Baltimore Orioles get three big wins against the Texas Rangers

Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, the Baltimore Orioles go and win the first three games of the series against the Texas Rangers.

But before the Baltimore Orioles can claim a complete victory over the Rangers, they have one more game to finish up on Thursday.

Getting the win today against the Rangers was much needed. The last time the O’s won a series was against the Tampa Bay Rays back in June. The O’s split the series with the Minnesota Twins prior to the All-Star Break.

The big stories of these three wins against the Rangers have involved pitching and offense. In fact, the pitching has been outstanding. And, the offense has been on fire – in a good way.

Breaking open the can

Monday’s game was just a preview of what was to come. Chris Tillman had his best outing of late going six innings and only giving up one run. He only gave up two hits – which is something he has not done all season. Manny Machado went 3 for 3 with a walk and Seth Smith went yard in the 7th inning. And, in O’s style, the bullpen inherited a tie game and protected the team by not giving up any runs in their three innings of work.

Tuesday’s game put Monday’s to shame as the O’s put the Rangers to shame. After being on the receiving end of blow outs at the hands of the Chicago Cubs, it was refreshing to put up 12 runs to the Ranger’s 1. This game was won at the hands of Dylan Bundy who only gave up one run and four hits. The last time Bundy gave up fewer than two runs was back in April.

Offense from the starting nine

Tuesday night’s offense came from all nine starting players. Everyone contributed hits and Welington Castillo was the only starting player who did not cross home plate. Smith went yard again against the Rangers, but in this game he was joined by Chris Davis and Trey Mancini. To make up for lost time, Davis went yard twice with a Grand Slam. He finished the night with six RBIs. The last time Davis homered was on June 10, so it definitely had to feel good for him.

Buck Showalter commented on the 12-1 win by telling Aaron Torres of The Washington Post:

"“I was happy with his outing. That’s two good starts we’ve gotten in a row. That would certainly bode well if we could continue that pattern.”More from Orioles NewsBaltimore Orioles Sign RP Mychal GivensGunnar Henderson: Destroyer of Four-Seam FastballsWhich Current Baltimore Orioles Pitchers Have the Best Curveballs?Orioles News: Should the O’s Pursue Eovaldi? + More MLB NewsShould the Baltimore Orioles Consider Signing Nathan Eovaldi?"

Another big win

Little did the Skipper know what was coming in the third game. This time, the quality start went to Kevin Gausman as the Birds routed the Rangers 10-2. Like the two other pitchers in this series, Gausman went six innings giving up four hits and one run. (It’s quite a nice pattern.) Gausman’s last win was on July 2 against the Rays. But, in his previous two outings against the Twins and the Cubs, he could not make it past four innings – with only three recorded against Chicago.

While Davis and Mark Trumbo were quiet, the big bats belonged to the top of the order and Mancini. Adam Jones went 3 for 3 with a lead-off home run and scored two more times. Machado went 1 for 3 with a walk and scored two runs. Jonathan Schoop went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs. Mancini went 2 for 4 with a triple and 3 of his own RBIs.

Next: Three Orioles who could make a difference in the second half

These three wins are just what the O’s need, but are they enough to quiet the trade rumors that continue to swirl? Most likely not. But they sure are fun to watch.