The Baltimore Orioles changed things up this afternoon and started Keegan Akin as an “opener.” While I’m not a fan of the practice myself, it was by all accounts a success. Akin’s line: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.
Chris Bassitt was the pitcher of substance, however. Technically in relief, but he was outstanding. He gave up one run, the result of an error he himself committed. The run came in the second on a Cortes sacrifice fly.
Home plate umpire Carlos Torres was the victim of scrutiny from both dugouts all game. Samuel Basallo appeared to challenge a ball in the second, and the ump didn’t grant it. As a result, infield coach Miguel Capri was ejected. In fact, he had to be restrained. While both teams raised questions about the umpiring, that was the only ejection.
Dylan Beavers snagged second base after an infield single in the third. He would later score on Gunnar Henderson’s RBI-single to tie the game. Gunnar, the team, AND the crowd needed that.
The O’s put two in in the sixth – two runners in scoring position, in fact. Dylan Beavers worked a nine-pitch at-bat, culminating in an RBI-single. That gave the O’s their first lead in the series, at 2-1.
However it was the next inning which in effect won the game for the Birds. This in the field. With two outs and a runner on second, Gelof sent a single to center. Leody Taveras fielded it and came up throwing. Throwing home…
…Samuel Basallo fielded the ball on one hop and tagged the runner out at home plate. It took a perfect throw and a perfect tag. Both happened. Both preserved the lead. A lead that turned into a win.
That’s the sort of play that can rally a team. The Orioles needed this game. And it was plays like that which delivered it for them.
The Orioles now open a three-game set against the New York Yankees tomorrow night at Camden Yards. The O’s haven’t announced a starter, but NY will toss Ryan Weathers. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.
Birdland Crush 