The Orioles could not complete the series sweep against the White Sox as they lost 5-2.
After three games of completely battering the White Sox, especially with the so-called ‘big inning’, the offense was ineffective on the night.
Despite getting eleven hits, they only scored twice – courtesy of a Derrek Lee two-run homer – and left 12 men on base. They had opportunities throughout the game to get on the scoreboard, but for one reason or another – strikeouts with men on base, or incredible plays by the White Sox defensively – no one crossed home plate for eight innings.
Veteran pitcher Mark Buehrle got the victory, going 6 2/3 innings and allowing eight hits.
Meanwhile, for the Orioles, Jeremy Guthrie was solid on the mound — again, but gave up four runs in seven innings. His record is now 1-4 on the year, despite a 3.00 ERA.
Somehow, someway, the Orioles need to desperately score runs for him. It’s been an ongoing story on that front for years.
I do appreciate someone like Guthrie on the squad. He’s obviously well spoken, thoughtful and sometimes acts as a de-facto spokesperson for the team. Plus, he can pitch.
From what I can recall, Guthrie started off in the bullpen for Baltimore after being dumped by Cleveland, had some ups and downs as a starter for a bit before hitting his stride with the Orioles.
He’s struggled at times, but overall, Guthrie has been a solid part of the Orioles pitching staff. The guy isn’t an ace; however, he does his job well on the mound and at times is as good as any top-flight pitcher in the majors.
Something just needs to be done. Guthrie should be winning 12 to 16 games a year, if he could only get some run support!
If there’s something positive to take out of last night, both Vladmir and Derrek Lee had a combined five hits.
I wonder now if Derrek Lee has finally figured it out at the plate. He’s hitting .247 and after Sunday’s game where he struck out four times, I wondered if Father Time has caught up to him. Then again, he’s also playing in a new league, new team, etc.
It doesn’t matter when all is said and done. The Orioles really need him and Vladmir to produce often in the heart of the lineup.
Now only if Vlad will start taking walks. He is fun to watch at the plate, however.
The Orioles move onto Kansas City where they face a Royals squad full of young talent playing very well (relatively speaking), and they come back home to face the Rays.
