Orioles’ Pitching on a Roll, but Offense Not Helping

Jun 13, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) speaks with starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez (31) on the mound during the second inning Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles pitching has been stellar over their last five games. Since the ugly game that Ubaldo Jimenez started last Sunday, the Orioles have allowed seven runs in five games.

The problem is, the Orioles have also only scored 14 runs in those five games. And all of those runs came in three games. The Orioles are 3-2 in those five games.

For so long, the issue was the pitching. Not just this year, but for numerous years now. The Orioles thought they had an ace in waiting in Chris Tillman, and paid Ubaldo Jimenez the big bucks to be another ace.

The problem is, those two are the worst pitchers in the rotation right now. Both have ERAs over 4.5, while Bud Norris and Wei-Yin Chen are both under 4, and Miguel Gonzalez is at 4.17. And Gonzalez is pitching much better as of late.

From the end of last year, I harped that it was all about the pitching. The Orioles bullpen has been much improved, if not quite good.

While the bullpen ERA is 3.64, one has to think that is largely from their long relievers. Zach Britton and Darren O’Day have ERAs under 1, and Ryan Webb, who has been very good of the last month, has an ERA of 2.83.

But, the inconsistencies of the offense are also becoming a concern. The O’s are getting good, quality starts, but losing because they can’t score runs.

Everyone knows this offense should score runs. Last night they left the bases loaded, and also had J.J. Hardy lead off with a double in the 7th, only to waste it with some bad situational hitting.

Orioles’ fans continue to wait for this team to put it together. Until then, they will hold on to hope of a wild card spot, because at this level the O’s are not division winners.