BALTIMORE—Whether they were the home team or the road team in this unusual four-game series, the Orioles couldn’t find a way to beat the Miami Marlins.
The Marlins came to Baltimore to make up the four games postponed last week when at least 18 of their players tested positive for Covid-19 and caused an eight-day layoff.
A rebuilt team pulled off a four-game sweep of the Orioles to improve to 6-1. In the first three games of the series, the Orioles scored just one run on 10 hits. In Thursday’s finale, in which they served as the visiting team for the second straight game, the Orioles hit four home runs but poor pitching and fielding led to an 8-7 loss at Camden Yards.
The Orioles’ three-game sweep of Tampa Bay last weekend seems long ago and far away, and their record is 5-7.
“We had a few plays that we didn’t make that hurt tonight,” manager Brandon Hyde said in a video conference call. “Happy with how we swung the bat, nice to see our guys come out and answer their runs early. Pleased with the offense. We’ve done a fairly nice job of taking care of the ball so far. Tonight wasn’t our best night.”
With the scored tied at 6, reliever Evan Phillips walked Jon Berti to lead off the seventh. Francisco Cervelli grounded a single past third baseman Pat Valaika, subbing for the injured Rio Ruiz, and leftfielder Dwight Smith Jr. misplayed the ball, allowing Berti to go to third.
Mychal Givens replaced Phillips and gave up a sacrifice fly to Jesus Aguilar. Brian Anderson’s triple scored Cervelli, and Miami led, 8-6.
Orioles first baseman Chris Davis led off the ninth with a double to left, just his second hit in 23 at-bats. He scored on Pedro Severino’s single. Hanser Alberto hit into a double play. Anthony Santander singled, and José Iglesias bounced into a force to end it.
Mike Morin retired all six batters he faced for the win. Phillips was charged with the loss. Brandon Kintzler picked up his third save.
Former Oriole Jonathan Villar hit Wade LeBlanc’s first pitch for a home run, and Renato Nuñez tied it with his third homer in the top of the second.
In the bottom of the second, Maneuris Sierra’s fly ball scored Lewis Brinson. In the top of the third, the Orioles took a 3-2 lead on Alberto’s single, Santander’s triple and Smith’s sacrifice fly to center.
With two outs in the third, Cervelli doubled, and Aguilar hit a shot to third. Valaika’s throw to first wasn’t in time to get Aguilar, who moved to second when Davis threw home and catcher Chance Sisco threw to third because Cervelli had started toward home plate. Anderson then drove home Cervelli and Aguilar with a single, and Miami led, 4-3.
Sisco’s first home run against Jordan Yamamoto tied it in the top of the fourth.
Fosythe singled to start the fourth, and Sierra was hit by a pitch. With one out, Villar singled to right to score Forsythe. Santander’s ill-advised throw to third was offline for an error, allowing Sierra to score, and the Orioles trailed, 6-4.
“We misplayed a few balls,” Hyde said. “Tried to throw to a place when the play wasn’t there, things that we haven’t been doing, so I would assume this was just a tough night defensively.”
Smith and Nunez homered to begin the sixth, and the score was tied at 6.
LeBlanc was charged with six runs on seven hits in 3 1/3 innings.
“It’s frustrating any time you think you have something good going, and you show up and one day it’s there, and the next day it’s not,” LeBlanc said.
“Tonight, you have an offense that’s scratching and clawing, and getting some big home runs and some leads. To just give the leads right back is frustrating, a frustrating night on all fronts.”
Sisco’s on-base percentage: Sisco was 2-for-3 with a walk. He’s been on base 11 times in 17 plate appearances (.647) with five hits, five walks and a hit by pitch.
“I think it comes with being in a good position to hit and being able to repeat that,” Sisco said. “If I can repeat them consistently, it allows me to see the ball better and put good swings on pitches and lay off pitches.”
Castro starts strong: Miguel Castro has had a solid start to his season. He’s thrown 6 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits, walking one and striking out eight.
He enjoyed playing with Richard Bleier, who was traded to Miami after last Friday’s game.
“It was sad to see Richard go, but this is part of the business,” Castro said through a translator. “On the bullpen side, it’s been very competitive. Guys have been ready for when they get the ball. Pretty confident the bullpen’s going to be good.”
Castro realizes there’s not much room for error.
“So far things have been good,” Castro said. “[I] understand it’s only 60 games this year. You’ve got to stay ready. It’s a matter of staying focused and staying competitive.”
Coming up: The Orioles play Washington at Nationals Park at 6:05 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday’s game is at 12:35 p.m. Tommy Milone will pitch for the Orioles on Friday night. Other pitchers for the series have yet to be announced.
Schedule changes: Major League Baseball has announced two schedule changes for the Orioles.
On August 19th, their game against Toronto has been changed to 1:05 p.m. The scheduled game against the New York Yankees, which was to be played Wednesday, will be made up as part of a doubleheader on September 4 at 5:05 p.m.
Question call: Next week, I’ll be answering Orioles questions. Please either leave your questions in the comments or send them to me: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com.
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After only 12 games in the book, I'm not stupid enough (I heard that) to say that I told you so, but I've been saying for 2 years now, that now is the time for Chance Sisco to get those early career at bats out of the way. I truly believe this kid is going to be an above average big league hitter. I just takes at bats. In any case, hopefully this isn't just a little hot stretch for my hero, but is more of a portent of things to come. Even to the untrained eye, he's always had a sweet swing from the left side (reminds me of Yaz). My understanding is that the knock on him to this point, is pitch selection. Hopefully these early season walks are an indicator that he's learning and progressing in that area. So far anyway, during this season of stink, Chance has provided what I hope to be a glimpse of his future and a bit of excitement for Oriole Nation. Now if Hyde will only PUT HIM IN THE LINEUP every day! And for gosh sakes, let him catch 2 out of 3 will you!?!?
Note: Nice pic by Joy Absalon of that sweet, head down, left handed swing today! Now if he only hadn't whiffed on that pitch. Hah
Ken, that picture of Sisco was certainly a nice one by Joy. However, it was in February.
Regardless ...it's a nice picture of what every little league coach says about keeping the head down ....
Boog after months and months of bashing Sisco I must say that I may be seeing the "light". His unemotional,serene(that I thought was lazy)side to him may actually be working out. Severino's manic,clumsy style does wear on ya. We'll see. Valaika should have fielded that hit to left that Smith Jr eventually over ran. Gives us Ruiz at 3rd,Iglesias at SS,and ANYBODY in LF and the O's would have won last night's game. Coulda,shoulda,woulda. As far as LeBlanc and Milone looking inconsistent--hey they are what they are. Last year Hays would have caught that deep 8th(inning I think) drive off of Givens. Last year Hays would be hitting .320 also. Come on Austin don't get make me worry.
Hays will be fine.
Like I said Orial....HOPEFULLY this is not just a little hot streak for Sisco, but is instead a sign of things to come. It could be over already for all I know, but I do believe he's a hitter. It just takes sooooo many at bats sometimes to determine whether a player has it or not. I've always heard 1000 is the number. Don't quote me, but I don't think SIsco is even at 400 total yet.
Boog, I’m not against the idea of Sisco learning another position at some point here. Nobody is going to hold AR down when he’s ready. And Sisco isnt much of a defensive catcher to being with. I don’t have a problem with Hyde not putting Sisco behind the plate every night as long as he finds him a spot in the lineup somewhere.
Begin**
I'm with you 100% on your assessment on Sisco playing catcher. I see an tremendous value of him being a backup catcher, while at the same time rotating at DH/1st base...maybe outfield. I've also read here from some of the other posters, that he'd be a candidate to learn 2nd base. I understand he was a shortstop in high school. In any case, if he hits like I'm HOPING he can...ya gotta find a spot (or 2 or 3) for him on a regular basis.
I've been pounding the table on this for awhile now, take a peek at him at the keystone or the hot corner. He's not an MLB caliber defender behind the plate and it doesn't matter anyhow. There is zero question who the Orioles catcher will be in three years, and it's not Chance Sisco. If the guy can hit, may as well work him somewhere else.
BanMo...you were the "other poster" I was referring to. I remember your pounding the table, and I agree with you on finding another position for him. But if he can play every 4th or 5th game at catcher ... behind Rutschman ... that saves you a valuable bench position. And with teams carrying what seems like 2 dozen pitchers on the roster now-a-days, I think that's an added value to the kid. I see a lot of DH in his future.
I agree. My personal opinion is that Rio Ruiz MIGHT have a chance of sticking as an everyday 3B. It’s going to come down to if he can hit enough. But that glove really plays. I’d give him every opportunity there at this point in time.
I think 2B is the spot Sisco should get some looks. I’m probably the lowest guy around here on Alberto. I see a super utility man who can play a couple slots passably, but isn’t exactly strong defensively anywhere. But he does mash lefties and that’s valuable.
Probably more valuable to a contender right now than long term in Baltimore, IMO. I think he’s a strong August 31st trade candidate— should he continue to rake against lefties.
BRR - I have been on that train, even this week that Sisco should find another position. I have suggested 2B in the past, but for now, I would do 1B, DH and C.
Phil .... roger that. Now if somebody could only convince Hyde .... or his master Elias.
Many of us suggested 2B last yr, but for now, some catcher, 1B & DH, but take advantage of how he’s hitting, see there is a righty tonight & he’s not on the lineup, go figure....go O’s...
I live in Miami losing four straight to a team made up of players that were on someone else’s roster last week is just flat out terrible. Smith jr will lose many more games with his glove and arm then he will win with his bat. Sisco has to catch the bulk of the games and DH too. The Tommy Milones and Wade LeBlancs might get you out the first time around but the second time bombs away. Other teams are using their prospects in this 60 game exhibition season but not the O’s because we have to much to lose if that makes any sense at all.
Losing is fundamental.
Agree Bhoff, O’s should be using their future to see if they are the future, years of control be damned...go O’s...
I’d hope at some point we decide to yank Millone and LeBlanc for Kremer and Akin. (Or Baumann or Wells or Zimmerman) With Kohl Stewart opting out and letting Velasquez go—the Orioles don’t have a ton of starter depth on the 40 man.
My best guess is that won’t happen til after the new trade deadline if it happens at all. My only hope is that LeBlanc or Millone aren’t replaced by David Hess or Eshelman.
Well we hit better tonight but out situational hitting stinks, leadoff double and not only do we not score we can’t even move him to third. Left field defense is sub marginal why not bring Mountcastle up stick him in left and take our lumps; oh wait we have been.
Catcher: Cisco
1B: Davis
2B: Alberto
3B: Ruiz or Nunez
SS: Iglescia
LF: Mountcastle
CF: Hays
RF: Santander
DH: Nunez or hot hitter
SP: Means
Cobb
The Kids
We are 5-7 now can’t hurt
You really want to keep sending Crush back out there? Certainly there are better solutions than that?
2 seasons of a 1B hitting like a backup catcher is enough. 3 is an overkill. I’m sure Davis will stay firmly on the pine this year because we get to carry 28 but he shouldn’t be taking ABS away from guys anymore. Enough is enough.
I guess they’re waiting to blow past the super two cutoff before we see Mountcastle. But whenever they feel that is- he needs to be up in the lineup. Idc if it’s 1B or LF but Davis is the least deserving player receiving playing time.
You do a disservice to backup catchers everywhere with that comparison JBigs.
Agreed, Davis makes Caleb Joseph look like Rod Carew
You guys must be forgetting the season where Caleb Joseph put up a .413 OPS and had 0 RBIs in 130 ABS!
Even Crush can (Probably) top that!
He hit a double last night at his last at bat with tons of pressure on him he’s hot. Seriously could Mountcastle look any worse in left field then Smith . If Diaz was still a Dodger by money is on that
He would be on the team by now
Unlikely. Diaz was buried behind more talented OF’ers in Los Angeles. He was Traded for Machado because he was expendable to them. But they’re a first class organization who does a great job developing players.
"He's hot" ....I love good dry dose of cynical levity with my Egg Mcmuffin in the morning, but the downside is that you made me nose-drain orange juice. Thanks Bruce!
Don't mind your line up except for CD at 1B, I realize he is batting 1.000 in his last at bat, very hot, in his last at bat, but move on to the youngens...go O's...
I have a soft spot for O's alumni, so I'm happy Bleier and Villar got a chance to experience winning in Baltimore.
I love the trend towards comedy this morning boys .... keep it up. :)
If the old adage, 'Comedy Is Tragedy Plus Time,' is true, we can expect more comedy on this site.
I'll have to wrap my feeble mind around that one ..
As someone old enough to remember and cherish and to have been uplifted by the superb Oriole teams of yesteryear, the current state of play suggests that the rest of this season will be, well, TRAGIC. This includes anticipated wins/losses and my queasy feeling that a couple of our more proven veterans will be traded for--what else--unproven teenagers.
I can remember back to 1969 ... although that was only through the magic that was/is Armed Forces Radio. And I agree ... this season will be somewhat less than glorious.
This despite tonight's game.
Boog ... Let's keep in mind that Sisco has a total of just 17 plate appearances so far. That said, he has been impressive, and you are entitled to a tentative "I told you so." Unless he completely collapses, I would keep Sisco in the lineup for the remainder of the season at DH and backup catcher.
Well Cisco is not in the lineup tonight against a right handed pitcher. What is wrong with Hyde it beats me
Sisco not Cisco lol but it’s no laughing matter .
I don't understand this move - should have Nunez on 1B, and Sisco at DH. I guess they think Davis may go on a hot streak, and get his average up to .150 this season.
It’ll take quite a few hits to get his avg up to .150, sadly...go O’s...
Too much Sisco today-- not enough Mason Williams.
It's sad when the most exciting thing about an Orioles telecast is trying to pick which condiment will win the hotdog race!
No no no no, absolutely NO "I told you so" from me. (I'll save that for the end of the year)
I think I pointed out it was only 12 games and this could very well only be a mini-hot streak he's on. I'm no scout...never played baseball beyond high school, never coached little league and I have no idea how he'll turn out, BUT I know there is absolutely no reason he shouldn't be in the lineup on a nightly basis. I mean really ...Pedro Severino...really?
So despite my lack of a baseball background besides a heavy does of playing Strat-O-Matic for 40 years, and LOT games on TV ... I think I can recognize a sweet swing. That doesn't take a professional's eye does it?
And I don't even get that on MLB.TV !!
In other news, some guy named Bundy mowed 'em down with 10 strikeouts in a complete game win for the Angels Wednesday night.
Did you expect anything else. If they give Cy Young’s this year he will be in the running.
He has pitched brilliantly for the O's too, in the past , but for very short stretches. Let's see how he does for the season. We don't need Bundy here now, not that the current pitchers, but it makes it easier to bring up Akin et al, later.
How's your boy Gausman doing?
I think I read somewhere his era is around 5.3 or so, like some of the O’s...go O’s...
Have you seen Richards next post?
Yes, he did exactly what he said he wouldn’t do anymore, I don’t think Richard can help it, now it’s funny & kinda disturbing...go O’s...
It's funny. All hail Elias!!
And totally inappropriate considering the topic of Rich's piece. No scruples there. But you're right .. he simply can't help it. I'm thinking there may be issues here. You've joked about meds before ... ?
What are you guys talking about?
Simply can't explain it in this forum.
Trying to not to have to apologize to you again.
Agree, definitely not with the topic of the article, that should’ve all been directed to John & his family, no digs...go O’s...