Author Archives: Domenic Vadala

Welcome to Birdland Crush! Yes folks, for the record it's a spin off of the popular summer beverage native to the Mid-Atlantic Region - "orange crush." Nevertheless, I've been covering Orioles' baseball since 2009 in some capacity, and it's basically the greatest gig of all time so far as I'm concerned! But for those who aren't familiar with my work or bio, I'm familiar with pretty much every sport out there. But baseball is king - we all know that. So my hope is that you come back and check in after every Orioles' game, and throughout the off-season. I'm always on duty!

Baltimore Orioles drop game one of twin bill

Dean Kremer didn’t have his best stuff this afternoon in the first game of a doubleheader for the Baltimore Orioles. And the fact is that you aren’t going to have your best stuff 100% of the time. The Birds of course were rained out last night in MoTown, prompting today’s twin bill. Kremer’s line: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 6 K.

Detroit jumped on Kremer early and often. Baez’s RBI-single in the first inning gave them a 1-0 lead. Vierling would follow later in the inning with a two-RBI single. And Detroit held a 3-0 lead after one. And for the record, Vierling feasted ln Oriole pitching today, with four RBI.

The O’s attempted to get back in the game, however. James McCann’s solo home run in the second cut the lead to 3-1. But Greene’s RBI-single in the last of the second, and Vierling’s RBI-double in the third extended the lead to 5-1.

And go figure, we heard from Vierling again in the last of the seventh, when he extended the lead to 6-1 with an RBI-double. That was his fourth RBI of the day, as I said above. He entered the game with four RBI on the season.

But the Birds tried to rally again. Jorge Mateo’s three-run homer cut the lead to 6-4. And the Birds appeared poised to make a run. Because as we know, they’re comfortable playing from behind. But that doesn’t always work out. At least today it didn’t, as the Detroit bullpen kept them off the board for the rest of the game, and Short added a solo homer in the last of the eighth to seal it for Detroit.

It begins and ends with starting pitching. Kremer, along with other starters, has been very good. Today he had some struggles. And the fact is that you aren’t always going to be able to overcome those struggles. Next game might be different – that’s part of the beauty of baseball!

The series continues later today in the second game of the doubleheader at Comerica Park. Grayson Rodriguez gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Detroit’s Matthew Boyd. Game time is set for just after 5 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Joey Ortiz a big participant in debut

The Baltimore Orioles began their second series in the last three against Detroit last night with Kyle Gibson on the mound. This time in Detroit. Gibson struggled a bit in the first inning, but stabilized. His issue was a high pitch count, which shortened his outing. Gibson’s line: 4.1 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 K.

Gibson loaded the bases in the last of the second, and Schoop grounded into a double-play, giving Detroit a 1-0 lead. But Gibson showed the grit of a veteran there, surrendering one run in a bases loaded nobody out situation. Hasse’s two-RBI single an inning later would extend Detroit’s lead to 3-0.

The O’s called up Joey Ortiz from Norfolk before the game, and he was in the lineup last night – making his major league debut and playing second base. And Ortiz seemed to immediately embrace the vibe that this team has, that which says they’re comfortable having to play the role of comeback kids. With two runners in scoring position in the fifth, Ortiz’s first major league hit came on a two-RBI single which cut the Detroit lead to 3-2.

But Detroit would extend their lead an inning later when Maton would walk with the bases loaded. But no worries – come the seventh, Ortiz came to bat again for the O’s. He would get the Orioles to within one again at 4-3 with a sac fly-RBI. That’s three RBI in his big league debut, and Ortiz joined Don Baylor in Orioles’ history as having done that. Select company for sure.

But the O’s were only beginning to fight. This was previously a listless game, but the O’s livened it up in the later innings. Cedric Mullins smacked an RBI-triple later in that seventh inning which tied the game up at four. Mullins would later cross the plate on Adley Rutschman’s sac fly-RBI, and suddenly the Birds led, 5-4.

But the big blow was yet to come. Anthony Santander would smack a two-run homer before the end of the seventh inning, and the Orioles cruised to a 7-4 victory. And let me tell you, baseball fans, it was a SHOT. From the moment he hit it, there was no doubt it was destined for the seats.

The Orioles are very comfortable playing from behind. Maybe almost too comfortable! But they’ve turned it into an art form, and they find ways to win. It’s early in the season. But these are good signs that bode well for the rest of the season.

The series continues this evening from Comerica Park. Grayson Rodriguez gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Detroit’s Eduardo Rodriguez. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Tyler Wells pitches the Birds to another series win

The Baltimore Orioles got a great outing from starter Tyler Wells this afternoon in the series finale against Boston at Camden Yards. You pitch well and you hit well, and odds are you’re going to win. Or you’ll win more than you lose at least. Wells’ line: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K.

The O’s took the lead early, as Anthony Santander sent a sac fly-RBI to center. However Boston tied the score up shortly thereafter. In the top of the second Yoshida’s solo homer evened things out at 1-1.

Ramon Urias’ RBI-single in the last of the fourth out the Birds back in the lead. And they didn’t look back. In fact, Cedric Mullins drove in a third run as his infield grounder to led off the glove of the Boston second baseman. Luckily for Boston, it went straight into the shortstop’s glove – the shortstop, who was backing up the play. By the time he came set to throw, Mullins was safe at first base. And a third run had crossed the plate, giving the O’s a 3-1 lead.

And that illustrates part of what this Orioles team is about. Mullins is far from the fastest guy on the field. But he’s not slow either. He hustled to first base, and circumstances willed him to be safe, scoring a run. Those are intangibles in ballgames that add up. And they add up to wins.

The O’s would close out that fourth inning with Adley Rutschman’s sac fly-RBI. So the Birds put a three-run fourth on the board, which always helps the cause. Boston would get one back in the fifth on an RBI-single by Turner. However the O’s would put a run on the board in the sixth on a sac fly-RBI in the sixth, and an RBI-double by McKenna in the eighth.

Make no mistake, this 6-2 win is huge. It’s another series victory, and it’s a series victory over a division opponent. Just keep winning series’. That’s the name of the game in a 162-game season.

The O’s now head to Detroit for a four/game set. Kyle Gibson gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Detroit’s Joey Wentz. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

Baltimore Orioles stage late comeback but fall short

The Baltimore Orioles got a rare “clunker” of a start this evening out of a starting pitcher. That being Kyle Bradish. Poor outings are going to happen here and there, especially in division games. The American League East is the best division in baseball (possibly in sports). Bradish’s line: 2.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 4 BB, 1 K.

Boston took a 1-0 lead on an RBI-single by Arroyo in the top of the second. By the time the inning ended, they led 3-0. Duran would later smack a grand slam in the third. And the Birds had spotted Boston a 7-0 lead.

The Orioles also lost Austin Hays in this game. He left the game with a bruised right hand. X-Rays were negative for a fracture. He’s listed as day-to-day – for now.

The O’s would get on the board in the last of the fifth on Jorge Mateo’s solo homer. Boston would tack on an additional run in the eighth, but the O’s would get it back in the ninth. Gunnar Henderson smacked a solo homer, to bring the Birds to within 8-2.

The Orioles ended up loading the bases after that home run, due in part to a Boston error. Cedric Mullins strode to the plate with the bags juiced, and snuck one over the scoreboard in right field, cutting the Boston lead to 8-6.

But the O’s couldn’t quite make it all the way back, and they fell by that 8-6 score. Even in snapping a seven-game losing streak, the O’s fought until the end. And that’s a great quality in a team.

Mike Bauman played a huge role in this game for the Orioles, keeping the game at 7-0 after coming in during the third inning. Bauman pitched 2.2 innings, giving up one hit. And again, that was key in saving more bullpen relievers.

The series concludes tomorrow at Camden Yards. Tyler Wells gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Tanner Houck, game time is set for just after 1 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Big wheels keep on turning

The Baltimore Orioles won their seventh straight game this evening, defeating Boston in the first of three at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Dean Kremer wasn’t dealing tonight as he was against Washington last week. But he pitched well enough, and stayed around long enough, to get the job done. Kremer’s line: 5.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 5 K.

Kremer spotted Boston a four-run lead. They got a solo homer in the second from Casas, and an RBI-single from Verdugo in the third.after in that third inning Boston drew a two-run homer from Devers. And it appeared that the Orioles’ winning streak was in jeopardy.

But the Orioles immediately chipped away. Adam Frazier’s RBI-single in the last of the third cut the lead to 4-1. The last of the fourth saw the Orioles tie the game, however. And more importantly, it saw them not surrender the lead.

Ramon Urias’ RBI-double cut the lead to 4-2 in that same fourth inning. James McCann would add an RBI-single of his own, tying the game at four. One inning later, the O’s took the lead on an RBI-single by Austin Hays. And the Birds never looked back.

As I said, Kremer stuck around long enough to qualify for the win. But the Oriole bullpen shut things down at the end. The O’s again have now won seven straight. Don’t ever sleep on this team.

The series continues tomorrow at Camden Yards. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Corey Kluber. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: All’s well that ends well

Grayson Rodriguez got the start for the Baltimore Orioles this afternoon in the series finale against Detroit. And while he only pitched five innings, he was masterful. Rodriguez’s line: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K.

The issue of course was that Detroit’s starter (former Oriole farm hand, Eduardo Rodriguez), was more masterful. The Birds didn’t get a runner on base until Ryan Mountcastle’s single in the last of the seventh. Needless to say, it wasn’t a day for hitters on either side.

Detroit got on the board first with a sac fly-RBI by Torkelson in the eighth. However Jorge Mateo got on base on the bottom of the inning, and Brandon Hyde sent Anthony Santander up as a pinch hitter. And Santander sent a grounder about a tightly past third base as one can…

…my assumption was that Mateo would reach third base and stop. Admittedly, I wouldn’t have sent him – despite his speed. I’m kind of a play-it-safe kind of guy. But the Orioles sent Mateo. And in a dramatic play at the plate, he was safe. And the fane was tied.

You have to give them credit for being willing to send him. And obviously it paid off. It’s also fair to say that in a game that close and one in which you had just avoided a perfect game, sometimes you have to pull out a few stops.

The game went to extra innings, and manager Brandon Hyde again rolled the dice. He intentionally loaded the bases, setting up a better matchup. And reliever Keegan Akin got out of the inning. Again, in a close game sometimes you have to pull out all the stops.

The Orioles moved ghost runner Adam Frazier over to third in the last of the tenth on a sac bunt. Detroit’s reliever Englert would later uncork a wild pitch, scoring Frazier from third. And the Birds walked off winners, 2-1. And swept the series against Detroit.

I wouldn’t have wasted an out moving the runner over. Sure it allows you more ways to score, such as a wild pitch. But if you focus on just getting a base hit, it’s beside the point. But ultimately the Orioles rolling the dice got the job done.

The O’s open a series against Boston tomorrow at Camden Yards. Dean Kremer gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Chris Sale. Game time is set for just after 6:30 PM.

Baltimore Orioles win their fifth straight game

I’m not going to lie; I was surprised that the Baltimore Orioles started on time this evening. I thought that rain would have at least delayed Kyle Gibson taking the mound and pitching to Detroit. But it didn’t; the game started in time. Gibson’s line: 6.1 IP. 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 11 K

While Gibson became the first Oriole starter since last Sunday to surrender a run, the eleven strikeouts are incredibly impressive. That’s what happens when you successfully pitch for strikeouts. Gibson gave the O’s another superb outing from a starter.

And Oriole bats cooperated this evening also. Adley Rutschman’s run-scoring single in the last of the third put the O’s ahead, 1-0. Interesting thing about that is that the O’s held Detroit accountable in a sense. Gunnar Henderson was at first base, and he got to second on a balk. He later got to third on a wild pitch, and scored on the Rutschman single. You have to hold your opponents accountable for their mistakes. Today the Orioles did.

The O’s would load the bases later in that third inning, and Ramon Urias took care of that. His bases-clearing double opened the game wide open and gave the O’s a 4-0 lead. One inning later James McCann’s first Orioles’ home run extended it to 5-0.

McKinstry smacked a solo homer for Detroit in the top of the seventh. It was the first run surrendered by Oriole pitching since Sunday. But all that matters is the fact that they won. And with this win, their fifth in a row, they’ve also won another series.

The series with Detroit concludes tomorrow at Camden Yards. Grayson Rodriguez gets the start for the O’s, and in a twist of fate, he’ll be opposed by Detroit‘s Eduardo Rodriguez. Game time is set for 7 PM. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Hit-and-run and Adam Frazier saves the day

It’s hard to decide if Tyler Wells, Adam Frazier, Ryan Mountcastle, or Austin Hays played a bigger role for the Baltimore Orioles tonight. I’ll start with Wells, who pitched like a workhorse this evening against Detroit at Camden Yards. Wells’ line: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K.

Wells added his name to the list of Oriole starters who haven’t allowed a run in three games now and counting. That’s also three consecutive deep outings in games for Oriole starters. This past week the starting pitching, needless to say, has been crisp. As have Oriole relievers.

The issue of course is that the O’s were unable to score as well. Mind you, they won 1-0 in Washington on Tuesday, and then 4-0 on Wednesday. So runs haven’t exactly flowed freely of late. But the O’s have managed to get by, and tonight was no exception.

As Tyler Wells was getting handshakes in the dugout for a job well done, Austin Hays strode to the plate in the last of the seventh. And Hays smacked a ball into the Oriole bullpen for a solo homer, giving the O’s a 1-0 lead. And again, runs have come at a premium. Felix Bautista unfortunately allowed a base runner and a stolen base in the ninth, putting a runner in scoring position. And Baez’s RBI-single tied the game at one.

Bautista in fact did blow a rare save. However keep in mind that as big as he is, people will often try to steal in him. And the stolen bases played a huge role in the score being tied. Such is life.

With one out in the last of the ninth, Ryan Mountcastle singled to get on base. With Anthony Santander at the plate, Brandon Hyde called for a hit-and-run; which in a way was refreshing to see. And it was conducted in refectory fashion, with Mountcastle ending up at third on Santander’s base hit.

That brought Adam Frazier to the plate, who in essence ran into a swinging bunt. However the Orioles has the contact play on, and Mountcastle scampered home from third. He slid into home plate just before the tag, winning it in walkoff fashion for the Orioles, 2-1.

Things fell into place for the Birds in the end. Everything lined up perfectly between the hit-and-run, the swinging bunt, and Mountcastle’s hustle. You find ways to win games, especially against teams you should be beating. And the Orioles did that tonight.

The series continues tomorrow night at Camden Yards. Kyle Gibson gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Detroit’s Joey Wentz. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: A sweep in DC

Kyle Bradish came off the IL last night and made the start for the Baltimore Orioles in the series finale in Washington. And he followed up Dean Kremer’s effort on Tuesday with one of his own. Bradish’s line: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K.

The Orioles played two games at Nationals Park this week, and didn’t surrender a run. That’s impressive. These regional games are for the fans – there’s no question. However they’re also regular season games, and they count towards the season standings. Anytime you play consecutive games and surrender zero runs, you’re doing something right.

And Bradish was mowing down Washington hitters in the same manner that Kremer did on Tuesday. There was a swiftness to his methods, and he seemed to leave hitters questioning their own methodology. This game, along with Tuesday’s, should be prototypes for Oriole starters through the rest of the season.

The O’s loaded the bases in the top of the third, and Adley Rutschman drew a walk, giving the Birds a 1-0 lead. One of the only issues in the game overall was that was the only run they scored in that sequence. Bases loaded nobody out; they first recorded a force out at home plate. Then Rutschman walked, after which they grounded into a double-play. You have to get more than one run in that circumstance.

However one inning later they struck. Adam Frazier smacked a two-run homer, giving the O’s a 3-0 lead. Gunnar Henderson’s RBI-single in the ninth closed out the party, and the Orioles took the series finale, 4-0.

One concern for the O’s, shortstop Jorge Mateo pulled up limp after running out a ground ball to first base in the first inning. Manager Brandon Hyde was asked after the game whether the Birds would need to make a roster move before Detroit comes to town on Friday, and he was non-comital:

Not right now. The off-day plays in our favor and we’ll kind of go from there.

Quote courtesy of Steve Melewski, MASNsports

That could be a concern. Early as it is in the season, Mateo’s hitting .370. It wouldn’t shock me if the O’s try to keep him on the roster and maybe sit him for a game or two, just to have him later on. Just something to watch.