Spencer Watkins set the Baltimore Orioles up to be in good shape this evening at Camden Yards. While he left in line to be the loser, he put the O’s in a spot to win the game. Watkins’ line: 5.1 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 4 K.
Keep in mind that the opponent against whom the Birds are playing this week is a contender. That of course being the Tampa Rays. And here we are in the second straight game, and they’ve found a way to win.
The O’s took an early 1-0 lead in the last of the first on a solo homer by Cedric Mullins. However whole that was a harbinger for later, the O’s would have to fight back from that point. Arozarena’s RBI-single in the third tied the game at one, and Tampa took a 2-1 lead in the fourth on a solo homer by Paredes.
Things would unfortunately get slightly worse before they’d get better. Quinn would finish off the fourth inning with a run-scoring double, and Tampa led 3-1. BUT…as long as Ft. McHenry stands on guard at the mouth of Baltimore harbor, these Orioles won’t quit.
The O’s began their modest comeback in the last of the fourth with an ANTHONY Santander solo home run. That cut the lead to 3-2, however the O’s still trailed. For the time being, that is…
…but they wouldn’t trail for long. The O’s would put a runner on in the last of the eighth. Tampa was looking to wind down the game and get to the last of the ninth with their closer. However that wasn’t to be as Ramon Urias strode to home plate.
There may well be many days where Tampa and their curious (at times) antics are going to succeed. More often than not, in fact. But if Urias was going to have anything to say about it, their antics were about to fail. And as his two-run homer cleared the wall and pumped Orioles Magic into the yard, the fans took notice. Because the time’s they are a-changin’.
The O’s would also get a sac fly-RBI by Trey Mancini later in the inning, running the final to 5-3. Again, these Orioles DO NOT quit. And I’m not doing so, they’re endearing themselves to a whole new generation of Orioles fans. They’re giving those people an incredible gift; the opportunity to experience Orioles Magic first hand.
The series continues tomorrow evening at Camden Yards. Tyler Wells gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Tampa’s Drew Rasmussen. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Birdland Crush 