The Baltimore Orioles had an opportunity to sweep the best team in baseball at their place this evening. Brandon Young wasn’t at his best, but he was picked up by Oriole bats. But end of the day, nothing was enough. Young’s line: 4.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K.
This was a back-and-forth affair, and Tampa came out ahead. However the O’s got the scoring started with Coby Mayo’s mammoth solo home run in the second inning to give the O’s a 1-0 lead. A solo home run by Diaz would tie the score at one in the third.
However the O’s would put two runners in scoring position in the top of the fourth, and had both of them score on Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s two-RBI single. But remember, this is Tampa. These guys don’t give up, and despite the fact that the O’s took the first three games in the series, they at times can’t be beaten. Two home runs, a solo shot by Vilade, and a two-run shot by former Oriole Mateo, put Tampa ahead, 4-3.
But for the moment, that wasn’t enough. Pete Alonso tied the game an inning later with a solo home run. The O’s would later take a 6-4 lead that inning with a two-run home run by Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Where would the Oriole be without him?!
However it wasn’t to be for the Birds tonight in Tampa. Aranda’s RBI-single in the seventh cut the lead to 6-5. DeLuca would follow with a two-RBI single later in the inning, giving Tampa a 7-6 lead. The O’s put a few runners on late, but couldn’t muster anything more, thus dropping the finale.
It’s tough not being able to take the finale and sweep the series. However taking three-of-four against the team with the best record in baseball is something. It sets the Orioles up well as they open a key home stand.
The Orioles head home to open a three-game set with the NYY. Shane Baz gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by NY’s Carlos Rondon. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.
Birdland Crush 