Trevor Rogers turned in perhaps the best quality start that one could turn in, and when the Baltimore Orioles direly needed it. Cleveland is a team that the Birds would in theory need to leapfrog to make it into the postseason. Rogers, along with Oriole bats which appeared to show signs of life, kept the O’s relevant in that fight today. Rogers’ line: 7.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K.
After being swept by Boston over the weekend, this was exactly the sort of game the Orioles needed. Cleveland starter Cantillo struggled with control his entire outing. He flat out couldn’t find the strike zone the whole way. He hit Samuel Basallo with a pitch in the second, and then walked Receiver Hinds. That brought Dylan Beavers to the plate, who smacked an RBI-double to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead.
That kind of set the tone. Coby Mayo would smack a solo home run in the third, extending the lead to 2-0. Later in the inning, Cantillo would load the bases after two walks. Blaze Alexander would proceed to walk as well, this with the bases loaded. That extended the lead to 3-0.
Incidentally, that bases loaded walk came AFTER Cantillo was lifted, Cleveland had seen enough by that point, and went to their bullpen. But the Birds didn’t stop there. Pete Alonso would also draw a bases loaded walk, and the O’s led 4-0.
You would have liked to have seen some sort of bases-clearing knock in there somewhere. But when you’ve lost six straight and your playoff chances are flailing (on Labor Day at that), you have to start somewhere. One way or the other, the O’s extended their lead in that sequence.
Rogers experienced a slight hiccup in the sixth when he allowed an RBI-double in the sixth. This of course with two outs. But he induced a fly out immediately after, ending the inning.
But the Orioles didn’t allow that to stop them. Coby Mayo smacked a two-run home run in the last of the sixth, which acted as insurance runs. It was Mayo’s first multi-home run game of his career. Needless to say, it made a huge difference.
Clevaland, among other teams, is known for inducing soft contact. With Andrew Kitteredge on to close the game, Cleveland put two runners on by way of very soft contact. That led to a three-run homer by Lowe. Cutting the lead to 6-4.
It also caused the Orioles to use another reliever. But they ultimately closed out a 6-4 win. Largely on the heels of Trevor Rogers and Coby Mayo. In terms of the standings it keeps the O’s relevant. For now. It also snaps a six-game losing streak.
The series continues tomorrow at Camden Yards. Brandon Yoing gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.
Birdland Crush 