Baltimore Orioles lifted by Jordan Westburg’s homer

Cole Irvin took to the hill for the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field in Tampa this evening in game one of four. The Birds and Tampa are playing a “wrap-around” series which culminates on Monday evening. And Irvin set the table for tonight’s game, and for the series. Irvin’s line: 5.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R (two earned), 0 BB, 6 K.

Make no mistake, this is a huge series. The Birds are playing well, but New York is playing out of their minds. They came into this evening on an eight-game winning streak. Even when you’re playing well, that’s tough to compete with.

But Anthony Santander got the Orioles off to a good start with a solo homer in the second inning. Later in the inning Ramon Urias smacked a double, and Colton Cowser was thrown out at home plate trying to score. Or was he?!

The Birds challenged the play. Admittedly, at first I thought he was out. But replays seemed to show that Cowser’s hand got in ahead of the tag. And the umpires seemed to agree. The Birds led 2-0.

However a solo homer by Siri in the second and a sac fly-RBI by Rosario in the third would tie the score. However Ryan Mountcastle smacked a two-run homer in the fifth to give the Orioles the lead back at 4-2.

However keep in mind that Tampa doesn’t go away. This despite being at a diminished power this season. They would bet a run on a Gunnar Henderson throwing error in the sixth, pulling to within one at 4-3.

The Birds needed some insurance. Perhaps mentally more than anything else. Following Irvin’s departure, Jacob Webb came in and held the Orioles over solidly for an inning plus. And suddenly the Birds got their insurance.

It came in the form of Jordan Westburg. His two-run home run in the eighth inning. And that was the coup de grace for Tampa. The Orioles cruised to a 6-3 victory, snapping a two-game losing streak. And getting a much-needed division win.

The series continues tomorrow afternoon at Tropicana Field. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Tampa’s TJ Bradley. Game time is set for just after 4 PM.