Davis and Gonzo Lead the Way on Thursday

Chris Davis #19 of the Baltimore Orioles reacts after taking a strike in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 9, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Texas Rangers won, 8-4.

Right now, Chris Davis is making baseball look like a joke. The Orioles defeated the Texas Rangers on Thursday, 3-1, and Davis – after a 0-for-17 slump – hit his 34th homer and drove in his 86th run of the season.

He has already surpassed his numbers from last season in homers and RBIs.

Watching Davis has been fun at this season so far, and God willing, I hope to make it up to CitiField next week to watch him in the Home Run Derby. Let’s see what he can do.

Davis will be out of cozy Camden Yards and hit at spacious CitiField, however, this guy can hit the ball out of anywhere.

It’s funny. During the offseason, I wondered if Davis could duplicate what he did 2012, and in addition fill in at first for the departed Mark Reynolds. I also wonder about his strikeouts and as well hitting for average.

Crazy how things work out?

Davis has rewarded fans and the team with the faith they have put in him. It’s been a pleasure to watch.

Miguel Gonzalez #50 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Texas Rangers on July 11, 2013 at Orioles Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland.

Aside from Davis, Miguel Gonzalez has been another pitcher who has also been nothing short of a surprise as well. There’s honestly little remarkable about him upon first glance; however, for the better part of two seasons he has been with the Orioles, Gonzalez has been a diamond in the rough.

He's another player on the roster who I had complete reservations about heading into Spring Training.

He has shown himself to be completely unflappable on the mound and a complete bulldog when he gets the ball. Gonzalez showed his ability again on Thursday night, as he got the win for Baltimore.

Gonzalez needed to pitch a solid game, considering the Orioles needed to at least get a series to tie before they close out their first half against the Blue Jays this weekend. He did just that, going 6 2/3 innings, and only giving up a run.

I know many people would never consider him an ace, but he’s as good as a pitcher that the Orioles have on their roster. He is 7-3 now with a 3.48 ERA.

A lot of fans have wondered if the Orioles will get another frontline pitcher and my bet is that they probably won’t. They’ll go with what they have, but if the Orioles keep solid performances from Gonzalez and company, all will be good.

Now, the Red Sox and Rays just have to slow it down.

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