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Baltimore Orioles flip script in thrilling win to kick off 2017 season

By Nate Wardle

Apr 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles players celebrate after designated hitter Mark Trumbo (not pictured) hit a walk-off home run to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles players celebrate after designated hitter Mark Trumbo (not pictured) hit a walk-off home run to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) fields a ground ball in the tenth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) fields a ground ball in the tenth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense

The Orioles’ defense came ready to play on Opening Day, as it usually does. There were a few blips, mainly by Jonathan Schoop on a ball that was ruled a single and on failing to get a throw home on the Carrera double, where he would have had a chance to throw out Steve Pearce at the plate. Schoop overall had a day to forget.

However, the defense by Manny Machado and Chris Davis was fantastic. Manny had the all-world play in the 11th but was also instrumental in starting a key double play to help Zach Britton get out of the 9th inning.

Davis had the pick on both of the aforementioned plays, as well as a few other plays at first base. He also had several eye-catching picks where he used his length to catch the ball and keep his foot on the bag.

Machado’s defense is well-known, but Davis deserves a lot more credit than he gets for his role in the Orioles top defensive infield.

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The Orioles finished the game with an outfield consisting of Craig Gentry, Joey Rickard and Adam Jones. Rickard hit in the 9th and had a chance at a game-winning base hit before Jose Bautista made a game-saving, diving catch. If Bautista doesn’t get to that ball, the Orioles probably win in nine and Britton gets a win. While Kevin Pillar struggled mightily in the OF for Toronto, Bautista had an excellent play in the field but was hitless on the day. Maybe all the boos got to him!

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