The Orioles finally got a strong start from a pitcher – Wei-Yin Chen, who returned from the DL after an oblique injury – and also beat the Texas Rangers, 6-1.
For much of the season, the Birds have struggled to get their starters deep into games. While the Oriole bats have managed to still do damage in their series against the Rangers, the performances by Scott Feldman (Monday) and Zach Britton (Tuesday) were uneven. Both men started out decently, but had their struggles throughout, and then halfway through the game, Texas’ bats did their damage.
However, on Wednesday night, Chen neutralized the Rangers. The Orioles gave Chen an early lead – it was at 6-0 after four innings – and he cruised from there.
Over seven innings, he allowed only three hits and looked like the same pitcher that we all saw before his the injury. It’s been a revolving door of arms and none of them have been able to make a lasting impact.
The Orioles traded for Feldman, but they needed another arm to help bolster things.
Thank goodness Chen is back. The Orioles have been in a mini-slump and needed a strong outing from a starting pitcher. We all know what Chen can do on the mound, and more often than not, he’ll keep the Orioles in the game and do a quality job.
On the topic of injuries, the Orioles got a huge contribution from Nolan Reimold, who hit a three-run homer and Manny Machado, who had three hits. Machado and Brian Roberts each drove in runs. The offense jumped all over Josh Lindbolm – who started on the mound for Texas – and did not relent until he was out of the game.
Reimold – who was not supposed to even be in the game and batted in the DH spot for an injured Chris Dickerson – made the most of his playing time on Wednesday. I’m not sure he can be an everyday player; however, he is a potent bat off the bench.
Chris Davis is struggling right now. The baseball season is filled with peaks and valleys, but right now he is 0-for-17 and mired in a slump. I would not worry about him. The offense just needs to keep doing what they are doing.
Finally … Anna Benson. Good lord.
If you have not heard the latest with her, click here.
She’s a hot mess and off the deep end.
If you remember, her husband Kris (more than likely soon, ex) pitched for the Orioles in 2006. I remember meeting him once or twice at the ballpark.
Kris seemed like a very nice, reserved man in the few minutes that I chatted with him and wondered what he saw in Anna. Her reputation in the sport became well known once his major league career got going.
It’s weird sometimes how people who seem like two polar opposites get together.
