Erik Bedard, LH Seth McClung, RH
(1-0, 5.40) (0-1, 21.00)
Game time: 7:15pm on WB 54 (Baltimore) and PAX (Florida)
Weather: partly sunny, mid 70s
Tampa Bay: 3-3, tied for 2nd, 2 GB
Baltimore: 2-4, tied for 4th, 3 GB
There are certainly no "must-win" games the second week of the season, but it sure would be nice if the Birds could pick up a victory tonight. After winning their first two games, they are now mired in a four-game losing streak. As they succumbed to the Red Sox 4-1 yesterday (being swept at home, no less), the Birds showed no semblance of consistent pitching and looked pathetic in clutch situations at the plate (14 LOB). That's a bad sign for a FO that maintains the O's will be competitive in '06.
We turn to Erik Bedard to stop the bleeding. Bedard didn't look particularly sharp in his first start, giving up 8 hits, 3 BBs and 3 earned runs over five innings. He was bailed out by the poor pitching of Seth McClung, his opponent again tonight, who gave up 7 BBs and 7 earned runs in 3+ innings. We can probably expect both guys to be a little more focused in their rematch, which is also the D-Ray's home opener.
- Around the division: New York finally exploded and drubbed the Angels 10-1; Tampa Bay passed the O's in the standings by taking the rubber match of their series in Toronto, 5-2.
- Cream of the crop: After going 3-4 in yesterday's game, Ramon Hernandez is now leaving the majors with a .688 BA. Wonder if he'll move up from the 7-spot?
- Imperfect: Detroit and Milwaukee both lost on Sunday, meaning there are no remaining unbeaten teams. Also, Pittsburgh finally won on Sunday, which means there are also no longer any winless teams--though naturally, the Pirates lost again in their home opener this afternoon.