The Baltimore Orioles weren’t going to see quality starts for the rest of time. Eventually things were going to get tougher, and that eventuality happened tonight. Spencer Watkins got the start, abs struggled throughout his outing. Watkins’ line: 3.2 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 2 BB, 3 K.
Watkins surrendered three runs in the last of the second. A solo homer by Yepez, and a two-RBI double by Donovan got things started for St. Louis. And that set the tone in essence for the entire game.
Edman’s RBI-double in the last of the fourth ran the score to 4-0. St. Louis would keep the pressure on, tacking on six more runs over the course of the rest of the game. The O’s would also get on the board in the last of the fifth on Robinson Chirinos’ RBI-double.
It begins and ends with starting pitching. I’ve said that for years. Or written it, I should say. Watkins was off tonight. But as I said, the string of quality starts wasn’t going to last forever. Someone was going to trip up at some point.
The series in St. Louis concludes tomorrow afternoon at Busch Stadium. The O’s are yet to announce a starter, but whomever he is will be opposed by St. Louis’ Jordan Hicks. Game time is set for 1:15 PM.
Birdland Crush 