Orioles Strand Too Many Runners Again in 4-2 Loss
By Nate Wardle
Jun 24, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher
Miguel Gonzalez(50) throws in the third inning against the Chicago White Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Orioles struggles with runners in scoring position continued on Tuesday, and this time they couldn’t take advantage, no matter how hard the White Sox bullpen tried to help them out.
Game 76 – Chicago White Sox (36-42) 4 Baltimore Orioles (40-36) 2 F
W: Jose Quintana (4-7, 3.69)
L: Miguel Gonzalez (4-5, 4.48)
S: Ronald Belisario (8, 5.35)
MVP: Alexei Ramirez 2/4, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB, 4 DP turned
The GOOD: The professional hitters, Steve Pearce and Delmon Young. Young came off the bench and got a big pinch-hit single to make it 4-2 in the ninth. Continues to do every single thing asked for him.
Pearce has a seven game hitting streak, and homered in this one. He also had a walk and another base hit. At this time Pearce should be in the lineup at all times, as he is hitting .344.
Adam Jones had two more hits in this one, as he continues to tear the cover off the ball.
The O’s pitching was not great in this game, but the bullpen did a good job. Tommy Hunter deserved a little better fate than he got in leaving up a run only one hit in the eighth.
The BAD: Miguel Gonzalez was not sharp for the Orioles in his second start coming off the DL, which matches his first start off the DL. Miggy just continues to leave up a lot of hits and not pitch the way he did before he went on the DL. In fact, his WHIP was well over 2 in this game, which is not a good recipe if looking for the win.
In addition, Caleb Joseph had his roughest game behind the plate since he was called up. Joseph had a throwing error, and a passed ball. Joseph’s defense has been so good we have kind of taken his play for granted, but this game was not a good one.
The Orioles hit into four double plays, once again killing their chances with runners on base. This includes one in both the eighth and ninth innings.
Not a reason to be worried yet, but Nick Markakis had another 0-fer in this game, his second 0-4 in two games.
What’s NEXT: The Orioles will play the rubber game against the White Sox on Wednesday evening at 7:05 p.m. from Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Embattled major free agent signing Ubaldo Jimenez (2-8, 4.63) will take the mound hoping to do well at home, as he faces struggling White Sox pitcher Hector Noesi (2-5, 5.34). With the Jays beating the Yankees in the ninth, the O’s fall to 2.5 back of Toronto, but remain ahead of New York.