Young pitcher on the hill for the O's off to a promising start, offense puts many runners in scoring position, fails to plate said runners. Youngster loses command, defense lets youngster down...sound familiar? Today, however, there were some new wrinkles to this tired old script: Chris Tillman showed good velocity and early command with his fastball sitting around 92 MPH and often touching 93 and 94. He struck out 6 Yanquis on the day. The Yanks caught up to Tillman's straight and true fastball, but no adjustments from the young hurler were forthcoming. He was pulled in the 5th with two men on having allowed 5 runs to score. Enter the Magic Man. Although he allowed his inherited runners to score in addition to one of his own, [Troy Patton] acquitted himself somewhat well, allowing three hits and striking out 2 in 2.2 innings. If there is a positive to be taken from the pitching today, it is the fact that only two walks were allowed against one of the more patient hitting teams in the majors.
The game was somewhat uneventful for Orioles fans. Mark Reynolds hit another homer, but was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the field. Blake Davis hit a double, but also had an error and the misadventures of Adam Jones in center and Felix Pie in center continue to be an distinct irritant. In the final analysis, be it rookie or crafty veterans, pitchers need their teammates to help out. Suspect defense and fielder's choices with the bases juiced just don't cut it.
(There was also a mild glimmer of excitement when Derrek Lee was pulled from the game...he IS a viable trade chip, don't you know)
Stay tuned for game 2!