Offense Propels the Orioles into the “Win” Column
Tonight the Baltimore Orioles walked out onto the field hoping for a different outcome of last night’s performance hosting Kansas City Royals.
The game started slow, with no scores on the board through three. In the fourth, the Royals struck first on a two-run homer by Lucas Duda.
Adam Jones started the fourth off with a single, then Manny Machado moved Jones up to second on a fielders choice. Jonathan Schoop added to the madness by moving Jones up to third. Designated hitter Mark Trumbo popped out to second, but due to the proximity, it was too close for Jones to score.
Chris Davis came to the rescue to drive in Jones and Schoop with a three-run homerun, for the Orioles to take the lead; 3-2 Orioles.
In the seventh inning, the Orioles defense collaborated against Mike Moustakas for a defensive shift. Sure enough, Moustakas hit it to Schoop playing shallow right field as Machado covered second base.
The eigth inning was a rewarding one, offensively. With Machado and Schoop ok base, Trumbo drove them both in on a single, to make the score 5-3.
Tremendous pitching efforts tonight as starting pitcher Andrew Cashner pitched six innings, allowed six hits, earned three runs, walked two, and struck out three. He threw 111 pitches, 72 strikes. Richard Bleier came in for the win, pitching two innings, allowed two hits. Brad Brach closed it out with the save; one inning pitched, walked one, struck out two.
The Orioles and Royals play tomorrow night at 7:05, Camden Yards, for their series finale.
