Finally good to see the Orioles have something good to happen. On Sunday, they completed an improbable four game sweep against the Rangers by beating them, 4-1. This was their first series on the road this year…
Jake Arrieta was strong on Sunday, going 6 1/3 innings and only giving up a first inning run. Alfredo Simon got the save, and Corey Patterson once again came through with a huge hit – a two-run double – that plated two and broke a 1-1 tie in the second inning.
Good to see Arrieta bounce back after a tough patch there.
What was even more impressive this weekend was the pitching of Chris Tillman on Saturday against Cliff Lee. Most expected Lee to steamroll over the Orioles and show why he was the most coveted pitcher on the market; however, he got lit up to the tune of six runs – all earned.
Baltimore used three homers to send Lee to the Rangers to a loss. Then again, for the Orioles, the story was Chris Tillman – not Lee.
Tillman, who had been sent down this season after a promotion due to his struggles, flat out dominated on Saturday. He allowed two singles and a run – unearned – in 7 1/3 innings.
The kid threw well and it was very good to see. I know a lot of people have been kind of wondering about him considering his struggles in the majors, but he’s only 21, still has room to get better and one can’t give up on talent like that.
Not to say that Tillman may be special or whatever after only one start, but if you look at what Clay Buchholz and Phil Hughes had to go through throughout their young major league careers, the future may not be bad for him.
Other than that, I’m in California for the All-Star Game this year. I’ll let you all know my thoughts throughout the week.
