Baltimore Orioles’ pitching duels them back into the win column

The Baltimore Orioles got great pitching across the board as they defeated Tampa 2-1 in a huge game with massive playoff implications.

It begins and ends with starting pitching for the Baltimore Orioles and everyone else. However perhaps we should add a qualifier to that: from April to August. Games in September with playoff implications are managed differently. And that’s just a fact; that’s where the Orioles’ bullpen comes in.

Wade MIley got the start for the Orioles, but only lasted four innings. Miley’s line: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K. MIley left the game after four innings with what was called back cramps. It’s unclear what his status will be moving forward for the Orioles. However the good news is that the bullpen filled in where it needed to do so.

Darren O’Day came in for Miley, and unfortunately for him he was promptly greeted with a solo homer by Corey Dickerson. In a 0-0 game, that’s almost a back breaker. However he and the rest of the staff buckled down and got the job done for the rest of the day. And that’s often the difference between winning and losing in September.

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And it only took two innings for the Orioles to get on the board and tie things up. Manny Machado’s solo homer tied the game at one. Two innings later Mark Trumbo’s solo shot gave the Orioles a 2-1 lead. And it was a lead they wouldn’t relinquish

Overall, the Orioles’ bullpen gave up five hits and two walks. As I said, games in September with playoff implications are managed differently than games earlier in the year. Granted in this case the starting pitcher got hurt. However if a guy’s ineffective out of the gate often the manager will make a change in the early innings. That means you need a strong bullpen.

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It’s worth drawing a parrallel with spring training for the record. Often times pitchers only pitch two or three innings in exhibition games, and the same can sometimes be true at this phase of the season. Now certainly Miley was pitching fairly well, and obviously had he not injured himself he would have continued in the game. But bullpens are incredibly important at this stage of the game.

Next: Baltimore Orioles left running in place against Tampa

The Orioles will now welcome the Boston Red Sox to Camden Yards for a huge four-game set with massive playoff implications. Dylan Bundy will get the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Rick Porcello. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.