It’s been well over a year since the Baltimore Orioles have been swept, a trend that ALMOST ended this afternoon (and this weekend) against Minnesota. Now it’s worth pointing out that this is a Minnesota team that’s had the Orioles’ number the past few years as well. Cole Irvin put the O’s in a good spot to win, however for the second consecutive day the Birds couldn’t put any runs on the board for a starter. Irvin’s line: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 1 K.
Irvin was good today, as I said above. Not technically a quality start given the five innings pitched, but he pitched well enough to win. He just didn’t get the run support.
He did load the bases in the first inning, but pitched out of it. Castro’s RBI-double in the fifth inning gave Minnesota a 1-0 lead. And it almost stood up to beat the O’s. ALMOST.
Minnesota closer Duran was going for a six put save, but it seemed they were prematurely looking to win the game. The O’s put two runners on, and Ryan O’Hearn came on as a pinch hitter, and took the count to 3-0 before Minnesota walked him. What could go wrong with two outs and their closer on?
That brought Jordan Westburg to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs. And Westburg was hit in the back on the first pitch, that forced in a run, and the Orioles suddenly led, 2-1. Which ultimately turned into a 2-1 win, ending the losing streak. And keeping the streak of not being swept in tact.
When you’re scuffling you take runs however you can get them. And you take runs however you can get them. That was certainly a painful way to win if you’re Jordan Westburg, but it got the job done. And sent the Orioles on the road with a good feeling.
Left fielder Austin Hays collided with Minnesota first baseman Solano running out a ground ball in the second inning. The game was held up for a brief moment as the Minnesota training staff checked on Solano – who ended up being fine. However Hays appeared to be okay…
…until the fourth inning when he was replaced by Aaron Hicks in left. The Orioles later said it was a hip contusion, and Hays’ status going onward is unknown. For the record, the collision occurred due to a foul throw by the Minnesota infield. It drew Solano off the bag, who collided with Hays.
The O’s now head to New York to open up a four-game set with the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Tyler Wells gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by New York’s Domingo German (who’s fresh off a perfect game). Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Birdland Crush 