Baltimore Orioles: 5 Players Who Need a Big September to Make Playoffs
By Joe Serpico
Kevin Gausman
Kevin Gausman was the one pitcher that the Orioles felt would be a front of the line pitcher for years to come. Over the past few weeks, he has been that guy when this organization has needed it most.
May, June and July were months to be forgotten for Gausman. He only had two wins in 16 games over the three months and an ERA over 4.00. Granted, run support is a strong reason why he failed to get more wins over that span.
It took him until Sunday to get his first road win of the season and it was at a time when the Orioles needed someone to stop the bleeding. Gausman has had a terrific month of August, going 4-2 with a 2.45 ERA and striking out 41 batters in 36 2/3 innings. He has been phenomenal in his last two starts, not allowing a run and striking out 11 in 13 innings of work. More importantly, the O’s have won his last three shirts.
That is the kind of performances the Orioles are going to need the rest of the way to stay in the playoff picture. With Tillman on the DL, more pressure is on Gausman to be the ace and so far, he has done that. It needs to continue through September with the rest of the rotation being shaky at best.
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