Orioles Done in by D in Tough Loss
By Nate Wardle
Apr 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman (30) throws in the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Game 10: Toronto Blue Jays 2 (6-5) Baltimore Orioles 0 (4-6) F
W: Dustin McGowan (1-1)
L: Chris Tillman (1-1)
S: Sergio Santos (4)
MVP: Chris Tillman 8 IP 3 H, 0 ER, 2 R, 6 SO, 1 BB (Dustin McGowan is honorable mention, however Tillman had a better game, just his defense let him down.)
The GOOD: Chris Tillman. Tillman had a masterful start, but was undone by his defense. Nelson Cruz had another double, the only extra base hit for the Orioles. That’s all.
The BAD: So frustrated watching this game. Yes, the Jays have some good arms, but you shouldn’t lose a game started by your ace 2-0. Jonathan Schoop made two errors in the same inning, which is why the earned run number is 0. Ryan Flaherty also butchered an easy double play, allowing a run to score. In addition, the Orioles had runners in scoring position, but couldn’t do anything with it. Bobby Dickerson also had a bad hold on Nick Markakis on a play he should have been sent home on. The wind was blowing in and the ball wasn’t carrying, and the Orioles were not patient at all, as usual. Ugh.
What’s NEXT: The Orioles and Jays meet up tomorrow, same time, same place. The Jays send 1-1 Drew Hutchison to the mound, while the Birds counter with Bud Norris (0-1). I’ll wash the stink from this ugly loss away and hope the Orioles can get one back tomorrow.
I can’t finish the post without marveling at what Chris Tillman has become. The player is an ace. Remember, he came to the Orioles with Adam Jones in a trade for one person, Erik Bedard. Tillman was a young thrower at the time, but now he is a pitcher. Tillman is the best pitcher the Orioles have seen since probably Mike Mussina, and looks like he is a bona-fide ace.