Despite mound issues, Strasburg shines again; 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 8 K
Despite mound issues, Strasburg shines again; 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 8 K
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Stephen Strasburg had to face adversity of a different kind Sunday and pulled through with his second professional victory. Strasburg had trouble with his landing foot on the mound at Progressive Field, the same spot where Indians starter David Huff (2-8) was also landing, Over time, and according to the grounds crew I spoke to, it happens more often during day games because of the humidity, the clay gave way and Strasburg started to slip. Even with those troubles, Strasburg was effective,...
At least there's this... (updated)
At least there's this... (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
If it makes you feel any better, Adam Jones has hit safely in eight straight games, going 10-for-28 and raising his average to .258. He's hit in 19 of his last 20, going 26-for-75 (.347). Well, I tried. The Orioles trail, 6-3, in the bottom of the fourth. Kevin Millwood has allowed six runs and nine hits, and he's thrown 77 pitches. If it makes you feel any better, he struck out two of the three batters he faced in the fourth. Well, I tried. Scott Moore just reached on an infield hit,...
The Pirates big draft-day decision
The Pirates big draft-day decision
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Since that Kevin Millwood blog worked out so well... Here is a story from today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It discusses the Pirates' decision with the second pick in the draft last Monday night. They had to decide whether to take prep pitcher Jameson Taillon or prep shortstop Manny Machado with their top pick. By now we know they settled on Taillon and the O's got Machado. Here is that story.
Paging Dr. Longball (updated)
Paging Dr. Longball (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Kevin Millwood has taken over the major league lead in home runs allowed with 18, including two today in the first inning. Mets 5, Orioles 0. The Mets sent nine batters to the plate and collected six hits and a walk. Henry Blanco did Millwood a huge favor by bouncing into a double play with runners on the corners, one out and Brad Bergesen warming in the Orioles' bullpen. Millwood has given up 15 runs in the first inning in his last five starts after allowing none in his first nine...
Can Millwood turn it around today?
Can Millwood turn it around today?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Maybe the lack of run support has started to get him. Maybe he was carrying too heavy of an innings load. Or maybe there is no real explanation. But on May 8th, Kevin Millwood's ERA was 3.26 and it has been on a steady climb up to 4.64 now. Millwood recently: *An ERA of 8.31 over his last three starts. *An ERA of 6.34 over his last six starts. Millwood has won at least nine games over the last eight season, but that zero in the win column can't be good for his outlook or confidence. If...
It's out of their control
It's out of their control
Steve Melewski
Orioles
When he was asked after the game last night about the lack of runs the Orioles have been scoring when he pitches, Brian Matusz could only say "you can't control that." What other answer could he give really without throwing anyone under the bus and, to their credit, no O's starter has even hinted at that this year. But Matusz has seen the O's score just 11 runs while he has been in the game over his last nine starts. He is working with almost no margin for error. Interim manager Juan...
Simon says... (updated)
Simon says... (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Alfredo Simon will throw another bullpen session today instead of pitching in a simulated game. Simon tested his left hamstring by throwing two bullpen sessions in Sarasota before flying into Baltimore yesterday. "It feels a lot better," he said. "I'm just trying to come back and do what I was doing before, trying to help the team win." Simon could be activated from the disabled list tomorrow, when the Orioles begin their interleague series in San Francisco. "I'm ready," he said....
Orioles lineup (w/Mets)
Orioles lineup (w/Mets)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Corey Patterson LF Miguel Tejada 3B Nick Markakis RF Ty Wigginton 1B Luke Scott DH Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Scott Moore 2B Julio Lugo SS Kevin Millwood RHP Here's the Mets lineup: Reyes SS Pagan CF Wright 3B Davis 1B Bay LF Carter DH Feliciano RF Cora 2B Blanco C Pelfrey RHP
Heating up leftovers
Heating up leftovers
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
For breakfast? Why not? Here's how Brian Matusz responded when asked if last night's start was one of his best: "Absolutely. I think it's one of the better starts of my career. I didn't walk a guy today and I threw a lot of strikes. I made a couple mistake pitches with the solo home runs, but that's going to happen when you're throwing a lot of strikes. I was just attacking the zone today and, unfortunately, came out with the loss." What about Jose Reyes' leadoff home run? "I just...
Few runs, but plenty of notes from the O's 3-1 loss to the Mets
Few runs, but plenty of notes from the O's 3-1 loss to the Mets
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Here are some notes from the O's latest loss, 3-1 to the New York Mets on Saturday night. Wins and losses: The Orioles fall to 17-45 on the season, 2-6 on this homestand and 11-20 at home. They have lost the series with the Mets taking the first two games. The Orioles are just 2-17-2 in series on the year. The Orioles, after going 11-7 last year vs. the National League, are now just 1-4 in Interleague games and 9-15 all time vs. the Mets. The Orioles have lost four of their last five...