Well, the “momentum” of Monday night’s loss quickly evaporated as the Birds again had an abysmal night hitting with runners in scoring position, stranding seven and going just 1-for-9 w/RISP in a 4-2 loss. Momentum in baseball really doesn’t mean much; look no further than the fact that the New York Yankees have lost four in a row since walking the Orioles off in dramatic fashion friday. For their part, the O’s are just 1-4 the day after a walk-off win in 2014.
So let’s not talk about momentum. Pitch, hit, field, and win. Every day is a new game.
The Birds need to take this rubber match to avoid falling to 0-5-2 in series against the AL Central this year. Failing to win the series from the lowly Chicago White Sox after Monday’s fireworks would be equally disappointing and unacceptable.
LINEUPS
Orioles
RF Nick Markakis
LF Steve Pearce
CF Adam Jones
1B Chris Davis
DH Nelson Cruz
SS J.J. Hardy
3B Manny Machado
2B Ryan Flaherty
C Nick Hundley
P Ubaldo Jimenez (2-8, 4.63 ERA)
White Sox
CF Adam Eaton
2B Gordon Beckham
3B Conor Gillaspie
1B Jose Abreu
DH Adam Dunn
SS Alexi Ramirez
RF Dayan Viciedo
LF Alejandro De Aza
C Tyler Flowers
P Hector Noesi (2-5, 5.34 ERA)
CURRENT STREAK
Orioles Lost 1
White Sox Won 1
LAST 10
Orioles 6-4
White Sox 3-7
TIDBITS
Jimenez is 2-3 with a 4.92 ERA in nine career starts vs. CWS
Jimenez is 0-6 with a 6.38 ERA in seven starts at OPACY this season. He has allowed 2 runs or fewer in four of his last five starts.
Noesi is 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA in seven appearances (two starts) vs. the Orioles
