The Orioles last night continued their slide as they dropped their third straight game, losing to the Marlins, 7-5.
They are now an incredulous 19-52 on the season and 25.5 games back. It’s not even July yet and they are that far back in the divisional race (not that it matters).
Matusz took the loss on Wednesday night as got battered around a bit during points in the game. Again, the Orioles took an early lead (much like in Sunday’s game against San Diego), but their offense could not build on it, nor could their pitcher even hold it.
Florida pitcher Ricky Nolasco was not all that great either, but he got the win. Leo Nunez got the save.
Baltimore took a 4-0 lead in the second inning thanks to homers by Luke Scott and Adam Jones; however, the Marlins to used to long ball to tie the game at 4 in the third inning. Florida broke the tie in the sixth as they got doubles from Ronny Paulino and Chris Coughlan and that sent Matusz to the showers.
The Orioles scored again in the eighth off a Patterson RBI-infield-single; however, the Marlins finished off the game in the 9th as they got an insurance run off a shaky Alfredo Simon.
The moment that irked me throughout the evening was in the eighth inning. With the Orioles down by two, Matt Wieters … bunts. Why? I know it’s situational baseball strategy, but I would not picture him bunting and furthermore, his attempt at it was poor.
Who knows if the O’s could have rallied if Wieters got on, but the play (probably conjured up by Samuel) was not a smart one in my opinion.
With the season now beyond repair, the managerial situation perhaps may be the most interesting side story taking place.
Bobby Valentine didn’t surprise anyone with turning down the Orioles job this week (um, does anyone seriously not doubt he has the Marlins on his mind), while the team met up with Showalter yesterday and will interview Wedge a second time.
Plus, Rick Dempsey is going to get an interview (a lot fans like he’s getting the chance, while many *really* don’t). While I think he’s got a lot of fire, love for the organization and his own ideas how to fix things, I’d prefer someone with experience and team building.
Right now, Showalter would be the best fit for the Orioles.
