Baltimore Orioles: Adley Rutschman with a career day as Birds hold on Opening Day

Opening Day dawned bright and cold in Boston for the Baltimore Orioles. Little did anyone know what fate had in store for the Birds, specifically for Adley Rutschman – who was behind the dish on Opening Day for the first time. Kyle Gibson got the start for the O’s, and set them up nicely for success. Gibson’s line: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K.

Opening Day can at times humble you. But others have the ability to just hit the ground running without skipping a beat. Adley Rutschman is just such a character. I’m his first at-bat, in his first Opening Day as a major leaguer, Rutschman smacked a solo home run in the top of the first inning. The O’s, and Rutschman, set the tone for the day early.

However again perhaps in what set the tone for the day, Boston tied the score in the bottom of the first with an RBI-groundout by Devers. However the Birds regrouped and pounced again. Ramon Urias smacked a two-run homer, Adam Frazier would score on a Wild Pitch, and Ryan Mountcastle would draw a bases loaded walk, giving the Birds a 5-1 cushion. All of this in the top of the fourth.

Boston would bet an RBI-single in the bottom of that inning, but the O’s came back and scored again in the fifth. Jorge Mateo’s RBI-single ran it to 6-2, and the O’s went ahead 8-2 on Rutschman’s two-RBI single.

While Boston would crawl to within 8-4 after the sixth, the Birds kept adding to their lead. Cedric Mullins’ RBI-single in the seventh gave them a 9-4 lead, and Rutschman added one more later in the inning. And it’s a good thing he did. Because you can never have enough runs at Fenway Park.

Boston would push across two in the eighth and two in the ninth. They also had the winning run at first base in the last of the ninth (and the tying run in scoring position). But despite a few struggles, Felix Bautista struck out the final batter, giving the Orioles a 10-9 win at Fenway on Opening Day.

As I said earlier this week, we know nothing about the success or failure of the season as a result of this game. But what we do know is that Adley Rutschman announced his presence to the Boston fans, to the rest of the AL East, and to the entire league today. Rutschman was 5-for-5, with four RBI, and a home run. It’s tough to do that in any game, much less on Opening Day. At Fenway. Manager Brandon Hyde on Rutschman:

If you do anything historical for the Baltimore Orioles … there have been a lot of great players who wore this uniform. It’s not going to be the only time you’re going to say that about Adley. He’s going to be doing other things that are going to be firsts, as well, because he’s just a super-special player. And he hasn’t even played a full year yet. Good things coming.

Quote courtesy of Roch Kubatko, MASNsports

The hope of course is that today isn’t the highlight of 2023, such as Opening Day, 2018 was. (Adam Jones walked Minnesota off that day.) It’s hopefully just a start. An “opening.” But one way or the other, it equated to a win for the orange & black on Opening Day.

Baltimore Orioles: Opening Day, 2023

Today’s “zero hour” for the Baltimore Orioles. Opening Day dawns bright this morning. Although…it could afford to be a little warmer! “Boys of summer,” right?!

It’s supposed to be in the high 30’s or low 40’s in Boston this afternoon also. The Orioles hit the ground running right off the bay this year, opening in the division. We all know the dynamic when you’re up in Fenway. Lots of times games boil down to how the ball bounces.

Win or lose, Opening Day is ONE GAME. It’s one of 162. Today’s game counts as much towards the season as the game on Sunday, October 1st (also against Boston, at Camden Yards) – the last game of the regular season. Point being, no conclusions about the success or failure of this season should be drawn based on today’s game.

However, whatever happens today will set the Birds on a crash course with that October 1st date. Because at that time we’ll know the full story of the Orioles’ 2023 regular season. And whether or not the season will extend past that.

But for today, let your hearts be light. I’m of the attitude that if I say “today’s Opening Day,” and you respond, “Opening Day of what?,” we can’t be friends! It’s a celebration of the return of Major League Baseball for the summer – America’s pastime. It reminds us of the innocence of childhood, and fond memories of summertime. Again, game one of 162; but when the players line up on the base lines this afternoon…it means something slightly more special. Because – it’s Opening Day!

The Birds of course will take on the Boston Red Sox this afternoon on Opening Day at Fenway Park. Kyle Gibson gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Corey Kluber. Game time is set for just after 2 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: 2023 Season Preview

The Baltimore Orioles are wheels up front Sarasota this evening on their way to Boston. They open the season on Thursday at Fenway Park. So what exactly does this season have in store for the Birds and their fans, you ask?

End of the day, I have no clue. I don’t own a crystal ball! But I think it’s safe to say there’ll be no year-over-year 30+ game improvement over last season – like what we saw in 2022. That’s obviously not possible. But don’t write this season off just yet….

…because it’s going to be an exciting one! The Orioles really like the makeup of their roster this year. The likes of Anthony Santander, Ryan Mountcastle, Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays, and Adley Rutschman will give Orioles’ fans a taste of the very near starting this year.

As with any other season, it begins and ends with starting pitching. And the Orioles will get a boost when John Means returns from Tommy John’s during the season. However the hope is that the likes of Kyle Gibson, Dean Kremer, and Kyle Irvin can hold the Birds over until then.

Then of course you have the bullpen, which was one of the strengths of the team last year. And there’s nothing that indicates it shouldn’t be again. You have to remember that the bullpen is much more important in today’s game than in previous era’s. Starters don’t go as deep into games as they used to. I’m not saying I necessarily agree with that, but it’s a fact.

Offensively, one question is whether or not Austin Hays has a rebound year. He wasn’t awful last season, but he was better in 2021. Time will tell. And how does a full year of Adley Rutschman behind the plate affect the season? Again, time will tell.

The thing that set the 2022 Birds apart was their resilience. They almost made a run into the postseason last year. Could not having to play as many division games play to their advantage this year? I think the obvious answer is yes. But again, it begins and ends with starting pitching.

So where will the 2023 Orioles finish the season? Fact is you never know. Injuries will play a role. And yes, so will luck. You don’t play 162 games and not have luck figure in just a little bit. But you want a prediction I’m assuming? Ha! Fair enough. It’ll go down to the wire, but the O’s will see the postseason this coming October.

Baltimore Orioles: Kyle Bradish cruises in final spring start

For one of the final times in 2023, wins and losses don’t matter for the Baltimore Orioles. Starting Thursday that won’t be the case any longer, but for today it remains the case. What’s important is how crisp the play on the field is, and today it could definitely be described as “crisp,” beginning with starter Kyle Bradish. He set the O’s up for success with a solid outing. Bradish’s line: 5.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K.

That’s about as solid a stat line as you’re going to see – in Grapefruit League play, or in the regular season. Obviously in a regular season game you’d hope that your starter goes deeper into the ballgame than just five innings, however the fact remains that he qualified for the win. And as I said, solid (or “crisp”) outings by your starting pitcher set you up for success in ballgames.

The Orioles were in the driver’s seat from the very beginning in this game. The Birds put runners on second and third in the last of the first, and Cedric Mullins scored on a balk that was called on Philadelphia’s starter, Matt Strahm. This with Gunnar Henderson at bat – Henderson of course was credited with an RBI on the play.

Two innings later Anthony Santander smacked a two-run home run, giving the O’s a 3-0 lead. Philadelphia would get on the board in the fourth on Cave’s RBI-double, but the O’s marched on. They scored on a throwing error by Philadelphia in the field in the sixth inning, running the lead to 4-1. Philadelphia would get a run back in the eighth on a solo home run by Cave, however on this sunny afternoon in Sarasota, the Orioles were too much.

Bradish of course had to be removed twice during innings in his last outing (also against Philadelphia) in Clearwater, but was back in form this afternoon. And bad outings are going to happen. That’s just how baseball ebbs and flows. Bradish on today’s game versus his last start (quote courtesy of Roch Kubatko, MASNsports):

Just felt more comfortable on the mound. The last outing was a weird day for me, mentally. I was actually checked in today. Like I said last week, it wasn’t really an indicator of anything. It was just a weird outing, but finishing strong going into the season. Mixed a lot well today, got ahead of guys. Couldn’t put them away, but not too worried about that.

End of the day you want to see improvement. The Orioles most definitely saw that out of Bradish this afternoon. And end of the day, they aren’t overly concerned about him. As I said, that’s just how baseball ebbs and flows.

The O’s will close out the spring slate of games tomorrow afternoon against St. Louis at Ed Smith Stadium. Dean Kremer gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by St. Louis’ Steven Matz. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Four-run seventh propels Birds to victory

The Baltimore Orioles traveled north to Bradenton this evening to take on Pittsburgh in their final spring training road game. Good effort all around by the guys in the game, beginning with starter Tyler Wells, who gave the O’s a great starting outing. Wells’ line: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K.

The teams played to a scoreless tie through the first three innings. Pittsburgh put a run across on Wells in the last of the fourth on a sac fly-RBI by Hayes. Jordan Westburg tacked on a sac fly of his own in the fifth, tying the game at one. Wells exited the game not in line for the win only because the game was tied.

The O’s busted the game open in the seventh. With two runners on base, Jordan Westburg’s two-RBI double gave the Orioles a 3-1 lead. Westburg would score when Anthony Bemboom smacked a two-run homer, extending the lead to 5-1. Ryan O’Hearn would add a solo homer in the eighth, and the Birds took a 6-1 lead into the end of the game in Bradenton.

Almost predictably, Pittsburgh made a run. They played three runs in the last of the eighth, but never got closer to 6-4. And the Orioles headed back to Sarasota with a victory in their final road tuneup this spring.

The Orioles will close out the Grapefruit League schedule at home in Sarasota. Philadelphia comes in tomorrow, and St. Louis on Monday afternoon. The Birds will then formally break camp, and be in Boston on Thursday for Opening Day at Fenway Park.

The aforementioned game against Philadelphia is tomorrow at Ed Smith Stadium. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Philadelphia’s Matt Strahm. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Heston Kjerstad, Kyle Gibson, leaving their marks in Sarasota

There’s a decent chance that Kyle Gibson will be the Baltimore Orioles’ opening day starter on March 30th in Boston. And fans got somewhat of an extended look at him this afternoon against Pittsburgh at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. And they had to have been impressed. In leaving Gibson in for five innings, it appears that we’re reaching the point in the spring where guys are being stretched out a bit so as to mimic a real game. Gibson’s line: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K.

The seven strikeouts is noteworthy. Especially given that today’s opponent featured several regulars in the lineup. Or presumed regulars, that is. Point being that Gibson, a bona fide big leaguer, was facing other big league hitters. And he ruled the day.

With a runner on base in the last of the first, Adley Rutschman hit the first pitch he saw out of the ballpark, giving the Birds a 2-0 lead. An inning later Nomar Mazara would smack an RBI-single, which was followed by a two-run homer by Heston Kjerstad. This opened up a 5-0 lead for the Orioles early on.

And they never looked back. Mazara would smack a two-RBI double in the last of the fifth, and McKenna an RBI-single. When the smoke cleared, the Oriole bullpen took care of the rest, propelling the Birds to an 8-0 victory.

Gibson was oustanding in his five innings of work. And he’s had a very strong spring in general. And Heston Kjerstand has been a dazzling star for fans thus far this spring. He’s currently hitting .389, with four homers and eight RBI. The O’s now head into the final week of spring training, or the final full week, that is. They’ll break camp one week from tomorrow, and be in Boston for Opening Day that corresponding Thursday.

The O’s head to Clearwater tomorrow to take on the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark. Kyle Bradish gets the start for the O’s, and Philadelphia is yet to name a starter. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Boston tacks on extras late

Grayson Rodriguez has some struggles this afternoon against Boston from Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers. This on the stat sheet, that is. Boston was able to square some pitches up; he also committed a throwing error and threw a wild pitch, which scored a run. Rodriguez’s line: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R (2 earned), 2 BB, 3 K.

DuVall smacked a two-run homer in the last of the third, to give Boston a 2-0 lead. In the last of the fourth Grayson Rodriguez uncorked a Wild Pitch, scoring a run. Arroyo would add a run-scoring double, with the runner having been on thanks to a Rodriguez throwing error. Devers would add a run-scoring single later in the inning, extending the lead to 5-0.

However the O’s did have a rally in them. Heston Kjerstad would get the Birds’ scoring started for them in the eighth with an RBI-groundout. Shayne Fontana, Franchy Cordero, and Mark Kolozsary would add RBI-singles, and the Orioles were within one. However the bottom of the inning brought four more Boston runs, putting the lead back at five.

Maverick Handley would put a run across in the ninth with a sac fly-RBI, and Colton Cowser would tack on one due to an RBI-single. The Boston bullpen would close things out, and the O’s fell, 9-6.

The Orioles return home to Sarasota tomorrow as Pittsburgh comes into Ed Smith Stadium. Kyle Gibson gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Pittsburgh’s Vince Velasquez. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Extra-base hits lead to Birds’ victory

Cole Irvin got the start this evening for the Baltimore Orioles against Toronto at Ed Smith Stadium. This is the first game in the “second half” (if you will) for the O’s in Spring Training. Yesterday was the lone off day for the Orioles, and now they make the slow trek closer to Opening Day. Irvin’s line: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 3 K.

Irvin gave up RBI-singles to Barger and Lukes in the top of the first inning. But that was the low point of the game for the Orioles. They turned it around very quickly.

The O’s put a couple of runners on in the last of the second, and Nomar Mazara’s two-RBI single promptly tied the game at two. One inning later they got the lead for good. Austin Hays’ two-run homer gave the Orioles a 4-2 lead.

Kyle Stowers smacked an RBI-triple in the fifth. Austin Hays and Franchy Cordero followed with RBI-doubles. This gave the Orioles a 7-2 lead. Toronto would tack on a couple in the ninth, giving the Birds a 7-4 victory.

A big deal in this game was the Orioles’ success in getting last first base on hits. They won this game due to the extra base hits. That’s a huge plus going into the season. If you can get extra base hits in games, you can tack on runs quickly. And that’s what the Orioles did tonight.

The Orioles head to Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers tomorrow to take on the Minnesota Twins. Dean Kremer gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Minnesota’s Tyler Mahle. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Adley Rutschman slugs Birds to victory

The Baltimore Orioles started Grayson Rodriguez this afternoon at Ed Smith Stadium against Boston. Or at least against a roster that had Boston across their chests. Boston sent their “B Team” to Sarasota today, as it was a split squad day. Rodriguez’s line: 3.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 6 K.

Rodriguez retired all but one batter in order in the first three innings. He only began to struggle in the fourth, with the second turn through the lineup. The Birds took an early 1-0 lead on an RBI-single by Jorge Mateo. However Rodrigue loaded the bases in the fourth, and Boston tied the game at one on an RBI-single by Goodrum.

With the bases loaded and nobody out, Rodriguez departed the game. Obviously pitchers are on a pitch count in the spring, and one way or the other he has reached that limit. It wasn’t the way he wanted to end the outing, but again, he did pitch three outstanding innings.

Unfortunately for Rodriguez and the O’s however, those other three runners came around to score. Boston would get an RBI-single, a walk (once again with the bases loaded), and an RBI-groundout. After four the O’s trailed, 4-1.

But the game wasn’t over, despite the aggressive nature of that fourth inning. Jorge Mateo had a productive day at the plate, with the aforementioned RBI early on. However he also got the Birds back on the board in the last of the fourth with an RBI-single. The inning kind of snowballed from that point, this time in the Orioles’ favor.

The Birds promptly loaded the bases with two outs. Adley Rutschman strode to the plate, hoping to make an impact. And he most certainly did, sending a “no-doubter” out of Ed Smith Stadium for a grand slam.

This gave the O’s a 6-4 lead, and the bullpen took it the rest of the way. The Orioles can brag Jorge Mateo and Adley Rutschman as their offensive showmen in today’s game. But end of the day both wins and losses are team efforts. And today the O’s won as a team.

The Orioles will stay at home tomorrow and welcome Detroit into Ed Smith Stadium. Kyle Gibson gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Detroit’s Zach Logue. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Inconsistent outing against Toronto

The Baltimore Orioles sent Austin Voth to the bump this afternoon in Dunedin against Toronto. Much like the rest of the team, starter Austin Voth was inconsistent. File this as a start that would have been “in between stellar and awful” – had he stayed in the game longer, that is. Voth’s line: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 0 K.

The O’s took an early 1-0 lean on Daz Cameron’s RBI-double. Springer would get Toronto on the board in the bottom of the inning with an RBI-groundout, tying the game. But the O’s rallied in the third, with Franchy Cordero’s two-RBI double giving them a 3-1 lead.

But again, inconsistent seemed to be the word of the day. Voth would put a few runners on in the last of the third, allowing a sac fly-RBI to Varsho. And the Orioles carried that lead of 3-2 into the sixth, where Cameron added on an RBI-groundout, extending the lead to 4-2.

But Toronto did some damage against reliever Mike Baumann in the sixth. Following an RBI-triple by Espinal, Kiermaier added an RBI-single which tied the game at four. Springer would then come to the plate and smack a two-run homer, giving Toronto a 6-4 lead.

It’s worth mentioning that very few presumed Oriole starters made the trip to Dunedin this afternoon. Most stayed back in Sarasota. On top of that, Toronto not only played what appeared to be their Opening Day lineup, but they played them well into the sixth and seventh innings. Nevertheless, the Birds did have a tough time getting anything going in the game today.

The outing got worse for Baumann, who in general has looked good this spring. He allowed a two-run homer to Martinez in the last of the seventh, running the Toronto lead to 8-5. Connor Norby would add an RBI-single and Heston Kjerstad an RBI-double for the O’s in the top of the ninth, but the Birds fell to an 8-6 loss in Dunedin.

The O’s return home to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota tomorrow as the Boston Red Sox come to town for the first time this spring. Grayson Rodriguez gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Kutter Crawford. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.