Baltimore Orioles: Extra, Extra Innings Not Enough

Jul 31, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Bud Norris (25) pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles’ 1-0 loss in 13 inning felt like a playoff game, which could very well be a match-up in October with the Anaheim Angels. The Orioles could not sweep the Angels, which has not occurred in Baltimore since 2010.

The Angels’ pitcher Tyler Skaggs threw a no-hitter against the Orioles. Too bad for him, he did not pitch a complete game, because he had to leave with an injury.

Orioles’ players not named Caleb Joseph went hitless through nine innings, and Joseph was no longer in the game at that point.

Just as July has shown for the Orioles, pitching proved to be the key part in this ballgame. Bud Norris went seven strong innings without allowing a single run, despite eight hits.

After being used quite a bit in this series, the bullpen remained strong to keep the Orioles in the game. Brad Bach pitched well in relief, and received this reaction from his high school coach, who attended.

The defense remained strong, including yet another Manny Machado play from foul territory to throw out Albert Pujols. In case you missed the play, here it is.

Through ten innings, the Orioles only had three hits and no runs, while the Angels only had one hit since Norris left the game, and no runs.

Entering the game, the Orioles pitched to a .98 ERA in extra innings, while hitting to a .359 average with seven home runs. Those numbers lead all other teams in Major League baseball.

The eleventh inning showed promise, but not even instant replay could stop a blown call from ending the inning before the Orioles could score a run.

The Orioles best chance to score came in the 12^th inning, when they had the bases loaded. A poor night for the Orioles offense could not manage a single run in that instance.

The pitching did all they could before allowing only a single run, but the Orioles’ offense just could not connect any hits to put a run up on the board.

The Orioles finish the month of July with a 17-8 record, which keeps them in first place in the AL East. However, with the loss, the Orioles now only lead the Toronto Blue Jays by a game and a half.