New York hit in the clutch last night. The Baltimore Orioles did not. The victim? Starter Shane Baz, who most certainly pitched well enough to win last night. Baz’s line: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 10 K.
The O’s loaded the bases in the second, due in part to a fielding error. But they couldn’t take advantage, as Carlos Narvaez struck out to end the inning. Grisham smacked a solo home run in the third to give NY a 1-0 lead.
Again, you have to take advantage when opportunity knocks. The O’s let their opponent off the hook. Granted, that’s a spot where you miss Samuel Basallo’s bat out of the catcher’s spot.
The O’s did tie the game however. Coby Mayo smacked a solo home run of his own in the bottom of the inning. It goes both ways – solo home runs don’t hurt you. However needless to say, they’re something.
Baz would allow two runners on in the sixth, and was lifted. Again, he pitched well enough to win last night – a quality start. Entertained Josh Walker, who walked the first hitter and struck out the next one. He then surrendered a two-RBI single to Grisham. And on a two-strike count at that, giving New York a 3-1 lead.
The O’s would put two on in the seventh but couldn’t muster much. End of the day New York took advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves. The Orioles did not. That’s a game that got away, and at this stage you can’t have that.
The series continues this evening at Camden Yards. Chris Bassitt gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by NY’s Will Warren. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.
Birdland Crush 