Orioles Roll to Win Behind Davis’ Three Blasts
By Nate Wardle
May 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) reacts as he watches his two run home run clear the wall against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Orioles got their most complete effort and one of their easiest wins to date, rolling to a 9-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
Game 43 – Baltimore Orioles (23-20) 9 Pittsburgh Pirates (18-26) 2 F
W: Miguel Gonzalez (2-3, 4.53)
L: Francisco Liriano (0-4, 4.86)
MVP: Chris Davis 4-5, 5 RBIs, 4 Rs, 3 HRs, 3 DP turned
The GOOD: This was the Orioles most complete game of the 2014 season. The offense was what fans expected, the defense was spectacular and the pitching was effective.
Chris Davis had what may have been his game to get him out of his early season struggles. Davis hit three bombs to right center field, helping single-handedly lead the O’s to victory.
Nelson Cruz also had a solo HR in the game, going back-to-back in the fifth inning with Davis off Liriano.
In fact, every starter had a hit except Caleb Joseph, who drew a bases loaded walk to give the Orioles the lead in the third. And Joseph’s defense was more than enough to make up for not having a hit.
Davis also helped turn several double plays, including a filthy one where Manny Machado laid out, quickly flipped to Jonathan Schoop and then Schoop one-hopped the throw to Davis, who scooped it out of the dirt. It was fabulous.
Speaking of defense, Schoop also had a leaping catch that was quite good. Miguel Gonzalez fielded his position well on Tuesday night. But the best defensive play was by Caleb Joseph.
The play by Joseph was in the first few innings, with Pirates on the corners and threatening. Miguel Gonzalez was struggling with his command, and threw a ball that bounced and was headed toward the outside of the opposite batter’s box. Joseph somehow stopped the ball and saved a run.
Miguel Gonzalez’s pitching was also very good in this game. Miguel had 7 strikeouts, had several shutdown innings after the Orioles scored.
The BAD: The bullpen was the only blemish in this game. Tommy Hunter came in and left up two singles before getting a double play. Zach Britton also struggled a bit before he got a double play.
Those double plays helped get the bullpen out of some hairy situations, although the Orioles had a sizeable lead at that point.
Overall, not a lot of bad coming out of this game, something that will make Orioles fans, players and coaches smile!
What’s NEXT: Weather permitting, the Orioles are supposed to be back at PNC Park on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.
Chris Tillman (4-2, 3.54) will face Wandy Rodriguez (0-2, 6.84). This will be Wandy’s second start since coming off the DL, and the Pirates will need him to help stop the bleeding a bit, as they are struggling as a team.
It all may not matter, as rain and thunderstorms are supposed to hit the state on Wednesday afternoon, potentially washing away the Orioles chance of sweeping the Pirates in 4 games.