Last night, the Orioles lost to the Minnesota Twins, 3-1, in the final contest of a four game series. They got a series split with the Twins and are 8-10 on the season.
After winning two straight with their black jerseys on, the Orioles decided to do the same for the third night in a row to continue the luck. That didn’t work.
Jeremy Guthrie – who started the game for Baltimore on the mound – was solid, but lost. He went seven innings and gave up two runs on seven hits.
As it seems for Guthrie whenever he pitches, the Orioles can never give him enough run support and didn’t get on the scoreboard until Vladmir Guerrero’s RBI infield single in the 8th inning.
Until then, the Orioles were shutout by Twins’ starting pitcher Scott Baker, who went seven shutout innings for the win. Closer Matt Capps got the save.
Jim Thome and Michael Cuddyer each hit solo shots for the Twins, and the Orioles have only won twice in the past eleven games.
At this point, I am little concerned about Derrek Lee. He’s been a solid hitter throughout his career and a power threat; however, so far with the black and orange, he’s not done much.
We all know that Lee didn’t get much a Spring Training due to recovering from a wrist injury, but there’s not been a lot out of his bat as of yet. Let’s hope it improves.
He’s the man in third the spot of the lineup and his bat is needed – badly.
It’s not only Lee struggling at the plate, but Nick Markakis had some ugly swings last night, as did Luke Scott. Meanwhile, Mark Reynolds’ average is under .200.
I’m sure everything will pick up, but when?
I’m really impressed from what I am seeing from Robert Andino. He seems to be a much different player from what I have seen in the past despite his obvious ability. I’m not sure if Showalter has has had some influence, or he’s just matured, but Andino has been a contributor at the plate and solid with the glove.
We all know that the Yankees are in town this weekend. The Orioles counter with C.C. Sabathia tonight on the mound, followed by Freddy Garcia and then Ivan Nova. The Yankees are the Yankees, and so far they are playing well.
Their lineup – aside from Derek Jeter – seem to be on an early power binge and will always be tough to face.
It’s a beginning of a tough week with a surging Red Sox team coming into the Yard starting Tuesday for three games.
Finally, what the hell has happened to the Los Angeles Dodgers?
