Tomoyuki Sugano made his MLB debut today for the Baltimore Orioles in the series finale in Toronto. He had some struggles, which isn’t too surprising. It’s baseball, but not the style he’s used to. Sugano’s line: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 1 K.
Sugano left the game early with wrist cramps. He came out to pitch in the fifth, felt something in his hand, and abruptly left the game. Again, the Orioles termed it wrist cramps following his departure. That’s the word on the street – for now.
Ryan O’Hearn was on first in the first inning when Tyler O’Neil smacked a single. O’Hearn was able to go first to third, and he immediately scored on a wild pitch with Cedric Mullins at the plate. As I’ve said many times (including this season already), get people on base and things can happen.
Springer’s two-RBI single in the bottom of the first would give Toronto a 2-1 lead. And Toronto pitchers held the Orioles at bay for the rest of the game. They had Toronto starter Bassitt on the ropes a couple of times, but to no avail.
Toronto would tack on a solo homer by Heineman in the seventh to cruise to a 3-1 victory. The Birds put nine hits on the board, but could only muster one run. However they did split this series, which is the usual outcome in a four-game set. Especially in the division.
As today’s game got going the O’s announced that tomorrow’s home opener has been moved up 30 minutes due to incoming inclement weather. Needless to say, the forecast doesn’t look great. But the game is now scheduled for a 2:35 PM start.
After the game Brandon Hyde mentioned that on top of the Sugano injury, Colton Cowser injured his hand sliding into first trying to beat out a throw. Jordan Westburg was also available in an emergency today, but should be fine for tomorrow and onward. You have to hope that the injury parade isn’t beginning.
The O’s now head home for their home opener tomorrow against Boston at Camden Yards. Cade Povich gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Sean Newcomb. Game time is set for just after 2:30 PM.
Birdland Crush 