After giving up 16 runs in the first 18 innings against a talented Texas offense, Miguel Gonzalez and Wei-Yin Chen led the Orioles pitching staff to allow just two over the next 18. Both Gonzalez and Chen have proven the old saying, “it all starts with starting pitching,” to be quite true.
The great starts were just what the doctor ordered for the O’s to end their 2-6 skid. With the final series before the All-Star break against Toronto looming, Buck Showalter’s team is looking to ride their starters deep and create fireworks at the dish.
The offense will look to knock off veteran Mark Buehrle, a lefty that has had his fair share of successes against the Orioles in his 18 career starts. He has a 2.83 ERA all-time against the Birds, and will look to improve to a career 8-5 against them with a victory on Friday.
Negative stats aside, we can look ahead at some positives heading into the divisional match-up. Current players have had tremendous success against Buehrle, and these guys should help make a difference.
Nolan Reimold: 5-9 with three XBH and three 3 RBI—Reimold has been hitting well against left-handers this year, with his average almost 50 points higher than against righties. He has three hits in the past two games, and I expect Showalter to insert him into the lineup.
Nick Markakis: .471 on-base percentage with five XBH and 13 hits in 31 at-bats—He hasn’t been great against left-handers this year, but if there’s a pitcher that Markakis likes to see the most, it’s Buehrle.
Chris Tillman, who is set to be on the bump at Camden Yards for the Orioles, has had some damage done by Blue Jays in his young career as well.
Jose Bautistia: .400 average with two HR, one 2B and 4 RBI—Even though Joey Bats tears up every guy he sees, Tillman has been one that he has teed off on the most. Tilman’s biggest need will be avoiding the long-ball, and it starts with Bautista. If he can get him out, his chances for a good outing go way up.
Edwin Encarnacion: 6-18, (has hit 19 homers off of righties)—after Bautista, Tillman’s biggest long-ball threat is Encarnacion. He’s knocked 23 out this year, including five against the Orioles in 10 games.
Could it be a pitchers duel, or a battle of superstars? Either way, Friday’s contest is going to be a good one – get out to the Yard and support our Birds!
