The Baltimore Orioles faced a challenge last night that can often pop up after a team wins a dramatic series. That being to keep the momentum going, especially against a team that in paper they should beat – in this case San Diego. Grayson Rodriguez certainly did his part, perhaps turning in his best performance as a big leaguer. Rodriguez’s line: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K.
Coming off the series in Seattle, the O’s were taxed with bringing that same level of intensity to San Diego. And that can be tough at times, especially when the new opponent is one they should beat handily. However the Birds were up for the challenge, which is a promising thing. Because the road only gets tougher.
The O’s took the lead in the top of the second when Ryan O’Hearn smacked a solo homer. The Orioles would load the bases a few innings later in the fifth with one out. While you’d love to say that Gunnar Henderson sent a grand slam over the wall, we’ll have to settle for a bases-clearing double. That busted the game wide open, and the Orioles led, 4-0.
San Diego never mounted much of a challenge. Coooper smacked a solo homer in the sixth, but aside from that Oriole pitching held them down. Again, these sorts of games can often be difficult for teams. The series in Seattle was dramatic no matter how you spin it. And at times it can be tough to come off that high and focus against a team you should handle. But the O’s did it, and earned a series-opening win.
The series continues this evening at Petco Park. Jack Flaherty gets the starting nod for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by San Diego’s Michael Wacha. Game time is set for 9:40 PM.
Birdland Crush 