It’s three games into the Buck Showalter era and Orioles have won each one.
Last night, the Orioles swept the three game series with the Angels as they won, 5-4, thanks to a walk-off hit by Cesar Izturis in the bottom of the ninth inning.
The difference in the team during the Angels series has been obvious – the young starting pitching has been a lot better, the Orioles are hitting in the clutch, performing with runners in scoring position and aside from the bullpen faltering in game two, the team has been solid.
The Orioles nearly blew Wednesday’s and last night’s game – but hey, at this point, win any way you can.
After the train wreck we’ve all seen this season as fans, it’s nice to have a little win streak going into a tough weekend series against the Chicago White Sox.
Then again, the Angels are not nearly good as they have been in years’ past and look to be nothing more than a .500 team.
Yes, it is only three games into Showalter’s tenure in Baltimore; however, the team seems to be responding to his style and playing much differently. It’s the same team that we’ve all seen during the past month – however, right now it’s all good.
In fact, take what catcher Matt Wieters had to say about the first few games under Showalter and the effect it’s had on the squad:
“Anytime you get a change in manager, and the new guy is going to be here for a while … definitely, a little bit of excitement comes along,” Wieters said. “It might have helped the guys – especially pick them up this time of year.” (From the Baltimore Sun)
Why could they have not done this with Dave Trembley (injuries killed him), or Juan Samuel, but it’s good as a fan to see some good, inspired and hard-played baseball.
I’m sure we’re all glad to see it because the players are being watched by Showalter and perhaps we’re seeing this week what the 2010 Oriole team should have been doing in the first place.
