Examining DL Hall’s debut

Much to the delight of fans, the Baltimore Orioles called up highly touted pitching prospect DL Hall to start on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Unfortunately, it didn’t go so well, as Hall and the Orioles were soundly defeated, losing 8-2 in the middle game of a three game set.

First, Hall’s pitching line. He ended his big league debut with 3 2/3 innings pitched, giving up five runs while issuing five hits and three walks to the Rays offense, striking out six hitters and getting tagged with the loss.

The first batter Hall faced was Yu Chang, and he immediately gave up a four pitch walk to start the game. After Yandy Diaz flew out, Chang advanced to 3rd base on a Randy Arozarena single. Chang scored on a fielders choice from Isaac Paredes, marking the only damage in the first inning.

The second inning was nothing short of dynamite for Hall. After being given the lead, he struck out Christian Bethancourt for his first big league K. He then punched out both Jose Siri and Roman Quinn, striking out the side to keep the Orioles in front.

Examining DL Hall’s Baltimore Orioles debut

Once the 3rd inning hit, things started to unravel for Hall and the Orioles. Yandy Diaz started it when he was able to score on a double from Arozarena to tie the game 2-2. After a mound visit, Paredes hit an RBI double and Francisco Mejia added an RBI single. Hall was able to end the damage there, but the Rays had a lead of 4-2 after three innings.

The 4th inning began with Hall issuing a single to Siri. After Hall struck out Quinn, Siri stole both second and third base, and then scored on a sac fly from Chang, making it 5-2 in favor of the Rays, ending Hall’s day. Bryan Baker ended the inning quickly, but the damage was done. The Orioles couldn’t mount a comeback, and thus Hall gets the loss.

Yeah, it wasn’t a great debut start for Hall, as he got hit around by the Rays offense. But, the hope is that Hall can quickly bounce back and continue to be the dominant pitcher he has proven to be throughout the minor leagues. Give it time, he’ll come around.