Friday Bird Droppings: Where the Orioles lost another rubber game

Good morning, Camden Chatters.

So the Orioles just, like, aren’t ever going to win a series again, are they?

It’s getting ridiculous. With their loss to the Blue Jays last night, the Orioles are winless in their last 14 series, losing 13 of them and splitting a rain-shortened two-gamer against the Rays from May 3-4.

It’s not like the O’s have never stood a chance at winning a series. Of those last 14, they’ve been swept only three times. They’re pretty good at winning one game in each series, and pretty bad at winning any more than that. Their last six series have come down to a rubber game in the finale, all of which the Orioles have lost. They’re now 0-13 in potential series-winning games since the start of May.

It’s hard to believe this is the same club that won its first two series of the season, both on the road. That seems like ages ago.

Despite last night’s lopsided final score, the O’s actually looked for a while like they had a chance to bag that elusive series win. They entered the sixth inning with the score tied, 2-2. And then, as Harrison Jozwiak recounted in his game recap, utter disaster befell the Birds.

Maybe the 15th time will be the charm? Probably not, though, as the Red Sox head to Camden Yards for a three-game weekend series. I’m already dreading the ratio of Sox to Orioles fans.

Links

Pitching falls apart for Orioles in 12-3 loss - School of Roch
You guys, I just don’t think the Orioles have what it takes this year.

Mark Trumbo’s rehab is halted due to knee soreness - BaltimoreBaseball.com
It’s becoming increasingly likely that we’ve seen the last of Mark Trumbo in an Orioles uniform. If that’s the case, it’s a sad way for him to go out. We’ll always have 2016, Mark.

Rutschman named Golden Spikes winner - Orioles.com
I don’t know if you’ve heard of this Adley Rutschman guy, but...he’s pretty good. And he was officially honored as the top amateur player in the country for 2019.

Once signed, how will first pro season play out for Rutschman? - Steve Melewski
Speaking of Rutschman, Steve Melewski speculates on which affiliate he’ll report to once he’s signed, listing Aberdeen and Delmarva as possibilities. Who’s up for a road trip to watch his first game?

Orioles GM Mike Elias Leaving Door Open For All Trades - PressBoxOnline.com
Mike Elias isn’t closing the door on any potential trades, which is exactly as it should be. Who would even be considered untouchable on this current roster?

Orioles birthdays and history

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You share your day with exactly zero Orioles in franchise history. Lame.

On this day in 1985, legendary Orioles manager Earl Weaver returned from his 2.5-year retirement, replacing Joe Altobelli in the Birds’ dugout. The Hall of Famer’s second stint with the O’s was a far cry from his first. He went 53-52 the rest of that season and 73-89 in 1986 before retiring for good.

The Orioles allowed three more homers last night, including two to Cavan Biggio, who had only one big league blast to his name before that. They’re more than halfway to breaking the 2016 Reds’ MLB record for homers allowed, as well as the 2017 Orioles’ franchise record.

In game No. 68 of their season, the 2016 Reds allowed just one home run in an 11-inning win in Houston. The 2017 Orioles weren’t as fortunate. They coughed up four long balls, part of a three-game series against the Cardinals in which they surrendered 12 dingers. The O’s still won that series, though.