Baltimore Orioles fall in a pitcher’s duel

The Baltimore Orioles have played their share of pitcher’s duels thus far in 2022. Tonight was no exception at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, as Minnesota came to town. Tyler Wells got the start, and put his team in a spot to win. Wells’ line: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K.

Neither team scored until the fifth mining, when Jefffers’ RBI-single gave Minnesota a 1-0 lead. At first however it appeared that woke a Oriole hats up, as Urias was able to score on a sac fly-RBI. However t that was the only run the Birds would muster.

Correa’s RBI-single in the sixth would give the Orioles the lead back. And while they would threaten, they wouldn’t be able to tie the game or take the lead. And Minnesota would take the game, 2-1.

Part of why Minnesota’s in first place in their division is due to how they’ve pitched. Tonight was no exception. The Birds should be used to these pitching duels by now, however this time around they came up short. And that happens.

The series continues tomorrow evening at Camden Yards. Bruce Zimmerman gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Minnesota’s Joe Ryan. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

Baltimore Orioles bombardier BoSox out of town

The Baltimore Orioles found themselves in what appeared to be a familiar spot in the series finale against Boston. This in that it appeared to be a pitcher’s duel at first. Jordan Lyles did his part, although he had a couple of shaky innings early on. Lyles’ line: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 6 K.

Lyles lived on the edge for awhile, allowing Boston base runners into scoring position left and right. But while he was generally able to escape unscathed, eventually his luck ran out in the fifth when Boston scored on Cordero’s sac fly-RBI. To be clear, Lyles’ outing had it’s deficiencies. But there was more good than bad. He ended up with a quality start.

The Birds eventually got to Boston starter Pivetta in the last of the fifth. While he had struggled through the first few starts of the season, Pivetta kept the O’s at bay for four innings today. But I’m the fifth, things started to come together for the hometown nine.

Tyler Nevin came up with two runners in scoring position, and his two-RBI single promptly gave the Orioles the lead at 2-1. Anthony Santander would add a sac fly-RBI, giving the O’s a 3-1 lead. And one inning later Rougned Odor smacked his first homer as an Oriole, running the lead to 4-1.

Then the skies opened up. It had drizzled lightly for a few innings, but the game was halted for two hours in the last of the sixth. And we waited – until play resumed.

And when play resumed two hours later, the assault by Oriole bats continued. Jorge Mateo’s two-RBI double extended the lead to 6-1. Santander would add a two-RBI single later in the inning, and Mountcastle an RBI-single to close the inning out.

In many instances lengthy rain delays can change the course of games. Not only did the O’s not allow that to happen, but they extended their lead. They broke the game wide open after the rain ceased. That’s a good sign.

That said, Boston would tack on a grand slam by Martinez in garbage time. In the ninth inning. Running the final to 9-5. But a win’s a win, and the O’s took two-of-three this weekend from Boston.

The Minnesota Twins come to town tomorrow night for a four-game set at Camden Yards. Tyler Wells gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Minnesota’s Chris Paddack. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

Baltimore Orioles take advantage of Boston’s mistake

The Baltimore Orioles sent Spencer Watkins to the mound last night in the second game of the three-game set with Boston. And Watkins did his job, which was to put the team in a position to win. Which incidentally is the job of any starting pitcher. Watkins’ line: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K.

Watkins allowed an RBI-single in the first to Bogaerts, and that was it. Unfortunately however, the O’s couldn’t even muster a hit until the last of the sixth when Cedric Mullins doubled down the left field line. Needless to say, it was a pitcher’s duel.

The Orioles tied the game at one in the last of the eighth inning on Anthony Santander’s RBI-single. The game was still tied after nine, so we went to extra innings. Which in a pitcher’s duel is fitting.

You might remember on Friday night I wrote about how Boston simply took advantage of the Orioles’ mistakes. New York did exactly the same a day before in the Bronx. In short, that’s simply another way of saying that they took advantage of the opportunities they were given.

That’s an important aspect of any baseball game. The game’s based on failure in a sense. If the pitcher misses his spot just barely, the ball might leave the park. If the hitter’s timing is slightly off, he might strikeout. So when your opponent gives you an opportunity, you have to take it. If you want to win, that is.

In the last of the tenth Robinson Chirinos reached on a fielder’s choice. Boston pitcher Sawamura tried to nail Jorge Mateo at third, but threw the ball away. Mateo scored, ending the game in a 2-1 walk off Orioles’ win.

The opportunity presented itself, and the O’s didn’t let the opponent off the hook. That’s part of winning big league games. Heck, it’s part of just about everything. And for once, the Birds took advantage.

The series concludes this afternoon at Camden Yards. Jordan Lyles gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Nick Pivetta. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

Baltimore Orioles fall despite Kyle Bradish’s successful debut

The Baltimore Orioles called Kyle Bradish up from Triple-A Norfolk to make the start tonight against Boston at Camden Yards. Bradish of course was the centerpiece in the Dylan Bundy trade; he made his way to the bigs this evening. and he didn’t look awful. Bradish’s line: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R (2 earned), 1 BB, 2 K.

If you’re keeping track at home, that’s a quality start. I’m his major league debut. You just can’t ask for much more than that.

I think the aspect of Bradish’s outing that stands out the most to me is how he closed it out. Bradish retired the last ten batters he faced. That’s impressive for any pitcher, much less a guy making his major league debut. And again, a quality start is pretty darned impressive also.

Bradish had some trouble in the second inning. Arroyo’s two-run homer gave Boston a 2-0 lead. Vasquez would follow with a single later in the inning, however Trey Mancini misplayed the ball in right field, allowing a third (unearned) run to score.

And Mancini’s a guy who’s played various positions in the field this year. And when you have a guy rotating around like that, sometimes you see things as such occur. Even someone as talented as Mancini.

However those were the only runs Boston would score. The O’s threatened, however. They loaded the bases in the seventh inning, but were unable to push anything across. Their lone run of the evening came off of a solo homer by Ryan Mountcastle in the last of the ninth, and they fell 3-1.

And that’s been part of the early season story of this Baltimore Orioles team – leaving guys on base, that is. You can’t squander opportunities like that and consistently win games at the major league level. Oriole pitching was strong this evening, and that includes Keegan Akin (who followed Bradish and pitched 2.2 innings of shutout ball). But Boston simply took advantage of the opportunities they were given. That’s part of winning games in the big leagues.

The series with Boston continues tomorrow from Camden Yards. Spencer Watkins gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Nathan Eovaldi. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

Baltimore Orioles’ coverage resumes tomorrow

The Baltimore Orioles are already well into their season. But as you may be aware, I haven’t covered the team to this point, as I’ve been rehabilitating from some major health issues – including being a newly diagnosed diabetic. I’m happy to report that I’m doing a lot better, and I so much appreciate anyone who may have thought about me or said a prayer on my behalf the last month-and-a-half or so. Things were hit-or-miss for awhile, but I’m making a full recovery. And I’m excited about resuming what the “new normal” is going to be in my life.

Part of that “new normal” is the “old normal,” meaning covering the Orioles on Birdland Crush. Starting tomorrow, I’ll resume those duties as the O’s welcome the Boston Red Sox into Camden Yards to begin a long homestand. And I’m looking forward to it. I’m still not 100%, but I’m certainly good enough to do “my thing!” I look forward to engaging with folks on twitter and in the comment fields again.

Just a reminder, fans can follow me on twitter for in-game updates, @DomenicVadala. During most games I’ll take you through it all from soup to nuts! And I say it that way because now as a diabetic both soup and nuts are things I’m able to eat!

As I said, tomorrow the O’s open a three-game set with the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Birds’ starter is TBD, and Boston’s throwing Rich Hill. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: My absence

For the record, I’ve been following the Baltimore Orioles. Both in spring training and in the regular season. But I haven’t been covering them. This as I’m dealing with some health issues.

For the record, I miss covering the team. But between having my energy zapped, doctor’s appointments, etc, sometimes I don’t see or hear every game. But I’m getting stronger, and closer to returning to this column.

I went to the hospital a few weeks ago with an infection in my foot. It turned out I’m also a diabetic. Two hospital stays and a foot surgery later, I’m recovering. And as I said, getting stronger each day. Here’s a PSA folks: take care of yourself. I didn’t, and it almost cost me my leg, or worse. Let’s say it’s been a huge wake up call. I feel that I’m being given a second chance at life.

For the record, I’m somewhat encouraged from an Orioles’ perspective after two games. Both losses, yes. But overall the pitching has been decent. And the bullpen looks solid thus far. That’s a good sign. Unfortunately they’ve had to start off against Tampa’s pitching. But again, there’s been a lot in these games about which to be encouraged.

I’ll be back eventually. Sooner rather than later. I just want to gather my strength, and then I’ll be back and better than ever!

Baltimore Orioles: Camp opens with free agent signings

The Baltimore Orioles officially report to Spring Training today. Many players are already in Sarasota, but today is the report date. Exhibition games start Friday with the Birds hosting the Toronto Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium.

The Orioles also jumped into free agency yesterday, signing RHP Jordan Lyles to a one-year deal. Lyles is an 11-year veteran who averages 878 strikeouts a game. He’s expected to be an innings eater in a sense.

The Birds also came to terms with veteran catcher Robinson Chirinos. Another one-year deal, but Chrinos is the veteran for whom the organization looked to help being along Adley Rutschman. Which makes us believe that Rutschman will probably be on the Opening Day roster.

Baltimore Orioles: THEY’RE COMING BACK!!!

The Baltimore Orioles and the rest of MLB have reached a new collective bargaining agreement with the MLBPA. In other words, BASEBALL IS COMING BACK!!! THE ORIOLES ARE COMING BACK!!!

The deal has to still be ratified, which is merely a formality. The deal’s getting done. The league does intend to play a full 162-game schedule. The six games that were canceled will be rescheduled across the schedule, generally by way of nine-inning doubleheaders. The league will open on April 7th, and teams will report to camp this coming Sunday. Buckle Up!

Baltimore Orioles: No Deal

As of a couple of minutes ago, Baltimore Orioles’ Opening Day appears to be off. In the MLB Lockout, the players veto’d the owners’ final proposal, meaning that there’s no collective bargaining agreement. Meaning that the players remain locked out.

Previously the league had stated that the deadline to reach a deal was February 28th. When it appeared that the sides were close, Commissioner Rob Manfred extended that to 5 PM this afternoon. But now we have no deal. Which means that regular season games are going to be canceled.

All we can do is hope that the sides continue to talk, and at some point in the very near future reach a deal. This is incredibly disappointing news, especially after the pandemic-induced 60-game season in 2020. But hopefully the sides come together to form some sort semblance of a regular 162-game season.

Baltimore Orioles: Executive pitch in the park

I wish I could be writing about the Baltimore Orioles and their progress in spring training right now. But due to the lockout I can’t do that. I’ll say this; PLEASE come to an agreement soon. This is America’s Pastime of which we’re speaking. Baseball can’t afford this.

However it is President’s Day, and I pen a column of this nature every year. 2022 is no exception. Baseball has a unique relationship with the American Presidency, dating back to 1912. That’s the year that President William Howard Taft journeyed to Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C. and threw out the first pitch on Washington Senators’ Opening Day.

Someone throws out a first pitch at nearly every game. Depending on the team, it’s usually someone affiliated with a big sponsor or something like that. But that all piggybacks on the tradition of the President of the United States throwing out the first ball on Opening Day. And most Presidents since Taft have done the honors. Opening Day used to be a must, but Presidents have also done the honors at the MLB All-Star game, and at the World Series.

President Ronald Reagan showed up at Wrigley Field a few times during regular season games and threw out first pitches. Once he did it twice – once with each arm. Most people of course remember President Reagan as an actor (prior to politics), but even before that he worked at a radio station in Iowa and broadcasted play-by-play of Cubs games. He’d read the action coming off the wire, and while sitting in the studio would relay it to listeners – who had no idea he was in a studio.

One story I always like to throw into this column is President Franklin Delano Roosevelt doing the honors in 1940 (in Washington) and having hit pitch hit a Washington Post camera before falling to the turf. I can’t tell you why I think that’s an entertaining tidbit, but I just do! Five years later in 1945, President Harry Truman became the first President to throw out a left-handed first pitch – this also in Washington, but in the World Series.

Baltimore has hosted a Presidential first pitch on occasion also. President Jimmy Carter came to Memorial Stadium and threw out the first ball in the 1979 World Series, marking Baltimore’s first Presidential first pitch. Memorial Stadium hosted President Reagan on Opening Day in 1984, but it’s worth noting that was a surprise visit. Fans at the game that day got a bit more than they were bargaining for!

Reagan would return to Memorial Stadium on Opening Day of 1986 to toss out the first ball, and in 1989 newly sworn-in President George H.W. Bush showed up (also for Opening Day). President Bush would return to Baltimore in 1992 to throw out the first ball on the first Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. I remember the day well, and if I recall he was very complimentary of the new park. (As a side note, Vice-President Dan Quayle threw out the first ball in 1991 on the final Opening Day at Memorial Stadium.)

President Bill Clinton visited the Orioles a few times also. 1993, 1994, and 1996 were all years where he came to Baltimore and threw out a Presidential first pitch at Camden Yards. He’s the last sitting President to do the honors in Baltimore. However, then Vice-President and current President Joe Biden threw out the first pitch in 2009 in Baltimore.

Speaking of President Biden, I hope he’s reading this (hey, you never know!). I say this every year, but I think that the President of the United States should throw out the first ball on Opening Day in Washington, D.C. every year. This regardless of party, political beliefs, or political climate. Opening Day in MLB is a celebration of the return of baseball, but also of everything that’s good and decent about America.

However this year that may not be possible – who knows when Opening Day will be? Heck, I’d settle for President Biden to step in and help break up the lockout! But perhaps if it persists he could put a special spin in the tradition. There are quite a few minor league teams in the DC area (many of them Orioles’ teams). Since the minors aren’t affected by the lockout and will start their seasons on time, why not do the honors at one of those parks?! That aside, I’ll say it again; the President of the United States should throw out the first ball on Opening Day in Washington, D.C. every year.