The Baltimore Orioles set out to take this series with Cleveland this week, and they’ve done just that. Kyle Bradish went to the mound this evening in the series finale, and pitched a quality start. He put on a virtuoso performance, setting the Birds up for success in this game. And this series. Bradish’s line: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K.
This may be the best start of Kyle Bradish’s career. It was definitely one of them, needless to say. He put the Orioles in a spot to win and then some. And in the big leagues, that’s the name of the game for starting pitchers.
The O’s led from the beginning in this one. Cedric Mullins hit the first pitch of the game out of the ballpark, giving the Birds a 1-0 lead. That was followed up a little later in the inning with another solo homer, this one by Anthony Santander.
Thus before Bradish even took the field, he led the game, 2-0. Ryan Mountcastle would add an additional solo shot in the fourth, giving the O’s a 3-0 lead. And that would in effect act as an insurance run.
The rest was all Kyle Bradish. And of course Gunnar Henderson, who made several dazzling plays at shortstop this evening. Overall, it’s another win, and another series win for the O’s. Which is exactly what they need now. And always.
It was also good to see Ryan Mountcastle homer tonight. Coming into the ballgame, he had 5 hits in 113 at-bats in the last 30 games. So seeing him break out tonight with a home run was good to see. And I know the O’s are hoping that it bodes well for September. And the final push for the Promise Land, that being the postseason.
The O’s now head for home to open a three-game set with Oakland at Camden Yards. Dean Kremer gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Oakland’s JP Sears. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Birdland Crush 