The question at hand is whether or not tonight’s win is too little too late for the Baltimore Orioles. Regarding the postseason, that is. But one way or the other, the effort was perfect for tonight in the series finale against Detroit, started by Jordan Lyles. Lyles’ line: 9.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K.
Lyles became the first Oriole pitcher this season to pitch a complete game. Which I find somewhat surprising, as good as this season’s been for the Orioles. However as you’ll remember, this pitching staff did struggle early in the season. But needless to say, he was the first pitcher on the staff to pitch a complete game this year. Also Lyles’ first complete game in a decade.
The O’s took a 1-0 lead in the third on Adley Rutschman’s fielder’s choice-RBI. Gunnar Henderson followed with an RBI-single, and Ryan Mountcastle with a sac fly-RBI. The O’s led 3-0 after three.
Kyle Stowers added a two-run home run in the sixth. This also highlights how the young guns of this organization have really grabbed the bill by the horns down the stretch this year. It bodes well for the future.
Lyles gave up his lone run in the seventh on a solo homer by Carpenter. But the Orioles didn’t lay off the pressure. Robinson Chirinos and Adley Rutschman added RBI-singles in the last of the eighth, closing out an 8-1 victory for the Birds.
For the record, the Orioles are 77-71 with this win. If they can win four more games, they’ll finish with a .500 record. Five or more, and they’ll finish 2022 with a WINNING record. What a feat that would be.
The O’s now turn their attention to the Houston Astros (and former Oriole Trey Mancini), as the teams open up a four-game set tomorrow night at Camden Yards. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Houston’s Justin Verlander. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Birdland Crush 