Once again, an Oriole pitcher struggled and was inconsistent; therefore, the offense had to dig out themsleves of a hole for a chance to win. They could not.
The Orioles lost to Seattle this afternoon, 4-3, to start off their three-game series. They have now lost four in a row.
Not good.
Baltimore’s Arrieta struggled on the mound and lasted only 2 1/3 innings on Sunday. He gave up two runs in the first and second innings, which was enough for Seattle.
The Orioles came within a run of tying the game as they scored two runs with a Nick Markakis and off an error from Mariners’ third-baseman Chone Figgins in the eighth inning.
Baltimore has another golden chance to perhaps tie the game at the very end. They had a runner on base in the ninth inning off reliever Brandon League; however, Robert Andino grounded into a double play to end the game. Mark Reynolds would homer in the third inning. Once again, the offense suffered with men in scoring position, as they were 1-for-10.
The Mariners’ Doug Fister got the win on the mound.
As it is, the Orioles are defeating teams they need to; however, they have problems with some of the better teams and staffs with outstanding pitching – which Seattle and Oakland match the criteria.
In addition, Adam Jones did not start today, but came in as a pinch-runner (for Vladmire Guerrero).
If there were positives out of today’s game, Felix Pie had two hits, pitcher Alfredo Simon threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings to keep Baltimore in the game and Pedro Viola did not give up a run in 1 2/3.
After today’s loss, the Orioles have fallen to 24-28 on the season. The Orioles have improved markedly from last season; however, they are one streaky team.
They seem to be impressive for a stretch, but then, they mysteriously begin to struggle. It could be the pitching or the offense one day, but it is just frustrating to watch.
As mentioned in a post yesterday, the Orioles may not have the talent of let’s say the Yankees, or Red Sox. However, they just need to be more consistent when it comes to all facets of the game.
This West Coast trip isn’t going to well, and the Orioles need to a find a way to right their ship. Before they left Baltimore, they were rolling and looked like a squad that had figured a few things out. Now, they have to figure out how to get back into the win column.
Finally, why I am not a fan of this year’s Memorial Day caps promoted by Major League Baseball?
I just do not genuinely care for this year’s cap offering, despite being worn for a particularly noble cause and to celebrate the Armed Forces.
*** photo from the Associated Press
