Happy Tuesday, Camden Chatters!
Yes, the Orioles lost last night. But you know what? I don’t even feel bad about it. There have been so many demoralizing losses this season, but last night was not one of them.
After winning three straight from the best team in the American League, the Orioles looked on their way to an almost unfathomable four-game sweep. They led the Rays by two runs in the seventh inning when the bullpen coughed up the lead. It was frustrating to watch because the Orioles were SO close to mopping up the Rays. And it’s also frustrating to know that the bullpen is the weakest part of this team right now. If you want to read the full details of the 7-6 loss, check out Alex Church’s recap.
But now that it’s over, I feel fine. It’s incredibly difficult for any team to sweep four games. And one relief pitcher having a bad night is something that happens to every team sometimes. The offense remained hot, which is good to see. And while Brandon Young wasn’t sharp, he didn’t let the game get away from him. The only thing that makes this loss feel so big is that the Orioles are in a fight with four other teams for one playoff spot, and time is running out.
The long road trip is over and the Orioles finished 5-5. Not ideal, but at least they finished with a good series in Tampa. They travel home now, but the schedule doesn’t get easier. First up is a three-game series with the Yankees followed by three more against the Rays (again). Carlos Rodón is coming off of the IL to make the start. He’s a tough lefty, but the Orioles aren’t quite as petrified of lefties as they once were.
One troublesome thing is what appears to be a nagging minor injury to Pete Alonso’s calf, He hasn’t missed any games but has been DH’ing since he tweaked something on Saturday. Pete was able to circle the bases on his home run with ease, and historically, the big guy does not get hurt. But the idea of losing him is scary because if you lose him, you lose the season. I don’t think that will happen, but it still makes me a little nervous.
Not to mention every time Alonso is DH’ing, Coby Mayo will be at first base. Last night in the Rays’ three-run seventh, Mayo had couldn’t handle a tough ball hit to first. It was called a hit but still, I know I wasn’t the only one missing Alonso in that moment.
For now, the Orioles are tied for the final Wild Card spot. While the Orioles were losing last night, the Tigers won to pull in to a tie with them. And the idle Rangers gained a game, which also put them into a first-place tie. The Guardians were also off yesterday and gained a half-game. As for the Twins, they are playing the Braves and as of this writing, are winning by two.
Links
The Orioles lost pieces at the deadline and didn’t quit. Why? ‘The fate’s in our hands.’ – The Baltimore Banner
The boys believe in themselves. And why not? They have plenty to play for.
Alonso, Carroll nab Player of the Week honors – MLB.com
Pete Alonso went 12-for-22 last week and picked up his sixth career Player of the Week award. The last Oriole to win was Gunnar Henderson in September 2024.
Teenage Top 100 prospect headlines latest Team of the Week – MLB.com
MLB Pipeline recognized Aron Estrada as their second baseman of the week. No wonder, he mashed five home runs! Click through for some highlights.
Birthdays and History
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have two Orioles birthday buddies: Bob Kennedy (b. 1920, d. 2005) and Josh Rupe (44). Kennedy had a 16-year career from 1939-57. Like many of his generation, he missed three years of playing time to serve during WWII. He appeared in 132 games with the Orioles in 1954 and ‘55. In “55 he was sold midseason to the White Sox. He also had a long post-playing career as a coach, manager, scout, and executive.
Rupe appeared in nine games out of the bullpen for the 2011 Orioles. They were the third and final team of his six-season MLB career.
On this day in 1965, Brooks Robinson hit into the third triple play of his career. Luckily, the Orioles still beat the Red Sox 3-2.
In 1972, the Orioles traded Elrod Hendricks to the Cubs for Tommy Davis. Davis played for the Orioles from 1972-75. Hendricks, who had been with the Orioles for five seasons, finished the season with the Cubs and was then traded back to the Orioles!
In 1997, the Orioles traded a PTBNL for Harold Baines. Baines ended up staying with the Orioles for three seasons for his second of three stints with the team.
In 2016, the Orioles defeated the Astros, 13-5, with a six-homer day. JJ Hardy and Chris Davis both went deep twice. Mark Trumbo and Manny Machado added the other two. Hyun-Soo Kim had a four-hit day. Kevin Gausman started and earned the win despite giving up five runs in 6.2 innings.
In 2017, Machado hit three home runs in a home win against the Angels, including a walk-off grand slam. He drove in seven of the team’s nine runs.
And on this day last year, the Orioles defeated the Red Sox 6-3. Trevor Rogers allowed one run in seven innings to lower his ERA to 1.41. Gunnar Henderson tripled and homered. Samuel Basallo singled, doubled, and drove in two runs in his second Major League game.