Baltimore Orioles blank New York for second straight game
The Baltimore Orioles, the team that supposedly doesn’t have the pitching to get to the post season, blanked the New York Yankees for the second consecutive game last night. This is not to say that Orioles’ pitching is perfect, because we all know that it isn’t. However it’s been ticking upwards the past few weeks – even in games when the offense hasn’t been there.
Kevin Gausman turned in another strong performance last night, putting his team in a spot to win the game. Gausman’s line: 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K. Despite his record only being 7-10, Gausman’s really come along this year (as has Bundy), and he’s not putting himself in a position to help lead the Orioles to the promised land.
Again, Orioles pitching has it’s faults – we all know that. However shutting a team out two consecutive games is noteworthy for anyone. It’s also a testament to the defense playing behind the pitcher(s), which in the Orioles’ case we all know is superior. Gausman gave up the two hits in the game, but it’s also noteworthy to point out that the bullpen only allowed two hits as well (and no walks). New York was never really allowed to threaten in this game.
Mark Trumbo was able to score from first base in the last of the fourth after a fielding error on a Davis single. Trumbo was prepared to stay at third base, but once the ball ticked away from the right fielder he came in to score and gave the O’s a 1-0 lead. One inning later they led 2-0, as Adam Jones smacked a solo home run.
And that was your ballgame – the rest is all Orioles’ pitching shutting down New York. This is one of those games where Oriole bats weren’t exactly as lively as most fans would like. However the key is that they got a great pitching performance, and they held their opponent down the entire game.
With Toronto and Boston moving into a first place tie, the O’s now find themselves two games out of first. They also remain one game ahead of Detroit for the second wild card spot in the American League. And given NY’s resurrgence of late, they picked a great time to take at least two-of-three from the Bronx Bombers. However they shouldn’t let their guard down or be content with just two games – you want to go for the sweep today.
And they’ll have that chance this afternoon in the series finale. The Orioles will send Wade Miley to the mound today, and he’ll be opposed by New York’s Michael Pineda. Game time is set for just after 1:30 PM.
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