You had to know that eventually the Baltimore Orioles were going to hit a snag. This in that they were going to struggle at some point – it wasn’t always destined to be rainbows and unicorns. Kyle Gibson turned in a great effort this evening however, albeit in a losing effort. Gibson’s line: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K.
Win or lose, it’s important to note that Gibson pitched to a quality start. Now the most cynical of fans will say that doesn’t matter if you don’t win – which the Orioles didn’t tonight. However it’s still worth throwing that point in, because Gibson was outstanding this evening.
Gibson surrendered a solo homer to Lowry in the top of the second. However Gibson didn’t let that phase him, as he continued to mow down Tampa hitters. It wssn’t until the seventh that they scored again, however that run came with a nuance. Franco flied out and brought in the second Tampa run. However Diaz was thrown out at second trying to extend, and the O’s got two quick outs (upheld on replay).
Raley would smack a solo homer in the top of the ninth to act as an insurance run, and the Birds fell, 3-0. Of you want reasons for this loss, the O’s went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. They also left eight on base. You have to take advantage of the opportunities given at this level if you’re going to win games, especially against the best team in the league.
Similar to the weekend series in Atlanta, this goes as a loss. And all the games count at this point – especially division games. However the O’s went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the league. That should say something to Orioles fans. Yes again, this goes as a loss. But this team is ready to compete.
The series continues tomorrow night at Camden Yards. Grayson Rodriguez gets the nod for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Tampa’s Zach Eflin. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.
Birdland Crush 