As the clock ticks down on the Orioles season, there are fewer alternatives to bounce again from performances comparable to Wednesday evening’s at Fenway Park. Against left-hander Rich Hill, Baltimore may mount little offensively, and the Boston Red Sox took benefit.
Left-handed pitchers have been a kryptonite of types for the Orioles of late, and with out Cedric Mullins, Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson within the beginning lineup, there was a noticeable lack of energy. That lack of energy was felt within the 3-1 loss, with Baltimore unable to again up a stable pitching effort regardless of a ninth-inning rally that included Henderson strolling and Rutschman hanging out, each as pinch hitters.
With seven video games remaining, the Orioles’ (80-75) magic quantity for elimination is all the way down to 4. The Seattle Mariners maintain the tiebreaker, complicating a push for the ultimate American League wild-card spot.
Right-hander Dean Kremer recorded the very best efficiency of his profession final week towards the Houston Astros, pitching a shutout. In that efficiency, his curveball and cutter had been dominant, and he threw the breaking ball 25% of the time — about 13 share factors above his season common. Kremer hardly wanted to make use of his four-seam fastball in that outing.
But towards the Red Sox, Kremer’s curveball hardly made an look; he used it 11% of the time and drew one whiff with it in comparison with the seven he recorded final week. With the variation got here combined outcomes, with 4 walks combined into the three runs on six hits he allowed.
The preliminary breakthrough got here within the first inning, when Alex Verdugo’s single scored Rafael Devers. A well-timed double play eradicated additional injury in that body, however Abraham Almonte and Verdugo later homered off Kremer earlier than left-hander Keegan Akin got here in two batters into the sixth inning.
Akin, who had been optioned Monday, returned Wednesday to supply a recent arm for the bullpen. He was pivotal for the Orioles in his return, protecting the ultimate three innings with one hit allowed and two strikeouts. That saved the remainder of a taxed bullpen for Thursday’s sequence finale towards Boston, with right-hander Mike Baumann on the mound.
Robinson Chirinos hit his first homer since Aug. 3, however the lengthy ball was all of the Orioles may muster.
A season over
The season ended for infielder Ramón Urías between second and third base Tuesday evening, when he suffered a proper knee sprain. He was positioned on the 10-day injured record. In the clubhouse, his proper leg was wrapped in a tender solid.
In extra of an on a regular basis position, the 28-year-old put collectively a stable 12 months in his third season with the Orioles. He hit .248 with 16 homers and a .720 OPS. Manager Brandon Hyde stated Urías’ potential at third base was additionally spectacular.
“In batting practice, he’s got a lot of power to right-center, right field, and that’s what we’ve seen for the last couple years,” Hyde stated. “He can back side a ball as well as anybody. But for me this year, taking the next step, being able to pull the ball with a little more authority.”
Hyde stated in the long run, Urías “will be fine.” But the harm is an “unfortunate” approach to finish his season.
Around the horn
- Akin, right-hander Beau Sulser and infielder Tyler Nevin had been recalled to the Orioles on Wednesday whereas right-handers Joey Krehbiel and Jake Reed had been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.
- Norfolk completed its season Wednesday with a loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The Tides ended the 12 months at 74-76.
This story will probably be up to date.
ORIOLES@RED SOX
Thursday, 1:35 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM
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Source: www.bostonherald.com