The Baltimore Orioles had an opportunity to sweep Toronto this afternoon at Rogers Center. And even though they didn’t, they still took two-of-three. And winning series’ should be, and is the goal. Austin Voth got the nod on the bump, and pitched to a quality start. Voth’s line: 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K.
The issue of course was that Oriole bats couldn’t put any runs on the board for Voth. He certainly did his part, pitching well and putting the team in a position to win. He just didn’t get the run support he should have today. And sometimes that happens.
For once however, it was the Orioles’ pen that couldn’t hold things. In this case they would have been holding things to a 0-0 tie, but I digress. Springer’s RBI-single in the seventh got Toronto on the board. Espinal followed with a two-RBI double, and Toronto led 3-0.
They would put three more on the board in that sixth inning, including Espinal walking home a run. One of the big keys to any ballgame is trying to stay out of the big inning when in the field. The O’s have been pretty decent at that this year. Today was just an exception to the rule.
Robinson Chirinos’ RBI-single in the eighth got the O’s on the board, but Toronto closed things out and went home with a 6-1 victory. Again folks, the Birds took two-of-three in this series. That’s a good sign. For what it’s worth, they have seven games left against Toronto. They’ll have other opportunities to make up ground.
The Birds now return home for a home stand, starting with a makeup tomorrow against the Chicago Cubs at Camden Yards. Spencer Watkins gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Chicago’s Adrian Sampson. Game time is set for just after 3 PM.
Birdland Crush 