The Baltimore Orioles finished the month of April on a high note as they beat up on the sinking Chicago White Sox, 6-2, on Saturday night.
It’s amazing what opportunities can come when you least expect it. Robert Andino – who was supposed to be a third-string backup in the infield to start the season – has made the most of the playing time he’s gotten due to J.J. Hardy’s injury. It’s nice to see a guy who has obvious talent, finally start to put it together.
Considering Andino was put on waivers before the season and not ever a single team claimed him, it’s good to finally see him breaking out. I could imagine too he must have a huge chip on his shoulder, and it’s clearly evident now that he is playing with some major swagger.
The Orioles reacquired him and he made the Opening Day roster. Since then, he’s become a major factor for the offense at the bottom of the lineup. His impact so far cannot be understated. Oriole manager Buck Showalter has given the man a chance to play and he’s delivered over the past month, time and time again.
Andino has been huge at the plate – and on the field. Yesterday, he delivered big-time going 2-for-4 with a solo homer and he also scored twice.
Reliever Mike Gonzalez stepped up – albeit, for one day – and came up big for the Orioles in his two inning outing. A lot of ink has been spent on the reliever due to his struggles and he has been pillared online, plus at Camden Yards.
For a while, he was not being used in the bullpen; however, much like with Andino, Showalter finally gave him a chance and he sparkled. Gonzalez pitched two scoreless frames, struck out four and didn’t walk anyone.
The Baltimore Sun reported that Gonzalez has gone back to his old, herky-jerky, bouncy motion and it worked for him on Saturday. I’m sure he has been beating himself up after his struggles for the better part of two seasons and let’s all hope that this builds up his confidence.
The Orioles really need his help in the latter innings of the game, especially when it comes to dealing with some of the prominent left handed hitters in the game.
Pitcher Chris Tillman won for the first time this season, pitching a little more than five innings and allowing a run on six hits. He walked two and struck out none. He’s been using his off-speed stuff seemingly a bit more and was good overall on Saturday.
The White Sox got their second run of the ball game off reliever Koji Uehara in the ninth inning.
The Orioles once again busted up the Chicago bullpen plating in four runs to take what was a 2-1 game (where they lead) and sailed to an easy victory. As well, they took advantage of shoddy defense behind the plate where catcher A.J. Pierzynski allowed a few passed balls and committed a throwing error.
Vladmir Guerrero drove in two runs, Luke Scott also drove in a run and Brian Roberts scored twice.
Starting pitcher for Chicago, Phil Humber took the loss. He pitched well, going seven innings and giving up two runs before their bullpen imploded.
Finally, the Orioles had a fairly good April, considering their past history. Despite an eight-game losing streak, they are 12-13 and sit in fourth place in the American League East. It’s been shaky at times for us fans with seeing the offense struggle and some bad pitching performances, but as of late, the Orioles have turned it on, winning four out their last five games.
During the past week, they played the Boston Red Sox really well and are defeating a White Sox team that should be contending, but are just awful right now. After a tough stretch where fans were questioning Buck Showalter, some confidence has returned to the team and his managerial skills.
Hopefully, this was just a rough patch for Baltimore.
Honestly, if the Orioles can defeat the second division teams and stay competitive against contenders, the painful losing of the past may start to dissipate.
