Once a pitching-rich club, Nats have lost their way
Once a pitching-rich club, Nats have lost their way
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
In a summer full of agonizing losses, Wednesday's 8-6 defeat at the hands of the Marlins had to rank among the Nationals' worst. Not just because of the end result, but because of the path they took to reach that result. After getting five scoreless innings from starter Josh Rogers, and after getting a well-balanced offensive attack from a lineup that has been better than advertised since the trade deadline, the Nats still found a way to lose after their bullpen imploded. Five relievers...
Nationals Park to host 2021 Battle of the Bases championship game on Sept. 18
Nationals Park to host 2021 Battle of the Bases championship game on Sept. 18
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
The Washington Nationals are excited to host the return of the Battle of the Bases Championship softball game at Nationals Park on Saturday, September 18. The championship game will take place after the conclusion of the Nationals 4:05 p.m. game against the Colorado Rockies. The Battle of the Bases Championship is free for fans to attend. The championship game will feature Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall squaring off in a seven-inning game for the title. In...
Mountcastle surpasses Ripken in Orioles' 3-2, 10-inning win (updated)
Mountcastle surpasses Ripken in Orioles' 3-2, 10-inning win (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Individual achievements remain in play for the Orioles as the final weeks expire on their season. During those times when trying to be spoilers doesn't bring full satisfaction. Ryan Mountcastle led off the bottom of the sixth inning today by depositing Jordan Montgomery's sinker into the Orioles bullpen, his 29th home run breaking Cal Ripken Jr.'s rookie record for a single season. Mountcastle also cut a deficit in half and the bullpen provided 4 1/3 scoreless innings in regulation. Clay...
Tyler Wells on battling fatigue and fluke hits
Tyler Wells on battling fatigue and fluke hits
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
This isn't the first stretch of games that has mistreated Orioles rookie Tyler Wells. He's faced adversity this summer. Head-on and in front of vocal crowds. He's overcome it, too. Perhaps it just seems like a new situation for Wells because he's the closer, his jump as a Rule 5 selection from Double-A to the majors requiring more length and with further risk of a rough landing. Wells has fumbled back-to-back save opportunities, the latest Wednesday night against the Yankees. His ERA in the...
Orioles and Yankees lineups (and notes)
Orioles and Yankees lineups (and notes)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Trey Mancini and Pedro Severino remain out of the Orioles lineup this afternoon for the series finale against the Yankees that also closes out the homestand. "Both of those guys a little bit better today," said manager Brandon Hyde. "Trey's testing it right now in the batting cage and obviously not starting, but hopefully in the lineup in the next couple days." Infielder Jahmai Jones remains on the bench, but he isn't hurt. "Just playing Richie (Martin) at short tonight, keeping...
O's game blog: Series and homestand finale against Yankees
O's game blog: Series and homestand finale against Yankees
Steve Melewski
Orioles
After letting the lead get away in the ninth last night as they lost 4-3 to the New York Yankees, the Orioles are out today to end their latest losing steak, which has reached five games. Two of the five losses were by one run where they surrendered a lead in the final inning. The Yankees (82-64) will try to sweep this series and stay in position to earn an American League wild card berth, as three AL East teams battle over two spots. Beginning play today, New York and Toronto have identical...
Orioles claim Kriske off waivers
Orioles claim Kriske off waivers
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles claimed right-hander Brooks Kriske off waivers from the Yankees this afternoon and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk. Pitcher Jorge López was transferred to the 60-day injured list to open a spot on the 40-man roster. López is done for the season after spraining his right ankle. Kriske, 27, was a sixth-round pick in 2016 out of USC who made eight relief appearances this summer and allowed 13 earned runs (14 total) and 12 hits in 7 2/3 innings. He walked six batters and struck...
Oriole Advocates' Home Run returns as a virtual event
Oriole Advocates' Home Run returns as a virtual event
Pete Kerzel
Orioles
The Oriole Advocates' Home Run - the race that used to end on the warning track at Camden Yards - is returning for 2021 as a virtual event. From the late 1980s through 2008, runners participated in the race, which was tied to opening day. Fields numbered from 400 to more than 1,000 athletes. One race even began at Memorial Stadium and ended at Camden Yards. However, conducting road races in race-crazy Baltimore became pricey and increased competition spelled the end of the Home Run. "The...
Gunnar Henderson: Aberdeen struggles provide learning and growth
Gunnar Henderson: Aberdeen struggles provide learning and growth
Steve Melewski
Orioles
BOWIE - His bat was trending up at high Single-A Aberdeen after a very slow start with the IronBirds. But the Orioles' No. 4 prospect, young infielder Gunnar Henderson, did not expect he would end his season playing with the Double-A Bowie Baysox. But there he was again in the lineup on Wednesday night at third base as the Baysox continued their quest for a playoff spot, one he gets to be a part of it in the final week of the regular season. He was promoted during Monday's off-day. Henderson,...
Long on hitters: "We've had a lot of room to grow"
Long on hitters: "We've had a lot of room to grow"
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Because the terms of manager Brandon Hyde's contract with the Orioles weren't shared with the public - and that does include the media, even if some of us shouldn't be allowed to mingle - it's more of an assumption than solid confirmation that his three-year deal includes an option for the 2022 season. The expectation is that he's returning, though nothing official has come across. The outlook is more uncertain for the coaching staff, which routinely seems to undergo changes. Doug Brocail...