Down On The Farm: Tough Start For Aberdeen IronBirds

Mar 9, 2012; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Dylan Bundy (49) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the game at JetBlue Park. The Orioles defeated the Red Sox 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Aberdeen IronBirds started their season on a seven-game road trip. One would assume they thought this would be a tough trip. But they probably did not expect  it would be difficult.

After 4 games in Hudson Valley, 3 games in Staten Island and finally 3 home games against the Brooklyn Cyclones, the IronBirds sit at 1 win and 9 losses.

There have been bright spots, as rehabilitating Oriole Dylan Bundy allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out nine in five scoreless innings against Brooklyn on Saturday. Unfortunately the team could not respond to get the win. According to the Baltimore Sun Buck Showalter was left very happy:  “I love the command. That’s a good indicator,” Showalter said. “Usually if your arm is bothering you, your command is off. That’s usually the first thing when you see a guy’s command is off.”

Most of the IronBirds’ losses have been very close. The three weekend losses to Brooklyn were by a combined four runs. Starting pitching has been generally sound, but with a lack of hitting, especially in clutch situations.

The best news for the IronBirds has been the debut of their new “Ripken Orange” outfield fence. The fence hopes to tie in the fact that the IronBirds is the first step into “Birdland” for the young Orioles players.