Mar 31, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman (30) throws in the third inning of an opening day baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
The good news is that the Baltimore Orioles heldMiguel Cabrerato a 1-for-4 day with two strikeouts; the bad news is thatTorii Hunterdrove in all five runs offBud Norriswith a bases-loaded double and a two-run homer. The good news is that the Orioles’ offence finally came awake with five runs in the 9thinning; the bad news is that it was still a run short in a 7-6 loss to the Tigers.
All the numbers surrounding the Baltimore Orioles right now are upside down. There is the 1-4 record. There is the lack of power, with only two homers so far, and those from newcomerNelson Cruz. There is the consistent inability of starting pitchers to get past the 5thinning. And even with the opposition,Rick Porcello– notoriously poor in April and against the Orioles – gets 20 outs for the Tigers while giving up only a run on three hits.
A baseball purist would have to like quite a number of the small things done by the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. There was aggressive base running to pressure the defense, sacrifice flies, a successful ‘run and hit’ into the vacated shortstop hole, forcing deep counts from O’s pitchers, and hitting behind the runner after a leadoff double. Porcello threw one grounder after another. And evenAlex Gonzalezcontributed to the Tigers’ effort by getting on base with a single and walk and scoring both times.
The five-run outburst in the 9thinning will hopefully awaken the Orioles offense, as it does illustrate that the O’s are seldom ever completely out of a game. The need is for the pitching to hold them in the contest until the bats can tally the necessary runs. UnfortunatelyBrian Matuszallowed the two additional runs that proved to be the margin of difference. But the obvious need for the Orioles starters to pitch more effectively and deeper into games is … well … it is obvious. Come back for another article examining this … probably tomorrow.
Another day, another game – and on Sunday it only gets more difficult as the Birds will be going against Detroit aceJustin Verlander. Considered by many to be the best in the game right now, Verlander gave up two earned runs on six hits in six innings in the season opener against the Royals. The Tigers came from behind to win 4-3 with a run in the 9thinning.
Verlander’s skills may be seen in the chart below of the Orioles hitters and their history against him. OnlyJ.J. Hardyhas had some success with a .258 average and three home runs.Adam Jonesis a mere 3-for-27.
PA |
AB
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
BB
SO
BA
Nick Markakis46
41
10
4
0
0
2
5
10
.244
J.J. Hardy
35
31
8
1
0
3
7
1
6
.258
Delmon Young33
30
6
0
0
0
1
2
10
.200
Adam Jones
28
27
3
0
0
1
3
1
8
.111
Nelson Cruz
26
26
4
0
0
2
4
0
8
.154
Matt Wieters21
19
3
1
1
1
2
2
4
.158
Chris Davis19
17
3
0
0
0
1
2
9
.176
David Lough12
12
2
1
0
0
0
0
3
.167
Ryan Flaherty6
6
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
.333
In that each team is playing their sixth game of the season, the Orioles will counter Verlander with their own top-of-the-rotation aceChris Tillman– who gave up one run on seven hits over five innings in the season opener. When looking at Tillman’s numbers against the Tigers, it is amazing to see that he has never faced Torii Hunter. Bud Norris wishes he had never seen him!
PA |
AB
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
BB
SO
BA
Ian Kinsler13
12
4
1
0
1
2
1
1
.333
Miguel Cabrera
11
9
4
1
0
1
4
2
2
.444
Don Kelly10
9
2
0
0
1
1
1
0
.222
Austin Jackson9
9
2
0
0
0
0
0
2
.222
Alex Avila6
6
1
0
0
1
1
0
2
.167
Victor Martinez6
6
2
0
0
0
2
0
1
.333
Rajai Davis3
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
.000
Alex Gonzalez
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
.000
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations