Orioles minor league recap 10/1: Norfolk blanked at home

Triple-A: Durham Bulls (Rays) 8, Norfolk Tides 0

Walking the leadoff hitter has never been considered a winning strategy. Norfolk starter Kevin Smith walked the first batter in each of the first two innings. He never made it to the third.

Smith only allowed one of Durham’s eight runs, but his lack of control chased him from the game early. He allowed one hit, struck out two, but apparently never had it today. Smith pitched lights out in six appearances with Bowie, but has struggled all year at Norfolk. A rotation spot early next year appears out of the question, but Smith will have another opportunity to master Triple-A in 2022.

Manny Barreda did not allow a run in 1.1 innings, but the Bulls broke things open against Cody Sedlock. The former first-round pick allowed four runs and six hits in 4.2 innings. He struck out four, but walked three and also gave up a home run.

Adam Plutko worked the final 1.1 and allowed three runs. It’s fair to wonder what his future holds, but it will likely not involve a deal with the Orioles next season.

Adley Rutschman, Robert Neustrom and Mason McCoy picked up the team’s only three hits. McCoy also took a walk, so he can receive the player of the game award by default. The dynamic disappointing duo of Rylan Bannon and Yusniel Diaz went hitless, as did Kyle Stowers and Patrick Dorrian.

The boxscore for the game can be found here.

Friday’s scheduled games

• Norfolk: vs Durham, 7:05. Starter: Kyle Bradish (5-5, 4.41 ERA)