Bullpen Provides No Relief

2 comments

May 1, 8:38 AM

by Pete Sabatini, Baltimore O's Examiner

 

 

Bob McCrory made his major league debut last night in the worst fashion possible.  Handed the ball down 3-1 going into the seventh inning, with Matt Albers, reliever turned spot-starter giving us all we could ask for, McCrory turned self-destructive on the way to an 8-1 Oriole loss.

Maybe it was the hot lights, the cold air, or just an off night, but Baltimore is less likely to greet McCrory with open arms the next time he walks out of the bullpen.  The recent call-up recorded only 1 out but was credited with 4 runs on 2 walks and 2 hits.

Sarfate had come on to try and stop McCrory’s bleeding, but not only surrendered McCrory’s runs but earned 1 of his own – all in the seventh inning.

The offense wasn’t helping the cause with a missed hit and run sign while Mora was at bat and Roberts was moving off of first.  Millar trying to take second on a liner to left-center wasn’t supporting the pitchers either.  Sure, he was safe and called out on an inept tag, but he had no business being anywhere off of first with that hit.

My heart did jump when Luis Hernandez slid awkwardly into third and appeared to have sprained his knee, but no such luck.  I really thought we might be getting our first look at Cintron in an Oriole uniform this weekend – or at least getting Fahey back.

Trembley said Cintron isn’t quite ready yet, but his line is looking pretty ready:  2 homeruns and 13 hits in 47 at bats (that’s .277 if you don’t have a calculator handy).  Not all-star numbers from Norfolk, but at least he isn’t Luis.

The only late-game reward for waiting out the final pitch was a little scuffle between Sarfate and Pena.  The slugger was lingering outside the batter’s box, looking a little too comfortable when Sarfate did a little barking.  I thought I heard, “Get back in there,” while others thought is was more like, “I’m going to bean you.”

Nice to see some fire- you sure don’t want to let any one get to comfortable, especially in your own house when you’re down by so much.  Nothing came of it, but the message was sent and the Rays bench had a reason to get some late game stretching in at the top of the dugout. 

That finishes off a better than expected April for the Birds, leaving them tied with Tampa Bay for second behind the Red Sox.  This was the hottest April on record for the Rays, and adds another strong start to the Oriole books.  Let’s hope the seasonal decline can stay at bay.

Loewen Update

The bone scan was clear (not sure what they were looking for, exactly) so they’re not sure what the problem is still.  Adam’s going back to the surgeon so he can check things out.  I think we can look forward to Olson’s next few starts.

 (Wednesday's Box Score)

(Photo of Alex Cintron: Minor League Baseball)

   Subscribe   Feed

Include other special offers from Examiner.com
Terms of Use