Baltimore Orioles: Anthony Santander Doesn’t Slow Against Red Sox

The Baltimore Orioles might be in a bit of a slump, but one player is on a whole different playing field.

The Baltimore Orioles did not get the win last night in the first game of the series against the Red Sox, but Anthony Santander continued to put on a show of his own.

At this point, there doesn’t seem to be a pitcher who is safe against the switching-hitting right-fielder. And on top of his ability to get a hit in 15 consecutive games, he’s showing his skills on defense, too.

The Orioles lost 7-1 to the Red Sox behind Asher Wojciechowski who is now 1-3 on the season. His final line was seven hits, three runs, and four strike outs. Honestly, that’s a not a bad line for any pitcher. But the Orioles offense did not give him any help, except for Santander and Pat Valaika who scored the only run for the Birds.

Santander robbed the Birds of a big hit in the first inning. With two on, Mitch Moreland hit a scorching line drive that would have gone over the right-field fence had Santander not made a leaping highlight-worthy grab on the warning track. If you haven’t seen it, MLB.com captured it for us:

Santander just finished game 15 of his hitting streak. In these 15 games, check out these stats:

• Batting .355/.403./.839.
• Hits: 22
• Runs: 15
• RBI: 18
• HR: 7
• Doubles: 7
• Triples: 1
• OPS: 1.242
• Ks: 9

And, so far in 2020, his WAR is only 1.6.

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In his run for the RBI title, he’s tied with Nelson Cruz at the top with 25. He’s overtaken Charlie Blackmon, and is four behind Fernando Tatis, Jr who can’t stop either hitting or being involved in grand slams in Texas.

Back to the Red Sox game. Wojciechowski did get the loss on the night, but the bullpen didn’t do much to contain Boston either. Tanner Scott and Miguel Castro each gave up two runs including a two-run home run in the ninth.

Even though the highlights continue to be about Santander, the lone run of the night belonged to Valaika who hit a solo home run in the seventh off of Eovaldi. You can watch this one, too, courtesy of MLB.com:

Hopefully, the Orioles can finish the losing streak today when the Red Sox return for a 7:35 start. John Means gets another start – which will probably be short. He faces Colton Brewer, who is getting his second career start.