Baltimore Orioles fans can’t fault Corbin Burnes this afternoon. He was in a situation whereby he had no margin for error today given the fact that Oriole bats weren’t producing. Burnes’ line: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K.
Burnes was pitching-to-contact today. And Tampa was putting the ball in play; as you can see, only three strikeouts. All in all, Burnes pitched well enough to win. Needless to say, it was a quality start.
One of those two walks came to Aranda to lead off the top of the sixth. And as we know, nothing good happens after a walk. DeLuca followed immediately with a two-run homer. And when your bats aren’t producing, that’s a fatal blow.
Tampa can frustrate the living snot out of you. Whereby some teams wear down your pitchers, Tampa pitchers wear your hitters down. The Orioles mustered four hits in the game.
It’s also worth reminding fans that this lineup is very banged up. They desperately need Jordan Westburg back, and they lost Ramon Urias last week. Ramon Urias who had been the Birds’ hottest hitter of late. So they’re effectively now on their third string third baseman…
…if that. Nick Maton started at third base today. He was replaced by Coby Mayo – a promising prospect obviously, but he’s struggled to date. And he struck out to end the game. Tough going. But what choice do the Orioles have?
Tomorrow the Orioles head to Boston to open up a three-game set at Fenway Park. Cade Povich gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Brayan Bello. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Birdland Crush 