Spencer Watkins got the start for the Baltimore Orioles this evening at Cleveland’s Progressive Field. Watkins pitched three decent innings. But the second time through the order, Cleveland figured him out. Watkins line: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 3 K.
It’s tough to hang this loss squarely on Watkins. It’s always a team effort – win or lose. The lone Orioles’ run came in the top of the second when Ryan Mountcastle plated a run with a sac fly-RBI, giving the Birds a 1-0 lead.
Unless your pitching is just lights out on that particular night, it’s tough to win a game 1-0. And as I said, Cleveland figured Watkins out second time through the batting order. Naylor smacked a two-run homer in the last of the fourth. That got Cleveland on the board, and gave them a 2-1 lead.
One inning later they broke the game wide open. Kwan’s two-RBI double extended their lead to 4-1. Rosario added a sac fly-RBI later in the inning, and Cleveland led 5-1.
The good news is that the Orioles’ ‘pen didn’t give up a run. And they pitched about half the ballgame. But as we’ve said many times before, you aren’t going to win them all. Not even close. You come back tomorrow and try again.
The series continues tomorrow night at Progressive Field. Jordan Lyles gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Cleveland’s Triston McKenzie. Game time is set for just after 6 PM.
Birdland Crush 