The Baltimore Orioles sent Tomoyuki Sugano to the mound this afternoon in Sarasota against Minnesota. And Sugano showed why the Orioles signed him, and are so excited about him. Similar to Charlie Morton yesterday (albeit in a losing effort), Sugano was crisp. Sugano’s line: 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K.
The O’s took an early lead when Adley Rutschman hit into a fielder’s choice with two runners on in the third. However Minnesota first baseman Julien committed a throwing error, and two runs scored. Everyone was safe, as they say. Later in the inning Ryan O’Hearn’s RBI-single extended the lead to 3-0.
Minnesota would get on the board in the fourth on a wind-aided solo home run by Wallner. However the Orioles struck right back. Jackson Holliday’s RBI-single extended the lead to 4-1.
Minnesota would tack on two additional solo home runs in the fifth. One wind-aided, and one legit. And the Oriole bullpen held the rest of the way, giving the home standing Birds a 4-3 win.
However the takeaway from this game should be Sugano, who had a very strong outing. With as many injury concerns as the pitching staff is shaping up to have this year at the beginning, he really needs to be able to make a name for himself in the rotation. If today is any indication, he will.
The O’s head to Bradenton tomorrow night to take on Pittsburgh at Lecom Park. Matt Bowman gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller. Game time is set for just after 6 PM.
Birdland Crush 