Pitching is Enough as Offense Takes Off

Although Arrieta didn’t technically toss a quality start, he did throw well enough to allow the Orioles to win. That’s also because the offense was red hot last night against Morrow and the Jays bull pen. Arrieta was only out there for 5 innings but that’s because he reached over 100 pitches by then as he gave up 5 hits and 4 runs (including a 3-run homer to the biggest Oriole-killer I’ve ever seen, Adam Lind). With that, the pen went out and did it’s job as Jason Berken threw 3 shut-out innings and Mark Hendrickson threw a perfect 9th inning.

The offense was insane. Guerrero made his first appearance off the DL with a 1-for-5 showing and a run scored. Yet, there were 3 men who really need to be recognized for their great game last night.

1. Nolan Reimold- He had 2 RBIs with 2 runs scored as he went 2-for-5 with a double and a solo home run.
2. J.J. Hardy- Mr.Lead-off Man finished with a 2-for-5, 2 runs scored, and 4 RBI with 2 solo shots bringing his season number to a whopping 16 and a sac fly.
3. Derrek Lee- Maybe he’s putting on a show for scouts who are looking to trade for him before Sunday because he went 4-for-5 with 2 runs scored and 5 RBI. Yes, 5! He had a 2-run double, a 2-run homer, and an RBI single.

The Orioles are looking for their first series win since June 6-8 when they swept the Oakland A’s. Remember that? It feels like years ago. They have a pretty good chance too with Alfredo Simon taking the mound. He’s been heaven sent to this team when he began to be a member of the starting rotation.

I’m praying for a win here. The pitching is starting to get back to the stuff we were seeing in the beginning of the season (even though Britton and Matusz continue to struggle in the minors. Britton’s last appearance resulted in 4 shutout innings and then he gave up 8 runs). And the offense is hopefully going to get on a roll after last night. Another positive note: the O’s have won 2 consecutive games at Rogers Center after losing 19 straight.

I hate to be optimistic for a team with a 41-58 record but maybe they hit rock bottom and are on the way back up. I guess we’ll find out.

Also, congrats to the Angels’ Ervin Santana who just threw a no-hitter against the Indians. The last time an Orioles pitcher threw a no-hitter was in 1991 by multiple pitchers and in 1969 by one pitcher, that pitcher being the great Jim Palmer.