Monday Thoughts: May 20-26
In a week that was filled with rain and losses, the Baltimore Orioles will try to part the clouds and let the sun shine back in Birdland. Without further ado, here are your Monday Thoughts!
The Evil Empire Comes to the Yard:
The Orioles begin this week back home at Camden Yards against the first place New York Yankees.
The O’s will see familiar foes on the mound this series, as J.A. Happ and Domingo German are scheduled to start games one and two of the four-game Oriole homestand.
Last week, the Orioles played a doubleheader after two days of postponements due to rain. Happ pitched a solid game one, going 5.1 innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits, and ultimately picking up the win.
Domingo German pitched a dominant game two, going seven innings, giving up just one earned run on six hits, and pitching up the win in the Bronx.
The O’s will hope to get back on the hit train for this series after picking up just six hits in the last two games.
Bieber Performs in the City of Rock:
Shane Bieber was absolutley filthy on the mound yesterday in Cleveland.
Holding the Orioles to just five hits, Bieber, 23, threw a career high 15 strikeouts in his first complete game shutout of his career.
“I just thought we got completely dominated.”
Orioles manager- Brandon Hyde
Chris Davis struck out four times and said he personally did not make an adjustment to Bieber’s arsenal.
“The guy kept throwing a slider down. I kept swinging at it. That’s just stupidity on my part. But we’ll try to put it behind us and move forward.”
Orioles first baseman- Chris Davis
New Patrol in Center is Showing Up:
Stevie Wilkerson is making the most of his time in the majors.
Wilkerson is the unofficial everyday center fielder for the Orioles, and he earned it through both consistent offense and stellar defense.
The 27-year-old super utility player is batting a solid .282/.300/.500 in his 80 plate appearances so far this season.
Wilkerson is so versatile for the O’s, having nine different gloves in his bag. This year, Wilkerson has appeared in 14 games in center field, four games right field, and three games at left field and second base.
Wynns Tired Giving Up Homers:
The biggest killer for the Baltimore Orioles this season has been the long ball, and the players are showing their frustration.
Orioles catcher Austin Wynns displayed his disgust of giving up home runs after game one of the doubleheader against the Yankees.
“We need to not do that, period. It’s too many home runs. It’s embarrassing. We have to put an end to it.”
Orioles catcher- Austin Wynns
Orioles starter David Hess is tied for first in home runs allowed in the entire MLB with 14.
