4 Orioles to thank after a series sweep of the Mets

These 4 Orioles stood out in a big way against the Mets

New York Mets v Baltimore Orioles: Orioles catcher James McCann gets a hit against the New York Mets
New York Mets v Baltimore Orioles: Orioles catcher James McCann gets a hit against the New York Mets | Mitchell Layton/GettyImages

With the Baltimore Orioles looking to continue their success with a three game series against the New York Mets at home this past weekend, they did just that. The Orioles swept the series, outscoring the Mets 19-6 over all three games.

While a lot of Orioles had strong performances in the sweep, there are a few in particular who stood out. Here are four members of the Orioles to thank for the sweep of the Mets.

Four Orioles to thank after a series sweep of the Mets

Mike Baumann
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles: Mike Baumann of the Orioles delivers a pitch to home plate against the New York Yankees | G Fiume/GettyImages

Mike Baumann

In Friday night's 10-3 win, the Orioles offense was firing on all cylinders. It was Baumann who came up big out of the bullpen to help nail it down. With Dean Kremer unable to finish six innings, Baumann stepped up to finish the sixth and then pitch a scoreless seventh.

That gave Baumann the win, giving him the Orioles reliever record for most wins without a losing decision to open a season. Baumann is now 9-0, passing the previous record held by Grant Jackson in 1973. He helped nail it down out of the pen as the offense took over, and that deserves praise.

Jul 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Cionel Perez (58) delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies
Jul 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Cionel Perez (58) delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies | Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Cionel Pérez

In Sunday's 2-0 shutout win, the performance of Pérez cannot be understated. With Kyle Bradish in trouble and having loaded the bases in the fifth, it was Pérez who came on to try and put out the fire. He did just that, leaving them loaded and keeping the game scoreless.

Pérez then followed that up with a scoreless sixth inning, getting the credit for the win, improving to 4-1 on the season. In 13 appearances since June 23, Pérez has a 2.03 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 13 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and eight walks while striking out 13 hitters. It hasn't been perfect, but he has been better recently, and it was vital on Sunday.

Aug 6, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann (27) reaches second base against the New York Mets
Aug 6, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher James McCann (27) reaches second base against the New York Mets | Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

James McCann

Have yourself a weekend, James McCann. Acquired from these same Mets for the equivalent of pennies in the offseason and having the Mets paying a large portion of his salary, McCann delivered with some big hits against his former team.

In the first game, McCann went 3-for-3 with a walk and five RBIs, adding one run scored in what could be dubbed the James McCann revenge game. After getting the middle game off, he went 1-for-3 in the finale with a run scored to make the score 2-0 at the time.

So yeah, a 4-for-6 performance with a walk and five RBIs is nothing short of strong for a three game set. McCann makes the most of the playing time he gets this season, and this series was no exception.

Ryan Ohearn
New York Mets v Baltimore Orioles: Ryan O'Hearn of the Orioles scores a run against the New York Mets | Mitchell Layton/GettyImages

Ryan O'Hearn

Someone who's done a fantastic job for the Orioles this season, O'Hearn had his moments in this series. In the first game, O'Hearn provided the go-ahead RBI single in the sixth inning that put the Orioles ahead for good. In the second game, O'Hearn put the Orioles ahead 3-0 in the third inning with another RBI single.

Coming off the bench in the series finale, O'Hearn had the RBI on the play that scored McCann to make it 2-0 late in the game. While unspectacular, O'Hearn was there when he was needed, and one RBI in each game is pretty solid.

Honorable mention: Jordan Westburg

Westburg was on fire in the first game, going 2-for-3 with a three run home run and two walks. Although he went a combined 2-for-8 in the last two games, Westburg had a big first game, buoying his numbers for the entire series.

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