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Baltimore Orioles win 5,000th game; Jimmy Paredes stays hot

By Domenic A. Vadala

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This afternoon’s victory over Cleveland had little in common with the Baltimore Orioles’ 3-1 victory in Detroit on April 14, 1954. Duane Pillette got the (complete game) win for the Birds that day, and Ubaldo Jimenez was today’s winning pitcher. No Orioles homered on that day back in 1954, and Jimmy Paredes and Manny Machado homered this afternoon.

But the two games are forever linked in history, as that game in 1954 was the Orioles’ first victory in their history. This afternoon’s win over Cleveland was win #5,000. That’s a mark that means relatively little perhaps, however it’s a notable achievement for a storied franchise such as the Orioles. If you really want me to scrounge up a further link, the O’s had Young at second base, the bag at which an umpire named Flaherty was umping. Furthermore, Baltimore native Al Kaline was in right field for Detroit. 

Given that this was game one of a split doubleheader (due to last night’s rainout), the O’s needed Jimenez to go deep into the game. And he did just that, in a spectacular effort – one worthy of the franchise’s 5,000th victory at that. Jimenez’s line: 8 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K. Jimenez’s breaking pitches were unhittable this afternoon, which added to him fooling a lot of Cleveland hitters.

Courtesy of Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Following a third inning single by Caleb Joseph, Jimmy Paredes decided that it was in his best interests to stay hot at the plate by smacking a two-run homer to right center. Paredes of course cooled off for a short period of time, however he’s heated up again here in the end of June, which has really helped to carry the team.

Manny Machado would add a solo shot of his own in the last of the sixth, which at that point was effectively an insurance run – given the way Jimenez was pitching. Chris Davis‘ RBI-double later in the inning would add some additional cushion. As I said above, Jimenez pitched eight innings – which really helps out when you’re looking at playing another game later this evening. 

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Brian Matusz and Chaz Roe combined to close out the ninth inning, although I’ sure Buck Showalter would have preferred to use only one reliever. The Orioles have TJ McFarland waiting in the wings to be activated prior to the second game as the 26th roster man (as is allowed by MLB rules which dictate doubleheaders). Presumably, he’ll be optioned back to Norfolk after the game.

One thing to watch; Steve Pearce was hit by a pitch this afternoon in the middle of his back. He was in obvious pain as he went down to first base, although he stayed in the game. With a roster move coming in the near future when Jonathan Schoop returns, might a DL stint be in store for Pearce? 

As I said, this is a split-doubleheader, which means that one has to buy a separate ticket for this evening’s game. Chris Tillman will get the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Cleveland’s Toru Murata (who will be making his major league debut). Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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