This afternoon down in Tampa-St. Petersburg, the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Rays, 6-0, thanks to an impressive showing by pitcher Brad Bergesen. It would be accurate to say that he is on the bubble with Brian Matusz inching closer to a return to the majors and Alfredo Simon possibly as well.
Bergesen threw a complete game, going all nine innings for his first win of the season in seven decisions. He only allowed four hits and used his sinker along with his changeup to induce groundballs which got Rays’ hitters out.
A lot of credit on the day for Bergesen’s performance has to go to Jake Fox. He primarily made the team for his bat and is basically a utility guy who can catch. He’s faced criticism on this blog and throughout the fanbase for his shaky work behind the dish at times; however, he came through big-time today.
Bergesen’s performance no doubt is a positive for his case to stay in the rotation, but he will have to stay consistent.
On the offensive front, the Orioles got great performances from Adam Jones and Vladmir Guerrero who both had two hits and a run driven in. Jake Fox hit a two run homer in the sixth inning and Mark Reynolds hit a solo shot in the fourth. Derrek Lee plated in Brian Roberts in the 8th inning.
For the Rays, starting pitcher Wade Davis took the loss as he lasted a bit over five innings and gave up four runs.
Overall, it was a good effort by Baltimore on Saturday and they have improved their record to 18-20.
In 2010, the Orioles didn’t even earn their 18th win — according to the AP — until June 15th, the 65th game of the season.
They hope to take the series on Sunday and then roll into Boston against a Red Sox team that is starting to figure things out finally.
