Good morning, Camden Chatters! As the Baltimore Orioles continue to struggle this season, one thing they certainly don't need is to play more baseball in a single day. Yet, for the second time in two weeks, the Orioles are facing a doubleheader today. A rainout last night has forced a day-night twin bill in Boston, and fans are hopeful for a better outcome than last Wednesday’s doubleheader in Baltimore, where the Orioles dropped both games to the Minnesota Twins in a heartbreaking fashion, blowing multi-run leads in each contest.
The Orioles’ first game of the day is scheduled for 1:35 PM, with rookie pitcher Cade Povich taking the mound. Meanwhile, the starter for the 7:10 PM nightcap is currently listed as TBD, but indications suggest that Charlie Morton will be the likely choice. This doubleheader is particularly significant as it marks the Orioles’ first series of the month against an AL East opponent. Fans are hoping that facing a divisional rival will inspire the team to improve their performance.
Interestingly, the Orioles have managed to maintain a .500 record against their division rivals this year, boasting a combined 6-6 mark against the Red Sox, Yankees, and Blue Jays. They have only lost one of those four series, with their matchup against the Rays yet to occur. The early part of the season saw two of those AL East series played before the true struggles of the Orioles were revealed. Perhaps there's something about competing against a divisional foe that motivates the Orioles to rise to the occasion and play their best baseball, which, unfortunately for them, is still only a .500 record.
Securing at least one win today would be a much-needed momentum boost for the Orioles, especially following their recent victory in Milwaukee. A win would not only lift the team’s spirits but could also annoy Red Sox fans—a delightful prospect for any Orioles supporter.
In addition to the numerous injuries plaguing the Orioles' roster, their minor league system is also facing significant challenges. A recent article on BaltimoreBaseball.com explores the issues currently afflicting the Orioles’ farm system, questioning what the team might have done to anger the baseball gods.
Despite the challenges, there have been bright spots, such as rookie Tomoyuki Sugano, who has exceeded expectations since his signing. According to The Baltimore Sun, Sugano has been a joy to watch, providing a glimmer of hope amidst a tumultuous season.
For those celebrating their birthdays today, happy birthday! You share this special day with two former Orioles left-handers: Logan Allen (28) and Mike González (47). Additionally, today marks significant events in Orioles history. On this date in 1999, Brady Anderson was hit by a pitch twice in one inning, tying an MLB record that remains hard to break. This occurrence happened during a dominant 10-run first inning for the Orioles, featuring a stellar performance that included three doubles, three singles, a walk, and a home run. The O's went on to defeat the Texas Rangers 15-6.
Fast forward to 2015, where Orioles reliever Brian Matusz was ejected from a Miami game for possessing a foreign substance on his glove, leading to an eight-game suspension from MLB. This game ended in a dramatic 1-0 loss for the Orioles after 13 innings, courtesy of a Marlins walk-off.
Reflecting on memorable moments, on May 23, 2000, the Orioles achieved a thrilling walk-off victory against the Seattle Mariners, winning 4-2 at Camden Yards. The Orioles took a 2-0 lead into the ninth inning, thanks to seven shutout innings from starter Pat Rapp. However, closer Mike Timlin faltered once again, blowing his second consecutive save opportunity by yielding a game-tying two-run homer to Jay Buhner. But the Orioles quickly answered back in the bottom of the ninth when Cal Ripken hit a two-run homer for a walk-off win, demonstrating the resilience that fans hope to see in today's doubleheader.
