Orioles’ Bats Silent Late, Benches Clear in Loss
By Nate Wardle
May 12, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Bud Norris (25) is ejected from the game by home plate umpire James Hoye (92) after hitting Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (not shown) with a pitch in the eighth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Tigers defeated the Orioles 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Orioles got a decent outing from Bud Norris, but a home run with two outs in the eighth inning by Ian Kinsler put the game out of reach for the punchless O’s offense.
Game 36 – Detroit Tigers (25-14) 4 Baltimore Orioles (20-16) 1 F
W: Rick Porcello (6-1, 3.22)
L: Bud Norris (2-3, 3.98)
S: Joe Nathan (8, 3.95)
MVP: Ian Kinsler, 2-3, 2 R HR, 2 R, 2 RBIs, 1 BB, 1 SB
The GOOD: Bud Norris didn’t get a quality start, but he pitched pretty well. Norris went 7.2 innings, leaving up four runs, the last two on a 2-R HR by Ian Kinsler, which effectively put the game to bed. Norris was ejected shortly after when he beaned Torii Hunter. Norris struck out seven and had a WHIP under 1.00.
Preston Guilmet also did a great job in his first appearance as an Oriole. Guilmet came in and struck out two and did not allow any hits or walks in his inning and a third. A good debut in orange and black for Guilmet.
Steve Clevenger was a bright spot for the Orioles as well. He had two doubles and another hit, which equaled to be half the Orioles’ base hits.
The BAD: The Orioles offense slumbered for the second straight day, as Clevenger was about the only offense the team had. The 2-5 hitters in the Orioles lineup, Manny Machado, Adam Jones, Chris Davis and Nelson Cruz went 2-16, and all four struck out once.
Let’s face it, Rick Porcello is a good pitcher, and the Tigers are full of good pitchers. But the Orioles’ offense has to have more clout than it did Monday night.
What’s NEXT: The Orioles play Game 2 of the series against Detroit and left-hander Drew Smyly (2.2, 2.96). With a lefty on the mound, Caleb Joseph will likely make the start, as he works with Ubaldo Jimenez (2-4, 4.73). Ubaldo has won two in a row, and the Orioles hope their big free agent pitcher can make that three in a row Tuesday night.