The Baltimore Orioles keep the streak alive after a postponed game jeopardized a two-year sweep-less streak against the Toronto Blue Jays. The O’s dropped game one of the two-game set in extra innings 3-2 as the offense didn’t provide the run support needed to get Corbin Burnes in the win column. Game two saw another close contest as Baltimore reversed the score in their favor winning on a walk-off home run from Adley Rutschman. With the series split the Orioles(27-14) are currently a half-game behind the Yankees for first place in the AL East.
He Starts and Continues the Streak
Adley Rutschman’s walk-off home run might be the highlight of the series but he also had a standout performance in the first game as well. Rutschman had his first-ever multi-homer game launching two big flys being the O’s only runs in the game. Through 12 games in May, Adley has posted an OPS of .968 with five home runs and 9 RBIs. The All-Star catcher has proven yet again that he is deserving of the title of the face of the franchise.
More Westburgers Please
Jordan Westburg was thrust into a new spot in the order and produced immediately. Westburg launched a leadoff home run in his first at-bat in his new role. With Gunnar Henderson struggling in the spot, manager Brandon Hyde turned to Westburg to set the tone for the O’s offense. His 2-5 performance in yesterday’s game is the production needed and his 1.063 OPS in his last seven games backs the move to the leadoff spot.
Pitching Duel Awaits
The Seattle Mariners will be spending the weekend in Baltimore before the O’s midwest road trip. This series will see some very dominant pitching as both pitching staffs rank top ten in ERA. The Mariners’ 1.05 WHIP leads the league, showing how excellent they are at limiting runners. The Orioles offense has shown signs of being stale but this Mariners team throws plenty of strikes. Finding the mistake pitches is going to be key as five of Baltimore’s hitters have an OPS in the 1.000s in counts where they are ahead. The Orioles have the advantage when it comes to the bats as the Mariners are in the bottom half of the league in OPS. The O’s have a test ahead of them but with this stellar rotation and a lackluster Mariners lineup, the advantage goes to Baltimore.
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