Just a reminder to Baltimore Orioles fans, the Birds aren’t going to win or be competitive in every game. Over 162, it’s virtually impossible. And we saw tonight what happens when even the best teams have off nights, this behind Tyler Wells – who got the start for the Birds. Wells’ line: 4.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K.
One thing I’ve noticed about Wells in his first few turns of the rotation this year, if anything he’s getting TOO MUCH of the strike zone. You have to wonder if he isn’t becoming too predictable in a sense. He does settle down, but he’s becoming predictable.
Wells allowed a two-run homer to Sanchez, and an RBI-triple to Ortiz in the second. Hoskins added an RBI-single in the third, and the Birds trailed. However you also have to give credit to Milwaukee hitters in this. Tyler Wells and subsequent Oriole hitters ran into a buzz saw this evening.
One of the few good moments for the O’s was Colton Cowser smacking his third home run in 24 hours, a solo shot in the last of the fourth. Whatever Cowser’s doing, it should be imitated. He’s made his presence felt big time, and it’s made a big difference.
However Milwaukee closed the door early on the Birds. They got two-run homers from Adames and Contreras in the fifth and sixth. Frelick would follow later in that sixth inning with an RBI-single. And Milwaukee would tack an additional run on in the ninth on an RBI-single by Ortiz – a former Oriole. And the O’s fell 11-1 in game one of three.
One thing to watch, the aforementioned home run by Adames in the sixth…the next time Adames came up to bat, the benches cleared. There appeared to be some sort of drama between Adames and Oriole catcher James McCann. There’s some speculation that maybe Adames showed up the Oriole pitching staff on his home run trot – ultimately we don’t know.
Nobody was ejected, but the bullpens did empty. Warnings were issued to both teams. It’ll be interesting to see if this escalates further in either of the next two games.
The series continues tomorrow at Camden Yards. Dean Kremer gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Milwaukee’s D.L. Hall (himself a former Oriole). Game time is set for just after 4 PM.
Birdland Crush 