Kyle Bradish was outstanding for the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon in the series finale against Seattle at Camden Yards. Did he make one mistake? Sure. But the O’s overcame it. Bradish’s line: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K.
The game began with a defensive gem. Hernandez sent a two out fly ball to right field in the top of the first. While it looked like it had a chance to go out, Anthony Santander looked like he thought he gad a chance at it the whole time. He tracked it to the wall, and then climbed said wall to make the catch.
Don’t ever underestimate plays like that, even early in the game. There’s no question that saved a home run. And especially given what happened the next inning, that was a huge play.
Suarez was able to draw a walk in the second, this despite appearing to strike out at least twice. The umpire ruled he checked his swing both times, but the truth in that statement is debatable. Needless to say, the Camden faithful voiced it’s full-throated disagreement with the call.
And they were right to do so. Because next batter up was Raleigh, and he smacked a long two-run homer. Now granted that was the one bad pitch Bradish threw on his quality start. However it never would have happened had he gotten even one of those strike calls. Such is life.
However the O’s came back, as they’ve been apt to do this year. And once again, Anthony Santander was involved. His two-run homer in the last of the third tied the game up at two. You also have to tip your cap to Seattle pitching in this series. They were outstanding all weekend.
However on this Sunday afternoon, the Orioles were still able to get to them. Jorge Mateo drew a walk in the last of the fifth. Now keep in mind that Mateo is fast as lightning. Anthony Bemboom flared a bloop single into right field that was bumbled by the Seattle outfield. Mateo was able to score from first, giving the Orioles a 3-2 lead.
Bradish and the pen held Seattle off the board, and the O’s took the game and the series. Mateo’s speed is an intangible in the game that makes a huge difference. He was also the runner on third when Santander homered. Seattle opted to not hold him on, and Mateo entertainingly toyed with Seattle – in feinting a steal of home. That made the Seattle pitcher noticeably nervous. Did it add to him hanging a pitch that ended up in the seats? Tough to say. But needless to say, that’s how it happened.
It was also good to see Brandon Hyde send closer Felix Bautista back out there for the save today. Bautista of course blew the save yesterday before the O’s eventually won the game. But with a one-run lead in the top of the ninth, it was “Mountain time.”
The O’s open a huge series with the hottest team in baseball, Cincinnati, tomorrow night at Camden Yards. Cole Irving gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Cincinnati’s Brandon Williamson. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Birdland Crush 