Baltimore Orioles: Wright Still Right, Offense Still Not Right

May 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Mike Wright (59) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles received another seven shutout innings from Mike Wright on Saturday night, yet the offense struggled mightily, particularly with runners in scoring position.

Mike Wright started his second game in the majors, and was just as good as he was in his first start.

Wright went seven innings, allowing three hits, three walks and striking out four. He again was excellent, and came close to getting the game-winning RBI. Wright singled back up the middle, only for Travis Snider to be thrown out at home plate.

Darren O’Day and then Oliver Drake came in to help out Wright, and they were both great.

The game may be more remembered for Brian Matusz being removed after Marlins ‘coach’ Dan Jennings had the umpires check him for a foreign substance on his arm. Matusz is likely to be suspended, which won’t be the biggest loss to the Orioles. My guess is that Tyler Wilson will come back up to replace Matusz, although I expect an appeal.

In fact, Drake made his major league debut and went a surprising three innings, allowing two hits, striking out two and making a great tag at home plate to keep the game scoreless. One of those strikeouts was Giancarlo Stanton.

So while Wright, Drake and the pitching were excellent, the hitting was not.

The Baltimore Orioles left nine people on base, and were a abysmal 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Any guess who the only person with a hit was? Mike Wright, yep.

While the Orioles offense looked pretty good on Friday, they were back to struggling on Saturday. Carter Capps came in from the bullpen and was filthy, striking out people left and right.

The middle of the order for the Orioles of Jones, Davis, Young and Hardy went a hideous 1-for-20 with eight Ks. Hardy was the only one of the four to get a hit.

Chris Davis is a complete mess at the plate, striking out four times on Saturday, including several strikeouts looking.