The Baltimore Orioles may have lost more than a game in Miami tonight. Whether they lose any ground to New York remains to be seen, but that’s another story. Al Suarez figures into this headline, but not how the Birds’ starting pitcher would have wanted. Suarez’s line: 2.0 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 3 K.
The Orioles did jump out to an early lead. They got a couple of runners aboard in the first inning, and Jordan Westburg’s RBI-single got them on the board. But the bottom quickly fell out, with Sanchez’s solo homer in the last of the second tying the game, and acting as a harbinger.
Gordon’s RBI-single gave Miami the lead later in the inning, coming on the heels of a single, a stolen base, and a walk. Chisholm would later drive in two on a two-RBI double to center. That came following a freakish play where Sanchez grounded a ball off of Al Suarez’s foot, reaching base. Sort of a freak play, and not Suarez’s fault; but things happen when you get guys on base.
However the third inning would get the Orioles closer. Jordan Westburg grounded into a double-play with a runner on third, bringing them to within 4-2. Colton Cowser would force in another run hustling down the line on a swinging bunt, and beating the throw to first base. And the Birds were to within one. However Miami would post two more in the last of the third, and their bullpen kept the Birds off the board the rest of the way.
The 6-3 loss could be the least of the Orioles’ concerns, however. Jorge Mateo left the game in the third inning after appearing to get his left arm caught in between the field and Gunnar Henderson as the two tried to make a play in the infield. It was a tough sight to see, and Mateo left the field in essence in a heap. It came across as the sort of injury that could sideline a player for awhile.
Albert Suarez also took a comebacker off his leg later in the inning, and was lifted. To be clear, Suarez was struggling at the time and may have been lifted anyways. But that didn’t help.
I’d be shocked if Mateo isn’t sent to the IL. Who comes up in his stead is anyone’s guess. Jackson Holliday could be in the mix, as could others. Such as Coby Mayo or Connor Norby. What the Birds really would miss is Mateo’s speed. It’s made a huge difference this season.
It’s worth mentioning that the Orioles’ bullpen pitched six scoreless innings. As good as Miami’s bullpen was tonight, that of the Orioles was as well. Ryan O’Hearn was also 2-for-3 with two hits, a walk, and an RBI.
The series continues tomorrow night at loanDepot Park. The Birds will start Chance McDermott (who’ll be making his big league debut), and he’ll be opposed by Miami’s Edward Cabrera. Game time is set for just after 6:40 PM.
Birdland Crush 