Kyle Bradish got the start for the Baltimore Orioles last night “deep in the heart of Texas.” But things didn’t go exactly as they were supposed to, this with the Orioles looking to rebound from a couple of tough losses to Boston over the weekend. Bradish’s line: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K.
Bradish sent Texas down 1-2-3 in the first on 11 pitches. With two outs in the second, he was hit by a comebacker and left the game. The ball hit off of his foot. The Orioles said after the game that it was a right foot contusion, and x-rays were negative. It’s unclear what happens next with Bradish.
Relieve Danny Coulombe warmed up quickly and came into the game. And he was great in relief for 1.1 innings. But the real story was tonight’s originally scheduled starter, Tyler Wells. He came in and pitched dive very solid innings for the Birds, striking out two and not allowing a base runner.
And here’s the kicker; Wells VOLUNTEERED to go into the game. The team needed him, and they needed a win last night. Wells rose to the challenge. Manager Brandon Hyde on Wells:
Tyler Wells came to the park not thinking he was going to pitch, start tomorrow and to do what he did, that’s just absolutely amazing. Amazing performance. When that happened with Kyle, I had no idea what we were going to do at that point. We were already short in the bullpen going into today. For Tyler to volunteer, step up, total team guy, unbelievable character kid. Just awesome.
Quote courtesy of Steve Melewski, MASNsports
Unfortunately for Wells, he doesn’t get credited for the win. Danny Coulombe (who was equally as outstanding) did. But only because he was the pitcher of record when Gunnar Henderson recorded his first hit of the season in the top of the fourth. That hit of course was a solo homer, giving the Birds a 1-0 lead. Jorge Mateo smacked a solo shot of his own in the fifth, and the O’s led 2-0.
And the rest was Tyler Wells. And of course Félix Bautista closing things out in the last of the ninth. It’s unclear what happens in terms of starting a starting pitcher this evening. The Orioles could use tomorrow’s scheduled starter (Kyle Gibson) on regular rest, but that would mean they’d have to call up a new starter for tomorrow as well. And reshuffle the rotation in a sense. I suppose it all banks on where Kyle Bradish is with his foot. Obviously we’ll know more later today.
The series continues this evening at Globe Life Field. The Orioles of course are yet to name a starter, but whomever he is he’ll be opposed by Texas’ Andrew Heaney. Game time is set for just after 8 PM.
Birdland Crush 