Finally! The eight-game losing streak is over.
The Orioles pounded out an 11-0 win over the Minnesota Twins last night as the offense finally woke up and took their frustrations out of pitcher Carl Pavano and his bullpen. They scored early and often, so for one night at least the boo-birds got to rest and Camden Yards – with a little more than 12,000 in attendance – got to cheer over something.
It’s been a painful time after the amazing game by Zach Britton against the Rangers, but a win is win and we fans should be happy. Hopefully, the output from the Orioles will continue into the rest of the Twins series and this weekend against the Evil Empire (Yankees), plus next week with the Evil Empire 1A (the Red Sox).
With definitely their best performance at the plate so far this season, the Orioles got four RBI’s from catcher Matt Wieters, and three each from Brian Roberts and Vladmir Guerrero.
Guerrero added his second homer of the year in the bottom of the eighth inning with an impressive opposite field shot off Minnesota’s reliever Joe Nathan.
Young Jake Arrieta, who started the game on the mound for Baltimore, went six shutout innings and earned the win. I would have thought Arrieta had the ability go longer; however, Buck Showalter pulled him due to his pitch count. The bullpen – Jason Berken (who is off to a real nice start) and Josh Rupe – kept the Twins off the scoreboard to finish out the contest.
I posed a question on Twitter asking if the Orioles hit a rough patch or we’re seeing the same song and dance we’ve been accustomed to the last 13 years. The good news is that – maybe just the hardcore loyal fans answered – is that most believe that the team ran into a rough patch.
People were very frustrated with the team as of late; however, but a 7-9 start is a lot better than um, 2-16. I’m going to still look on the bright side of things.
Certainly, the Rangers and Yankees are always going to be a tough customers (the loss on Thursday was a big blow) and the Indians are on a blazing hot run, so the Orioles just need to play with some consistency and grind it out.
Again, I’ll say this: The Orioles will only go as far as their pitching takes them. That’s the key.
Plus, let’s also hope that the new additions to the offense – Derrek Lee, Vladmir Guerrero, Mark Reynolds and J.J. Hardy (when he comes off the DL) – hit towards their career norms again.
All four men have risk, especially with Lee and Guerrero with their age, but I am hoping for the best.
One thing: I do wish the Orioles were more athletic and Luke Scott in left is a concern in the back of my mind (his bat cannot leave the lineup).
I do wish the more athletic guys on the team like Nick Markakis, Adam Jones and Robert Andino (when he plays) would steal a bit and manufacture runs. I left Brian Roberts’ name of the last sentence for an obvious reason – the injury concern.
