On Tuesday, the Orioles dropped their third straight game as they were defeated by the Seattle Mariners, 5-1, to open their three game series.
Baltimore starter David Hernandez dropped his 11th straight decision as he went 5 2/3 innings and gave up five runs (four earned) to have his record fall to 0-5.
Seattle broke open a scoreless game in the fifth inning as they tagged Hernandez for two runs, and three more in the sixth inning. In the end, that’s all they needed for the easy victory. Folks, Baltimore was done once Seattle got on the board.
Baltimore’s only run came in the seventh inning as Garrett Atkins drove in Ty Wigginton with an RBI single.
Seattle’s Cliff Lee – who started the game on the mound – easily earned his first win of the season as he went 7 1/3 innings and gave up only one run.
Once again, the Orioles offense failed miserably despite getting eight hits on the night and left six men on base.
Now, the question is what does the team do with Hernandez – do they keep trotting him on the mound, or do they bring up some reinforcements (mainly, Chris Tillman or Jake Arrieta)?
It’s too early to say right now if Hernandez should be slotted into the bullpen or remain as a starter.
Personally, I’d give him half the season to figure himself out before we can make a judgment call. He’s got the stuff to either be a starter – or reliever. We all should exercise patience with him right now.
However, if Hernandez can’t pitch with some consistency during his starts, maybe he could serve as a long reliever (or even a closer with his arsenal).
The Orioles have some arms who could replace Hernandez if he falters as a starter, but he could definitely serve in some sort of role in the pitching corps in the years to come.
Speaking about roster changes – I cannot imagine this team as constructed will stay the same for long. They are now 9-24 on the season and seemingly are stuck in a hole unless a miracle happens. A season that seemed to be filled with some promise has been oliberated and something needs to be done — soon. However, who on the minor league level could possibly help out the Orioles now?
Seriously, tonight’s press conference was just telling with Dave Trembley. He looked flusterted — especially talking about Nolan Reimold — and somewhat dumbfounded along with defeated. At this point, what else can do the Orioles do to turn this team around? Little that can I see.
Finally, it looks like an old face – Corey Patterson, will be called up to the Orioles this week and that either Nolan Reimold (who looked terrible on Tuesday) or Lou Montanez (who’s just been plain bad) may be sent to Norfolk.
