Things didn’t exactly as the Baltimore Orioles wanted on the night they debuted their City Connect uniforms. Gunnar Henderson pitched okay for three innings, and fell apart in the fourth. Henderson’s line: 3.1 IP, 6 H, 9 R (8 earned), 3 BB, 6 K.
The Orioles actually held an early lead in this game. Adley Rutschman’s solo homer in the last of the first put the Birds ahead, 1-0. But that was short-lived. Taveras’ two-run homer in the second gave Texas the lead at 2-1. Unfortunately for the O’s, that was a harbinger for the rest of the game.
Texas got an RBI-single by King in the fourth, followed by a two-run homer by Grossman. Following Grossman’s at-bat, they would proceed to load the bases. And with the bases loaded, Seager’s grand slam would finally chase Rodriguez to the showers, and Texas led, 9-1.
Jung would add an RBI-single before the inning ended, and the Birds trailed 10-1. However Austin Voth came into the game in Rodriguez’s place, and was solid. He brought the Orioles back to a place of stability, pitching 3.2 innings and striking out one. He gave up one run.
And that’s the story of the game for the O’s. Voth ate up innings and stemmed the tide. The result of the game itself was basically decided. However he saved one or two bullpen relievers. And that makes a huge difference going into tomorrow – and onward.
The O’s even mustered an additional run. Terrin Vavra’s RBI-single in the eighth cut the lead to 10-2. Now Texas would put two back on the board in the ninth, but who’s counting. And for what it’s worth, those runs came against…Ryan McKenna. For the first time this year, we saw a position player pitch.
The series continues tomorrow at Camden Yards. Dean Kremer gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Texas’ Andrew Heaney. Game time is set for just after 4 PM.
Birdland Crush 