On Friday, the Orioles kicked off their second half of the 2013 season. They swept the Texas Rangers over the weekend thanks to impressive defense, pitching and coming through at the plate.
Wei-Yin Chen was consistent on Friday night; Miguel Gonzalez was solid on Saturday night and Chris Tillman went eight innings (and gave up two runs on Sunday) on Sunday for his 12th win of the season. Each one pitched deep into games – at least into the seventh inning – and the trio only gave up four runs combined.
Honestly, I am still on the fence on what the rotation can do, considering they don’t have a so-called ‘number one.
However, the Orioles do have good starting pitching despite the lack of ‘name’ guys.
They managed to neutralize the Texas bats and keep the heart of that order quiet.
After struggling for the first half of the season at the plate, Matt Wieters seems to be heating up at the plate. The Baltimore Sun noted that he was 6-for-12 in the series against Texas with a homer; two runs driven in and crossed home plate four times.
We all know what Matt can do behind the plate; however, anything he brings with the bat is a plus. Wieters been very disappointing offensively, but what he did this weekend was amazing. He also was behind the plate in each game of the series, which shows his durability and ability to grind it out.
The Birds are now 13 games over .500 at 56-43 and have won five out of their last six games. That’s the good news.
The bad: The Tampa Bay Rays (who are in second) and the division leading Boston Red Sox just keep on winning.
As it is, the Orioles just have to keep on going. They’re in good shape, but I hope the two aforementioned team start losing sometime soon.
