedric Mullins gave the Orioles the lead in the second with a ground run RBI-double. Olivares’ RBI-single an inning later for Kansas City would tie the game at one. Kansas City would take the lead in the fifth when Lopez reached on a fielder’s choice, combined with Ryan Mountcastle’s throwing error. 
Benintendi would add a sac fly-RBI in the fifth to extend the lead to 3-1. Ryan Mountcastle appeared to potentially smack a two-run homer in the last of the fifth, however it was ruled a double. The Birds asked for a review, but the call was upheld. However the O’s did cut the lead to 3-2.
But two innings later the Birds would however get the lead back. Rougned Odor would smack a two-RBI double, giving the O’s a 4-3 lead. However that was short-lived. O’Hearn’s sac fly-RBI in the eighth would tie the game at four.
Kansas City would push two runs across in the top of the ninth as well, both the result of errors. A runner would get on base when Odor bobbled a routine grounder at second, and he would advance to third on a throwing error by Jorge Lopez. Two run-scoring singles later, Kansas City had a 6-4 victory in game one of a twin bill.
On the positive side, the O’s only used two relievers. In a doubleheader that’s important. However errors are killing this team right now. Only three of Kansas City’s six runs were earned. And the two in the ninth inning really stick out. You have to shore that up, as opponents are going to take advantage.
The series with Kansas City continues in a few moments from Camden Yards in the second game of the doubleheader. Bruce Zimmermann gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Kansas City’s Daniel Lynch. Game time is set for about 20-25 from now.
Birdland Crush 