With a 10-game stretch against the AL East, the Orioles have the opportunity to create some separation in the division. After dropping their fifth game in a row, getting swept by the Rays, the O’s find themselves four games out of the division lead.
The O’s have already dropped the series against the Rays, the first two being very disappointing losses.
The first game was ugly from the get-go with another shaky start from Jason Hammel. Hammel fell apart in the 3rd and 5th innings, making another early exit for an Oriole starter. The Rays continued to put on hitting clinic, finishing with 17 base hits.
The Orioles made a triumphant run in the 8th inning to bring the game within two, but when your pitching staff lets up 12 runs it isn’t easy to get the W.
The second game looked like it was in the books after a 4 run first inning, but the Rays weren’t going away quietly. Jim Johnson blew his second save in a row, and left a bitter taste in the O’s fans’ mouths.
The implosion didn’t stop there.
O’Day came in to try to mop up JJ’s mess, but in turn allowed two more runs to cross the plate. It was heartbreaking to watch the Orioles blow a 4-0 lead, but hey, worst things have happened.
The Orioles will straighten things out.
Remember, you have to lose 62 games in order to win 100. Buck says it best, baseball is a marathon where there are mountains and valleys. In order to be successful in this game you need try to maximize the mountains and minimize the valleys.
Tampa has left town and the Orioles will host a three-game series against the Yankees. The Yanks continue to produce wins with 97 million dollars and the faces of their franchise on the bench, maintaining a 27-16 record and hold of the AL East lead.
The Orioles have an opportunity to swing things in their direction by taking some games away from New York, and the O’s will send Garcia, Gonzo, and Hammel to the mound to do the job.
Garcia will face his former team, which makes for a funny picture on the ESPN app, since they have failed to update Garcia’s picture (he’s still wearing a NY hat). Freddy has pitched well, but a worn out bullpen is going to need him to last a little longer than his previous start of 3.2 innings.
The good news is that Miguel Gonzalez, the Yankee Slayer, is slotted to start game two. Miguel has dominated the Yanks up and down the line-up, and it is one of life’s great pleasures to watch him mow down those ugly pinstripes.
Initially, I had hoped for the Orioles to win six out of 10, but now that the O’s have lost three, it may be a tall order. The O’s would have to sweep either the Yankees or Jays, and if they can pull that off it won’t be too difficult to forget about this ugly five-game skid.
And for those who are still bitter, our All-Star center fielder has a saying for you, “The best part about baseball is that there is always tomorrow.”
So go get ’em tonight boys.
