Despite the trades that were made the past few days, the Baltimore Orioles have been taking care of business in Texas. Jordan Lyles went to the mound last night, and he was dominant. Lyles’ line: 6.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K.
The Birds took the lead in the third on Jorge Mateo’s three-run homer, and of course never looked back. They would also score twice more before the inning ended. Adley Rutschman added an RBI-double, and Ryan Mountcastle a sac fly-RBI. And after three innings, the O’s had a 5-0 lead.
Anthony Santander would smack an RBI-double in the fifth, extending the lead to 6-0. Texas would get on the board in the bottom of the inning on an RBI-single by Semien. But this was the Orioles’ day. And the Orioles’ week.
Jorge Mateo would homer again in garbage time, a two-run shot. Texas would tack on a meaningless run in the last of the ninth, and the O’s wrapped up an 8-2 win. This, deep in the heart of Texas.
It’s August. So maybe it’s at least worth looking at the playoff standings. Especially given that they’re relevant. For those who care about such things, the O’s are a game-and-a-half out of the final wild card spot.
And it’s really shocking if you think about it. There was nothing about this team that made people think they could compete. Least of all the way they started the season. But quietly they’ve worked their way into the discussion. Granted, most people feel like they’re playing with a house of cards, that could collapse at any moment. But they’re also playing with house money, and they’re competing hard. And the fact remains that they’re in it. They have a shot!
The series in Texas concludes this afternoon at Globe Life Park. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Texas’ Martin Perez. Game time is set for just after 2 PM.
Birdland Crush 