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Results and Standings
The Orioles didn't do well this week if you go by win-loss record, which is what ultimately matters. They went a miserable 1-5 against the White Sox and Twins. But things could've easily gone differently; the team scored 19 runs and allowed 22. A few lucky breaks and the team could have been 3-3 or even 4-3. So I don't think they played as badly as their record indicates.
Overall the team is 43-42, second place in the AL East and three games behind the Yankees. Their predicted record is 83-79.
Best Hitter / Worst Hitter
Manny Machado continued his great season with a .286/.400/.714 week that included three home runs and a 15.4% walk rate. The kid is on fire. Not so much for Jimmy Paredes though; last week's Best Hitter managed a pathetic .105/.105/.105 (yeah, you read that right) line, good for a -56 wRC+.
Best Start / Worst Start
Miguel Gonzalez gets this week's honors with his start against the White Sox. In six innings he struck out only three and walked and hit a batter, but he didn't give up a home run. Wei-Yin Chen had this week's worst start, though. It didn't look like it because he went seven innings and only gave up two runs. But he struck out only five and walked three batters while giving up two home runs.
Have a Game, Why Don't Ya!
The Orioles lost to the White Sox 3-2 on Independence Day, but you couldn't blame Manny Machado. He led off the game with a walk against Jeff Samardzija and flew out and grounded out his next two times up. But with the Orioles down 2-0 in the 8th and facing reliever Zach Putnam, he lined a ball over the left-field fence for a two-run shot that tied the game. That one swing increased the Orioles chances of winning the game by 31.6%.
Clutchiest Relief Appearance
Darren O'Day gets this award for the second week in a row. How befitting of an All-Star, eh? On July 6th facing the Twins, with the score tied at 2 in the bottom of the 8th, O'Day replaced starter Wei-Yin Chen and pitched a perfect 8th inning. He did his job, but unfortunately the Orioles would lose the game 4-2 on a walk-off home run by Brian Dozier.
Upcoming
The Orioles have a three-game set against the NL East-leading Washington Nationals, then break for the All-Star festivities.