For once, the Baltimore Orioles put up runs for Shane Baz. He’s had some of the worst run support in the majors this year. At first it appeared the game was going in that direction. But things change quickly. Baz’s line: 5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 5 K.
After a leadoff bloop hit, DeLauter smacked a two-run home run in the top of the first inning. That’s the sort of way Cleveland does things. And it’s how teams have beaten the Orioles all year. Get on base and find a way to get the run in. But two can play at that game.
The O’s put the first two runners on base in the third in typical Cleveland fashion. A bloop single and an infield hit. Cleveland starter Griffith then committed a throwing error trying to pick off Carlos Narvaez at first base. The sad thing is it at least appeared as if he may have picked him off – minus the bad throw.
That left two runners in scoring position with nobody out. Dylan Beavers’ two-run double immediately tied the game at two. After a subsequent single and a walk, the O’s had the bases loaded, again with nobody out. Christian Encarnacion-Strand was then hit by a pitch, giving the O’s the lead. That’s was followed by a Jackson Holliday RBI-single which extended the lead to 4-2.
That escalated quickly. Cleveland finally recorded an out on a sac fly-RBI by Rece Hinds. RBI-singles by Jeremiah Jackson and Leody Taveras extended the lead to 7-2. That finally chased Griffith from the game, following which an RBI-single by Dylan Beavers closed the scoring in the inning – and the O’s leading 8-2.
That’s the sort of inning which has evaded the O’s all year. And it began by guys just getting on base. And it continued by more and more guys getting on base. Get runners on base and anything can happen.
Baz would tire in the sixth, and surrendered a two-run homer to Lowe. That was followed later in the inning by an RBI-double by Bailey. That chased Baz, however he left with an 8-5 lead.
The O’s also took advantage of a major Cleveland mistake later on. Coby Mayo rightfully should have fouled out to end the sixth inning. However the ball was dropped by Ramirez, continuing the at-bat and the inning. Mayo smacked a solo homer on the next pitch.
Cleveland threatened in the eighth and ninth, but the Oriole bullpen held. With the 9-5 win, the Orioles took the series. They now have an off day tomorrow and head north of the border to Toronto on Friday.
Birdland Crush 