PHILADELPHIA—Sixteen games into the season, it’s clear that this Orioles team is better than last year’s. On Wednesday night, they won their fourth straight game and captured their fourth series of the 60-game season.
In 2019, they didn’t win their fourth series until midway through a conventional 162-game season.
The Orioles ran their record to 9-7 with a 5-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Unlike Tuesday’s dramatics and overall wackiness, they won behind three home runs, outstanding relief pitching and an exceptional play at third by Rio Ruiz, who also homered.
Catcher Chance Sisco drove in three runs with a two-run single and a home run. Anthony Santander also homered.
“It seems like the good teams have different guys on different nights,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “And right now, that’s what we have.”
When starter Wade LeBlanc gave the Orioles just 3 1/3 innings, Shawn Armstrong, Travis Lakins, Mychal Givens, Miguel Castro and Cole Sulser pitched 5 2/3, giving up a run on four hits—with Castro allowing the run and three of the hits.
“Middle relief is what won us the game,” Hyde said. “We pitched well, and we got enough runs to hold on.”
Armstrong (2-0) got the win, and Sulser his fourth save in six opportunities.
The Phillies took a 1-0 lead when Didi Gregorius walked with one out in the second, and scored on Andrew Knapp’s double.
Santander’s fifth home run, which hit the foul pole in right, tied it at 1 in the top of the third.
Rhys Hoskins led off the third with a walk from LeBlanc, a call that pitching coach Doug Brocail and Hyde strongly disagreed with. Bryce Harper reached on a bunt single, and J.T. Realmuto’s single scored Hoskins. With one out, Gregorius’ sacrifice fly to center gave Philadelphia a 3-1 lead.
Renato Nuñez doubled to begin the fourth. Dwight Smith Jr. dumped a ball in front of Phillies leftfielder Andrew McCutchen. Nunez advanced to third, and Smith took second when McCutchen threw to third. It was ruled a double. Nuñez and Smith scored on Sisco’s two-run single to tie the score at three.
Ruiz hit a home run to right-center with two outs in the fifth against Zach Eflin to give the Orioles their first lead, 4-3.
Sisco homered to lead off the seventh against Adam Morgan for a 5-3 lead.
“All of us have something to prove,” Sisco said. “There’s very few of us on this team that don’t have something to prove. That makes it fun. That makes it competitive. That’s why you see us out there having really good games. We’re going back and forth with these teams, playing hard baseball.”
Sisco is hitting .381 and has a .536 on-base percentage.
Miguel Castro, who allowed three runs in Tuesday night’s eighth inning, was shaky in the eighth again.
Jean Segura beat out an infield single, Gregorius singled him to third and, with one out, Knapp singled to score Segura.
With two outs, McCutchen hit a smash to third that Ruiz fielded going to his left. He flipped the ball to second as he was falling to the ground, and second baseman Hanser Alberto stretched to field the bouncing ball to force Knapp for the third out. The play preserved the Orioles’ lead at 5-4.
LeBlanc’s night: For the second straight start, LeBlanc threw 3 1/3 innings. He allowed three runs on six hits, walked three and struck out two.
He was impressed with his hitters.
“You’re starting to see a plan at the plate,” LeBlanc said. “And some confidence that comes with knowing you can succeed with your offense.”
Notable: Alberto struck out three times. It’s the first time in his Orioles career that he’s done that. … The Orioles struck out 15 times, a season-high … Hoskins grounded into three 5-4-3 double plays.
Hyde on Orioles’ mentality: “I think we’ve got a little bit of a renegade group here that’s been dismissed by other clubs,” he said before the game. “Still early on in their careers. They’re trying to fight their way to stay in the big leagues. They’ve found a home here. They’d like to play here.
“You’ve seen a lot of them improve. Once you’ve been [designated for assignment] or put on waivers, that’s tough for a player to go through mentally, and to be able to get another opportunity, you’re going to try to make the most of it. Look at our lineup. I think we had six of them yesterday who’d been put on waivers or designated for assignment, and I think you’re naturally going to play with something to prove all the time, and I think that we’ve done that so far.
“They don’t talk about it, but I think that they play like it. I think that Hanser Alberto plays like it. Pedro Severino plays like it, Rio Ruiz. Guys that have moved around different organizations. Maybe teams gave up on them early. Roster decisions happen, and things happen with teams and sometimes you’re the odd man out, and we’ve had guys that have been the odd man out. I just like the energy with which we play.”
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It’ll be interesting to see who’s available tonight. Sulser, Givens and Castro have all thrown back to back outings. I don’t have high hopes that Eshelman will go very deep into the ball game either....
Another great win. Players don't tank, and now that they're finally here, what may be a few of the core pieces of the future are coming into focus.
Santander is hitting the ball better than his batting average indicates and is tearing the cover off the ball. I've been scoffed at here for 2 years for lauding his AA play, but thought all along that this guy just looks like a man amongst boys and is destined for stardom.
Ruiz is starting to make a believer out of me. I'll begrudgingly give Mr. Elias credit from bring him into the fold.
I remember making fun of the fact last year, that the team had sunk so low that Rich had to resort to writing about the O's "Big Pickup" of some clown named Hanser! Boy is he putting egg on my face. Not sure at his age if he's going to be here for what hopefully will be a big turnaround, but for a team that's been in the tank, he's been a breath of fresh air! The man can hit, and I think it's time to extend him.
And Sisco? :)
Now if we can only get Elias to cooperate!
Is Akin still up with the team. If he is would be great to maybe see him in some long relief if needed today. Will also be interesting to see Jake today. His era looks tight to start the year.
Akin is still on the team.
What a pleasant surprise these Birds are !
Nice win, nice little opening to the season we're watching here. I amazes me how conditioned fans are by this rebuild stuff. Local radio, and several conversations I've had are filled with people saying they aren't happy about the Orioles winning this year due to it's draft ramifications. Seriously?! They picked 1/1 and 1/2 in consecutive years, what else do you want? And Elias whole selling point was that he was a super scout. So is it too much to ask he finds talent at 8th, 15th, 22d overall and not just the pick of the litter? Max Scherzer went 11th. Mike Trout went 25th. Aaron Judge 32d. Cody Bellinger in the 4th round. It drives me nuts. Franchises should be embarassed to have a top 3 pick, not celebrated.
Also, side note: Dylan Bundy threw 7 scoreless and 10 Ks the other night and is currently carrying a robust 1.57 ERA and 3-1 record.
I'll 2nd all those thoughts.
I’ll 3rd those sentiments...go O’s...
I’ll 4th
that. Whoever on local radio or fans calling in are not happy are losers period.
Bundy must be enjoying that big ole ballpark in Anaheim. Lots-o-room for flyouts that would have been homers at Camden Yards.
In response to those who want the O's to lose so as to get a high #1 draft slot, words of caution: Matt Hobgood, Mike Paradis, John Hoover, Josh Hart, Billy Rowell, Mark Smith, Chris Smith, Adam Loewen, Matt Townsend, and Drungo Hazewood.
2020 season. Lose 1. Win 2. Lose 2. Win 3. Lose 4. Win 4 (4+l. Wondering how long this trend line can continue?
Perhaps these wins aren't a fluke? Time to reconsider if what we saw against the Marlins is the reality?
Shocked when the announcers said Velasquez was a defensive replacement (although he truly was) for Smith, a regular outfielder, you must be pretty bad to be replaced defensively in the outfield by an infielder...lmao...go O’s...
Where’s Ryan?...go O’s...
I'm thinking Elias is doing everything he can to keep him down this year. Maybe even stalling in case the Covid cancels the season.
I like everything we are seeing lately but not a infielder as a defensive replacement every night in the outfield who’s hitting 50. If the game gets close and he has to bat he’s a sure out. We have three guys at Bowie flip a coin but one should be the fourth outfielder. No need for three catchers when you have two healthy young guys who are playing well.
Ben McDonald blaming Sisco for the ump missing obvious strike calls was really low class. This was the worst ball/strike ump that I have seen this year. How would you like to have been Old Ben's catcher? He probably blamed every loss on his catcher. What a WUSS! It's past time to take balls and strikes out of the umpires hands. They have the technology. why don't they use it? It really would save me from screaming at the TV. Go Os!
Totally agree, the umpire was one of the worst I’ve seen, but, he was bad both ways, still bad...go O’s...
It was a disgusting display of calling balls & strikes, but I kind of see where Ben is coming from. I didn't notice it last night, but on Tuesday, there were 2 balls called on pitches that were in the strike zone. McDonald called our attention to it both times. In each instance, Sisco caught the ball over the plate and yet let his mitt be dragged outside the strike zone area. It appeared to confuse the umpire's judgement each time. Sort of like pitch framing, but only in reverse. I'm no fan of Ben McDonald, but I think he's onto something with Sisco.
That ump last night made me realize I owe an apology to Laz Diaz and Angel Hernandez.
Rich, Is Smith out of options? It is the only thing that I can think of as to why he is not in Bowie. Like others, I am ready to see RM, but are there any other OFs in Bowie (not named Mullins) who are on the 40 man roster? Smith is limited as a 4th OF. If Smith is out of options, then to send him to Bowie, O's would have to put him on waivers, and if he were claimed, then O's would lose an asset. Correct?
Phil, Dwight Smith has one option remaining. Besides Mullins, Ryan Mountcastle, DJ Stewart and Ryan McKenna are outfielders on the 40-man roster at Bowie.
Thanks, Rich. Is mason Williams considered a better outfielder than Smith? (I know he is not on the 40-man), but it would seem that it would be good for RM to play left and a 4th of that can play all three positions. Smith is hitting, but if RM is going to play (which he should), then O's need a legit 4th OF (IMHO). Appreciate all that you do.
Phil, Mason Williams is considered a better outfielder than Dwight Smith Jr., but Smith is considered a better hitter. Cedric Mullins is probably the best fielding outfielder at the Bowie site.
Sorry, Rich...I am not following you point..."Mason Williams is considered a better outfielder than Dwight Smith Jr., but Smith is considered a better outfielder." Smith a better hitter? Williams a more versatile OF, Smith a better corner OF? My concern is that if RM comes up and if someone is out, even briefly, Smith is limited (hasn't been playing LF all that well), Mason is more complete defensively - don't know much about McKenna. Hoping O's ride this momentum as long as possible, defense helps pitching so much... Smith's has been disappointing.
You didn't follow my point because I made an error, which I have now corrected. Smith is considered a better hitter, Williams the better outfielder.
Diaz is not on the 40 man roster
If Williams is considered a better outfielder than Smith Jr, how can Smith be considered a better outfielder? Jedi mind trick?...go O’s...
Ray, thanks for the catch. I corrected it. Smith is considered the better hitter.
Thanks, Rich. I thought that is what you probably meant. Mullins would be fine as a 4th OF.
Gotcha, no problem, thx, go O’s...
At what point do we start to wonder if this is going to last? Furthermore, what does Elias do? Obviously he isnt going to add pieces no matter what, but making the playoffs will upset the timing of his rebuild. Will he tear it all down at the deadline regardless? Also, will the O's get a premium for unloading assets if they are in contention. If this keeps up, I'm rooting for them to do nothing and let it play out. It would be so 2020 if the Orioles get into the playoffs.
Stephen, if the Orioles get in the playoffs, it actually speeds up the rebuild. They're not going to add, but if Severino, Ruiz, Alberto and Sisco lead a team into the playoffs, how does that get in the way?
My reasoning is that if they get into the playoffs it is very likely (or at least more likely than usual) Due to a combination of a fluke and a covid shortened season. Success might signal that the birds are competitive when they are actually enjoying a weird year that drops them in the draft order and stops them from trading for prospects.
To hell with the draft order! That promotes nothing but a loser's mentality. Where do the Yankees, Cards, Sox, Dodgers draft every year? Hint...it's ain't in the top 10!
In Elias mindset, it costs you draft position...go O’s...
Right handed pitcher, you’d think they’d DH Sisco but noooo, let’s put in the right handed in a bit of a funk SS that Elias signed, just when you think they’d be trying to win....go O’s...
Day game after a night game, wet field, want Iglesias’s bat in the lineup without him risk aggravating his injured quad. With a mini double header tomorrow, want to keep everyone fresh
Yes keep your hottest hitter who’s only 25 fresh and play a RH hitter against a Cy Young guy who’s tuff on RH as DH. Is Bundy the next Ex Oriole Cy Young he sure looks like it so far.
Not uncommon day game after a night game to rest your catcher. Phillies started the backup yesterday and are going with Realmuto today. Iglesias has a sore quad so they want his bat without playing the field. With 1 1/2 games tomorrow, both will probably play
It’ll be a 6:00 start, 1/2 hr difference, sounds like something Elias would say, also, he’s been doing this all season regardless of what time games are, don’t think he puts that much thought into it...go O’s...
The game was supposed to start at 4 PM. Rain forced a delay.
Think you mini managers over here should take a back seat and enjoy the lineup card! 11 runs ain’t too bad. No CD in the lineup. I refuse to complain about a lineup if CD and Velasquez aren’t in it.
Severino is 6 for his last 12. Not like Chris Davis is behind the plate.
Correct , but Realmuto DHed...go O’s...
But Iglesias is not 6 for 12, no problem starting Sevy, but Sisco should’ve DHed...go O’s...
Iglesias is hitting.386. Has 2 RBI’s tonight. Severino has 3 hits, 3 RBI’s. Not bad
Easy to say afterwards, any manager would’ve DHed Sisco instead of Iglesias, all I’m saying...go O’s...
Sorry I bit CPs. Had a weak moment.
Nice call Rich! I love the way this team fights back and claws for everything and how they play together! Mike Elias has really put a nice team together and they're playing for each other! I'm hoping all of this great play by the players will finally shut the mouth's of some on this sight about Elias being a "tanker" and finally point the finger at Dan Duquette at dismantling this franchise and being the real tanker! I think Mike's done a great job in the less than 2 years he's been here!
One small thing here, I think the Orioles need to give Alberto a day off. Three strikeouts for him in one game is not at all like him. But with Iglesias nursing a bad wheel kind of hinders them right now. But I really like this team and labeled as a bunch of renegades, could be their modus operandi or m o!!! I just hope the pitching holds up. That's my biggest concern here. Two straight bad performances by LeBlanc and others not pitching at least 6 is really taxing their bullpen. John Means can't get back here soon enough for me!!! Orioles number 1!
And since when does the executive vice president of a baseball team set the lineup? I guess they're down to making up stuff now to blame on Mike Elias! Unbelievable! Miserable old... taking a deep breath and now laughing. They just keep bringing the rain. Lol
Boog, it’s actually been enjoyable the last few days, all good things must come to an end...go O’s...
Very educational. I always wondered what M.O. was.
Funny, I thought he meant miserable old...my bad...go O’s...
Or the leader of the Stooges...
What was that about putting Iglesias at the DH? I hope you're enjoying eating crow. I guess you 2 must just enjoy being miserable. Lol. And I don't live on this site like you do. I have a great and very happy life!!
We know...2 houses ... 3 brand new cars ... professional baseball scout ... BFFs with the real Brooks & Boog, and a Masters in Comp Sci/EE from SNHU.
Awesome dude...I'm happy for you. Please stop trolling me.
Lol the masters of science from SHNU got a good laugh out of me.
Hyde pulled the right strings tonight but I’d like to see Sisco penciled in more frequently. No good excuse not to moving forward since we’re carrying 3 catchers. It’s tricky to DH one of your catchers regularly when all you have is 2.
That would make Also you know make Holaday’s roster spot less of a waste.
What the heck is Hess doing on the team?
Unexplainable. I suppose he’s our long man. I’d prefer Dillon Tate.
9th inning was Taylor made for Akin...not sure how many better non-pressure opportunities you’ll get...go O’s...
Never said "professional baseball" scout and never said "BFF" with Boog and Brooks and you also got my college wrong. Stop putting words in my mouth and I only troll when I'm fishing. Everything else you got right! And hey, I'm glad you could be happy about something. You should be happy for the Orioles right now!!! Ruiz with another home run!!! Another Mike Elias pick up!!!
Great win tonight!!! Good night all!
I just read the Sisco and Severino trained together in the off season. If they continue to play like this I would consider making AR a first baseman. It would lengthen his career and have him play everyday
I wouldn’t mess w/AR, Severino can be his back up or trade him, Sisco, maybe at first, not sure what they’ll really do w/Mancini when he gets back...go O’s...