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Baltimore Orioles: Prepare for Rollercoaster Ride

By Joe Serpico

Aug 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) is congratulated by catcher Matt Wieters (32) after the final out against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Zach Britton (53) is congratulated by catcher Matt Wieters (32) after the final out against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Orioles are one game out of first place in the Amercan League East and it should be a hell of a ride the rest of the season.

It is funny how things can change in just a few days.

The Baltimore Orioles seemed to be doomed after a miserable series against the Houston Astros. After winning the last three games against the Washington Nationals, all is good in Birdland.

Be prepared O’s fans. This up-and-down play could be something we see the rest of the season.

The Orioles have one more game at Camden South before 12 straight against AL East opponents. That stretch of games will go a long way in determining the O’s fate in the postseason.

Baltimore is currently one game behind the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays for the division race, and a three-game lead over the Detroit Lions for the final wild card spot. The O’s will travel to Detroit in mid-September as well in another crucial series.

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The offense is showing signs of life which the O’s will need down the stretch. Chris Davis is heating up. Mark Trumbo is not hitting at a .300 clip like the beginning of the season, but he is still hitting the home runs. Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop and J.J. Hardy are hitting well.

That needs to be the case with the unknown surrounding the pitching staff. Losing Chris Tillman for two weeks is a huge blow. Wade Miley is not encouraging anyone with his play. Kevin Gausman can only win at home. Yovani Gallardo has been blah most of the year.

Then, there is the one no Orioles fan wants to see on the mound. Ubaldo Jimenez gets the start tonight with a chance to put Baltimore back in first place. Based on what we have seen over the past two years, the offense will have to carry this team tonight and the rest of the way.

The key is getting to the Orioles bullpen. Mychal Givens came in with runners at second and third with no outs, and kept the Nationals off the board. Zach Britton‘s scoreless streak finally was snapped at 43 games, but he is without a doubt the best closer in baseball.

The starting pitching just needs to get them there. They will be the key the rest of the way. From what we have seen this season, who knows what to expect.

Next: O's Looking for Series Win at Camden South

There will be plenty of highs and lows over the next month and a half. That’s what makes baseball so gut-wrenching, but fun at the same time. Well, fun if the Orioles continue to win and make it back to the playoffs.

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