The Baltimore Orioles nice five-game win streak came to an end as they lost to the Kansas City Royals, 8-2. This was the first contest in a four-game set. Tonight, it was the debut of Manny Machado — the highly touted infielder who has been promoted from Double-A Bowie.
It’s good to see an Oriole youngster making an impact, and the Birds playing some competitive baseball into October instead of hearing incessant chatter about the Ravens and NFL betting to see how they’ll do this season.
If there was any good news on the night and Manny Machado drilled a ball into right-center field for his first hit – a triple. The crowd went crazy after he slid into third base and was called; thereafter, he would score on a Nick Markakis flyball to left.
Overall, Machado didn’t embarrass himself out there in the field, and made quite the impression in his major league debut. Each any every time he stepped up to the plate, Machado got quite the applause.
Based on what I saw, everyone is eager is see what happens now with Machado – whether he struggles or not.
It looks like he is here to stay – for now. The Orioles really need improved defense at third base, and Machado may fit the bill.
Well, his debut was not as hyped up as Matt Wieters’ own, as
Wei-Yin Chen should be considered the ace of the Orioles, as he has been nothing short of phenomenal in the last two starts; however, on Thursday night, he got hit hard – very hard.
The Orioles got punished by the Royals early and they could not get up. In fact, one could say that they were out of game before they even stepped up to the plate.
Chen struggled in the first inning, giving up four runs and serving homers to Alex Gordon and Billy Butler (a three-run shot): however, he gave up two more runs in the third inning.
Chen was off, and it showed on the mound. He looked awfully hittable, his pitches were not working, and the Royal batters simply teed off on him. He put forth a valiant effort on Thursday; alas, just didn’t have it and was done after 4 2/3 innings.
Chen gave up seven runs in the loss – all earned – and took his seventh loss of the season.
only north of 21,000 fans showed up at Camden Yards; however, Machado presented himself very well, showed incredible poise along with hustle, and finished up with two hits overall.
Baltimore added more offense in the sixth inning as Matt Wieters hit his 16th homer of the year – a solo shot.
Kansas City starter Will Smith stymied the Orioles, going seven innings. He gave up two runs during his outing.
