Baltimore Orioles – Searching For A Starter Not Named “Tillman”
Apr 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitching coach Dave Wallace (37) talks to starting pitcher Bud Norris (25) during the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Ten games into the 2014 season the Baltimore Orioles have really only had three good starts – all by Chris Tillman. Yes, there was the Gonzalez start with three runs in six innings. But honestly, Tillman is the only Bird on the bump that gives any confidence right now.
Last night’s game was about the most frustrating to watch as any I’ve seen in recent years. Tillman’s stuff was excellent again, and the only two runs against him should have never been scored. The game was literally thrown away by the two errors on the left side of the infield.
The Orioles had several probable home runs balls blown down by the swirling winds. One of these by Adam Jones had him looking at his bat in the dugout in disbelief. And the Birds’ normally aggressive third base coach inexplicably put the brakes on Nick Markakis on a two-out single to right field, only to see the throw come to third base instead. Ugh. Frustrating. McGowan is not that strong of a pitcher but had everything work out for him on this evening.
So … back at it on Saturday night. These Birds need to step it up in every way.
The Orioles will send Bud Norris to the mound for his second start of the young season. His first game against the Tigers did not go well at all, as he gave up nine hits in five innings along with five earned runs leading to the loss. He will look to regain his fairly decent form from spring training.
Bud Norris has only ever once before pitched against the Blue Jays. It was his final outing last year on September 25th where he gave up three runs on seven hits over four innings. The game was tied when he departed, though the Orioles would win 9-5.
There is not any extensive record of current Blue Jays hitters against Norris apart from Colby Rasmus who is 4-for-24 with a solo homer.
PA |
AB
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
BB
SO
BA
Colby Rasmus
24
22
4
2
0
1
1
2
6
.182
Dioner Navarro8
6
2
1
0
0
0
2
0
.333
Melky Cabrera5
4
2
1
0
0
3
1
1
.500
Brett Lawrie3
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
.000
Ryan Goins2
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
.500
Adam Lind2
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
.000
The Blue Jays will counter with Drew Hutchison. In his two games so far, he has had opposite experiences – with a good win over the Rays, but a whipping by the Yanks…
Date |
Opp
Rslt
Dec
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
HR
Apr 1TBRW,4-2W(1-0)
5.1
3
0
0
3
4
0
Apr 6NYYL,4-6L(1-1)
3.1
6
6
6
3
6
1
Hutchinson is coming back from missing 2013 for Tommy John surgery. He was one of the Jays’ most promising prospects. He started two games against the Orioles in 2012 and pitched well, including a win on 5/28/12 with zero runs on three hits in seven innings, including nine strikeouts.
So, tonight’s game essentially features two pitchers who could as likely be either awesome or awful.