Baltimore Orioles: Time to panic?

Should the Baltimore Orioles be worried about their mid-summer lull after their 9-1 loss to Toronto yesterday?

Is it time to panic, Baltimore Orioles fans? The Birds just haven’t come off as right since the all-star break, with the exception of last weekend’s series against Cleveland. In some cases the pitching has been solid and the bats have slept, and in others it was both that were suspect. Yovani Gallardo was unable to go deep into yesterday’s game, as it was out of hand when the book closed on him. Gallardo’s line: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 BB, 5 K.

The five hits on five runs shows you that not only are the Orioles surrendering runs, but in doing so they’re allowing their opponents to be very efficient. And the fact is that not only are Oriole pitchers leaving balls over the plate, but they’re also somewhat predictable – as in some cases is the defense. How many times yesterday were Toronto hitters able to put the ball down the line while the outfield was shaded the other way?

The O’s actually had a 1-0 lead early when Pedro Alvarez homered in the second inning. However the fifth inning brought a donnybrook of Toronto runs, chasing Gallardo. Travis’ solo homer tied the game, and Encarnacion’s RBI-double gave Toronto a 2-1 lead. Tulowitzki walked in a run, after which Toronto opened the game up with a two-RBI double. Pillar would follow suit with one of his own, and when the smoke cleared the Birds trailed 7-1. 

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Pillar would also add a second two-RBI doule in the last of the seventh to run the score to 9-1. Whether it’s pitching or hitting, the O’s just aren’t playing well right now. It’s happened to both Toronto and Boston at earlier parts of the season. And that’s exactly why I’m going to say that it’s not time to hit the panic button on this team.

The trends are concerning to say the least, and that should go without saying. However sometimes teams do in fact go through lulls over the course of a 162-game schedule. Heck, the Chicago Cubs, who most people thought were invincible, had a simliar stretch. It’s unfortunately a part of the game.

That’s not to say that the O’s should just accept that and move on. You have to try to dig yourself out of that valley as hard as you can. And that’s not easy, for sure. But keep in mind that this team is just too good at the plate to not have things work themselves out. Should a few eyebrows be raised? Perhaps. But should there be widespread panic? Not in my view.

WIth the loss yesterday the O’s did drop a half game out of first place, which is now occupied by Toronto. However a win this afternoon would put the Orioles right back in the top spot. So today is possibly a must-win game, because it’s a lot easier to manager a pennant race from ahead as opposed to from behind.

Next: Baltimore Orioles: Three first inning homers do birds in

This afternoon’s game will be the series finale, which as I said could be seen as a must-win (if for nothing else, maybe for the sanity of the team). Chris Tillman will be on the mound for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Toronto’s Aaron Sanchez. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.