The Baltimore Orioles used Keegan Akin as an opener this evening. To be clear, it worked out for the most part. But I’m not a fan of the concept. It’s too non-traditional. Akin’s line: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K.
In fairness, when you’re facing Detroit’s Skubal, it might be a futile effort no matter what you do. The Orioles actually got a few hits off of Skubal, but to little avail. Needless to say, he’s a Cy Young Award winner.
Again in fairness, Dean Kremer was good out of the bullpen. He pitched seven innings, this as the bulk pitcher. But he had one blip in the radar, and that’s what did the Orioles in tonight.
Dingler slugged a solo home run in the fourth. It wasn’t just a home run, as Colton Cowser ran all the way back and crashed into the wall to attempt to make the catch. Trainers came out to check on Cowser, and he stayed in the game. Needless to say, he gave max effort to save that ball.
Following two straight singles, Meadows came to the plate and smacked a three-run homer. That extended Detroit’s lead to 4-0. However again, Kremer straightened out after that. It was to little avail, as the damage was done, but he corrected himself. That should mean something.
The O’s would net one run in the eighth on a solo home run by Dylan Carlson. But they went quietly in the ninth, and fell 4-1. To be clear, good pitching usually shuts down good hitting. Skubal is an outstanding pitcher. So this wasn’t totally unforeseen.
The Orioles stay at home and take on Anaheim tomorrow at Camden Yards. Chad Morton gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Anaheim’s Jack Kochanowicz. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.
Birdland Crush 