Bob Haynie: Orioles Lose Game, Win Series Vs. Rays
The Baltimore Orioles were silenced offensively in their 2-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night at The Trop. Despite the defeat, the Birds did win their opening series of the 2015 baseball season two games to one. Of course, Baltimore manager Buck Showalter will take a series victory in a heartbeat.
Tampa Bay RHP Jake Odorizzi held the Orioles to only two hits in 6.2 IP to pick up the first career win for Rays manager Kevin Cash. Odorizzi struck out seven and walked none as the Rays avoided the sweep.
Following the second inning of the Orioles 6-5 triumph on Tuesday night, Tampa Bay pitchers put the Baltimore bats on ice. The Birds were shutout for the final 16 innings of the series and went five for their last 55 at the plate. They struck out 13 times in the series finale and a total of 29 times over the course of three games.
As for the starting pitching, the Orioles got a solid performance from RHP Chris Tillman on Opening Day. In the next two games, Showalter got subpar outings from LHP Wei-Yin Chen and RHP Miguel Gonzalez. No need to start pushing panic buttons, however. Both will be fine in the long run.
Defensively, the Orioles did their thing as they went unscathed over the course of the series. As usual, they will be one of the best teams in all of the majors in that area.
The Baltimore home opener at Camden Yards is Friday afternoon against the Toronto Blue Jays.
RHP Bud Norris is scheduled to take the mound for the Orioles against veteran Toronto lefty Mark Buehrle. Norris was 4-0 and posted a 1.78 ERA against the Blue Jays in 2014.
Baseball season has been begun and the Orioles are coming home.
It should be a fun weekend.
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