Cole Irving got the start for the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon following a tough loss to Oakland last night. As a result, the Birds needed a big outing from a starter today. And Cole Irvin delivered it for them. Irvin’s line: 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K.
It begins and ends with starting pitching. I’ve said that A LOT over the years of penning this column. Both in the context of good performances, as well as lackluster. Today it was in the category of the former. And Irvin’s effort helped get the O’s back on track after Friday.
However Oakland’s starter Sears was decent also. At least he was the first time through the order. As can often happen with good hitters however, he was figured out after that. Anthony Santander and Jordan Westburg smacked RBI-doubles in the last of the fourth, followed by an RBI-single by James McCann. And the Birds were off to the races.
One inning later the O’s broke it wide open. Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mountcastle each sent solo homers over the wall in the fifth. And in the last of the seventh Gunnar Henderson sent a two-run homer onto Eutaw Street. And the Orioles closed out a 7-0 win over Oakland.
We can discuss amongst ourselves what the definition of a “big inning” might be. But the Birds definitely got two “timely innings,” needless to say. That always helps. And combined with quality starting pitching, it’s deadly.
For what it’s worth, the Orioles are also looking to get both Kyle Bradish and John Means back in the very near future. Which helps bolster the rotation. While they didn’t want to have to send down Jackson Holiday, they sent him down to get some additional seasoning. We’ll certainly hear from him again sooner rather than later.
The series with Oakland concludes tomorrow at Camden Yards. Albert Suarez gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Oakland’s Paul Blackburn. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.
Birdland Crush 