Orioles Get Defensive, Still Lose to Burly Bartolo
By Nate Wardle
May 5, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Everth Cabrera (1) tags out New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) trying to steal second base during the first inning of a their inter league baseball game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Orioles got solo home runs in the eighth and ninth innings on Tuesday, but it wasn’t enough to beat the New York Mets.
Batolo Colon is almost 42 years old. He now has beaten the Baltimore Orioles as a member of SEVEN different teams. Which is some sort of record. Colon was excellent, only making one mistake, a solo home run by Manny Machado in the 8th.
Bud Norris pitched well, going 7 innings and allowing 3 runs, all in the fourth inning where he left several balls up. But, the bats couldn’t do anything until late, losing 3-2.
But, there was a very, very bright light in this game, despite the result.
The Baltimore Orioles are a team that takes great pride in its defense. However, this year it has been a struggle. The team has the 22nd best fielding percentage, and is 15th in caught stealing percentage. Not exactly the same as last year, when Caleb Joseph was one of the best at stopping base stealers and the fielding percentage was 6th in the majors.
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Well, on Tuesday, it was all on display, and right away. Caleb threw out Curtis Granderson trying to steal in the first inning.
Jimmy Paredes, much maligned for his defense, was starting at second base, and he was excellent. A leaping catch, turning a double play, charging a ball and throwing out a speedy runner. Maybe Paredes should be the regular second baseman until Schoop comes back, allowing Pearce to play a corner outfield position (because I don’t have any faith in Alejandro De Aza or Travis Snider right now).
Adam Jones made two running catches before crashing into the wall, one in right center field, the other in left center field. Jones is seriously putting himself in early MVP talk.
Everth Cabrera also had an excellent play, ranging toward third and throwing across his body to get out Juan Lagares.
While the result was not what the team was looking for, the defense was excellent. And as the team moves forward, if that can continue, it will continue to help the pitching.