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Baltimore Orioles: Lackluster starting pitcher doesn’t cut it at Fenway

By Domenic A. Vadala

Aug 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wade Miley (38) is removed from the game by manager Buck Showalter (26) during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wade Miley (38) is removed from the game by manager Buck Showalter (26) during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wade Miley couldn’t make it out of the second inning, as the Baltimore Orioles fell big in game one of three at Fenway Park.

The Baltimore Orioles’ starting pitching has actually been fairly decent of late. However you’re only as good as you’re next day’s starter, and Wade Miley struggled mightily last night in Boston. Miley didn’t even make it out of the second inning, and by then the game was already well on it’s way to being out of control. Miley’s line: 1.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 0 K.

Boston put five runs on the board in the first inning, starting with Mookie Betts – who continued his prowess against the O’s. His two-RBI double got things rolling, and it was followed up by a two-RBI single by Hanley Ramirez. Boston also got a sac fly-RBI from Sandy Leon – and that was only in the first inning.

The Orioles’ two lone runs came of course off of homers – both solo shots. Chris Davis in the second, and Manny Machado in the fourth. However Boston never took their foot off the gas pedal in this game. Miley even walked in a run with the bases loaded in the last of the second, prompting his exit. Boston seemed to score at will throughout the game, which finished 12-2.

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    • This will undoubtedly start people talking about the lack of starting pitching, and the fact that the O’s can’t score if they aren’t hitting home runs. Regarding the pitching; this was the first start in awhile which ended up so sideways. Furthermore the good news for the O’s is that this probably won’t affect the bullpen too much. Buck Showalter may not like the fact that rosters expand to 40 men in September, however along with everyone else he takes advantage of it. So with the additional support, the ‘pen is in decent shape.

    As for the offense, keep in mind that Fenway yields homers and doubles. It’s not the type of park where you’re going to hit lots of RBI-singles up the middle. However the fact is that the Orioles do have a bit of a one-dimensional offense. That’s not totally true because they do at times score in manners other than the homer. But that’s their main modus operadi.

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    And unfortunately what happens is that pitchers use their aggression against them. It’s easy to say that they should just sit in the box and take a walk – really easy. In fact it’s easier said than done. But ask yourselves…at this stage of the season do you really want players out of their comfort zone?

    If the Orioles start looking at pitch after pitch, eventually strike outs will pile up – while looking. So perhaps the best way forward is to double down on the aggression because if they get a hold of one it could go a long way. And if that’s the best way to score runs and win games…why take them out of their comfort zone in a pennant race? Bet you didn’t expect to hear that, did you?!

    Next: Baltimore Orioles conquer Detroit, begin chasing October

    The series continues this evening at Fenway Park. Dylan Bundy will be on the mound for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Drew Pomeranz. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

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