What happened? Cade Povich gave up eight runs while retiring just three batters and the Orioles were routed by the Oakland Athletics, 19-8, on Saturday.
Povich (1-3) allowed three-run home runs to Brent Rooker in the first and Max Schuemann in the second. The Athletics (34-57) had a seven-run second inning.
His one inning appearance was the shortest in his professional career. Povich’s earned-run average rose from 4.05 to 6.51.
“It just didn’t look like he had his command from the beginning,” manager Brandon Hyde told reporters in Oakland. “He just didn’t look sharp today, command-wise.”
Dillon Tate relieved Povich and allowed four runs in two innings. Shea Langeliers hit a two-run homer. Cole Irvin gave up five runs in four innings as Oakland took a 12-0 lead after three and 17-1 after six.
“We were out of it pretty early,” Hyde said.
The first five batters to face Povich in the second reached and scored in the sixth major league start for the 24-year-old left-hander.
“It doesn’t matter what team it is at this level, if you’re not on attack, if you’re not coming out with your best stuff, it’s going to happen to you,” Povich told reporters. “I’m still alive, still breathing. Stay the course. Look over stuff, see what was good, what was bad and prepare for the next one.”
Catcher James McCann allowed a two-run home run to Kyle McCann in the eighth. The Orioles allowed a season-high five home runs.
The 19 runs scored against them were the most since Toronto scored 22 on September 12th, 2021. Oakland’s 19 runs were the most they’ve scored against the Orioles.
Luis Medina (2-3) allowed one run on six hits in five innings. Adley Rutschman hit a three-run home run, his 16th, in the seventh. Ryan Mountcastle homered in the ninth, his 12th, his first home run since June 7th.
The Orioles (56-33) lead the New York Yankees by two games in the American League East. The Yankees beat Boston, 14-4.
All-Star Sunday: The Orioles will find out how many players join catcher Adley Rutschman and shortstop Gunnar Henderson for the All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas on July 16th on Sunday.
Pitchers and reserves will be announced on ESPN at 5:30 p.m.
Corbin Burnes, who’s said he’ll have to discuss an appearance with his wife, who gave birth to twin girls last weekend, is a heavy favorite to be named. Grayson Rodriguez and Craig Kimbrel also have good chances to make it.
First baseman Ryan Mountcastle, third baseman Jordan Westburg, designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn and outfielder Anthony Santander, who finished second in the voting at their positions, are also contenders.
Farewell to Oakland: The Orioles play their final scheduled game in Oakland on Sunday. While the Coliseum is universally regarded as the worst stadium in baseball, it’s sad that the East Bay area will be left without a team.
The Athletics are supposed to move to Las Vegas, but their new stadium may not be ready until 2028. In the interim, they’re supposed to play in Sacramento, also home to the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A team.
It was the last stadium that played home to both an NFL team, the Raiders, and a major league baseball team, something that used to be common. It has the most foul territory in baseball, and one of two that has bullpens on the field, something that was also common. (Tampa Bay’s Tropicana Field is the other.)
Ravens fans will remember that the Coliseum was where they won the AFC Championship in 2001, and after this season, this once vibrant sports city will have no pro teams left.
The Raiders left for Las Vegas in 2020. The Golden State Warriors, who long played at Oracle Arena, next to the Coliseum, left for San Francisco in 2019.
Because of the ugly politics that have surrounded the franchise’s unsuccessful search for a new home over the years, it seems unlikely MLB will return to Oakland any time soon.
What’s the word? “We just had a tough time pitching to these guys today.”-Hyde on the Orioles’ loss.
What does it mean? Fortunately, Hyde was able to use just two relief pitchers, Tate and Irvin, and used McCann in the eighth to save his bullpen.
What’s the stat of the day? 16. The Orioles’ 16 hits tied for the third most this season. They also lost, 10-8, to Cleveland when they had 16 hits on June 25th.
What’s going on in the minor leagues? Right-hander Wandisson Charles was transferred from Triple-A Norfolk to Double-A Bowie. Baysox left-hander Ryan Hennen was placed on the development list.
What’s next? Grayson Rodriguez (10-3, 3.45) will face Mitch Spence (5-4, 4.15) on Sunday at 4:07 p.m. in the final game of the series.
Call for questions: Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com