Baltimore Orioles: That de-Escalated quickly

With all of the offense that the Baltimore Orioles had shown in the past few days, you had to know that it would come to an end at some point. It’s impossible to put up 19 runs each game, and darned challenging to put up even six a game – even with the likes of Manny Machado in the lineup. However in dropping today’s series finale in Philadelphia 2-1, the Orioles appeared to be ready for another big offensive output – at the beginning, that is. But it wasn’t to be.

Bud Norris did his part, as he kept the Orioles in the game and put them in a position to win. Norris’ line: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K. For what it’s worth, Norris also made a home run bid in the fifth inning, but the ball fell just short and was caught. Zach Britton of course has the monopoly on home runs by Oriole pitchers – that was the case going in, and it still is. 

Around the Foghorn

Manny Machado made the Orioles think they’d pick right up where they left off in terms of run production. On a 1-0

Courtesy of Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

count, he led off the game with a home run to give the Birds a 1-0 lead. The Orioles did put two runners in scoring position in the fifth. However Chris Parmelee lined out to end the inning as well as the Orioles’ threat.

However it was the sixth inning which did the O’s in on this day. Ben Revere led off the inning with a single, and was just able to get back into first to avoid being doubled up by Chris Parmelee. And that ended up being a killer for the Orioles, as later in the inning (with Revere on third by this point) Ryan Howard came up to bat…

…and Howard smacked a homer to center field, giving Philadelphia a 2-1 lead. As solid as the Orioles’ bullpen has been, Philadelphia’s was equally as strong on this afternoon. So the Orioles ended up sweeping the two-game set at the yard, and splitting the two-game set in Philadelphia. (For statistical purposes, these games are seen as two series of two games each.)

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Adam Jones was out of the lineup for the second consecutive game, however he’s expected to return tomorrow night in Toronto. Brad Brach and Darren O’Day each pitched one inning this afternoon as well, so the Orioles will go to Toronto with a fairly rested bullpen. The Orioles of course were swept in Toronto earlier in the year, and in the second series of the season dropped two-of-three from their AL East rivals.

The Orioles in fact will be heading up north of the border later this evening to get settled into their hotel before tomorrow night’s game. Mike Wright will make the start for the Orioles tomorrow night, facing Toronto for the first time. He’ll be opposed by Marco Estrada. Game Time is set for just after 7 PM.

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