Wednesday Bird Droppings: The Orioles finally won a game at Camden Yards

Good morning Birdland,

The fifth time’s the charm? That’s how many attempts it took the Orioles to win a baseball game at home this year, but they finally made it happen in the nightcap of their doubleheader with the Mariners on Tuesday. And they did it in exciting fashion: blowing a lead in the top of the seventh and then immediately walking off in the bottom half of the same frame. For more details, check out Stacey’s review of the action.

It was a big day for Ramón Urías. The rookie hit the second home run of his major league career in the afternoon, and then finished up with a game-winning single in the evening. On a roster full of scuffling hitters, the 26-year-old may deserve to start at second base more often.

The O’s will look to keep the good feelings going with game three of the series as Matt Harvey heads to the mound to take on 25-year-old righty Justin Dunn. There will be pressure on both hurlers to go somewhat deep following a double-header, which never leaves a pitching staff in the best position.

Links & Notes

Five stats that stand out about the Orioles’ uneven start at the plate | The Baltimore Sun
The Orioles offense was supposed to be fairly competitive this year with guys like Trey Mancini, Anthony Santander, and Ryan Mountcastle anchoring the middle of the order. It hasn’t worked out that way, but will hopefully improve sometime soon.

Positive health update on Hays | School of Roch
This would be a huge boost. Austin Hays was not playing particularly well prior to his injury, but he has so many enticing skills that the O’s lineup would value his return. It does cause a bit of a log jam in left field, but that is a good problem for Brandon Hyde to have.

Mountcastle’s move pays quick dividends | Orioles.com
It has been frustrating to see Mountcastle struggle so much. We all know he can be a productive hitter. We’ve seen it. But it makes sense for Hyde to relieve the pressure a bit and lower him in the order until he consistently finds his swing again.

Stat of the Day: Mullins just keeps hitting | Orioles.com
Cedric Mullins is great. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

• Jeff Fiorentino turns 38. The outfielder had two stints with the O’s, first from 2005 through 2006 and then again in 2009. All in, he hit .265 over 56 total games.
• Gregg Zaun celebrates his 50th birthday. The nephew of Rick Dempsey began his MLB career with the O’s from 1995 through ‘96 and he then returned to the club in 2009. He played in 146 total games for the Birds.
• Brad Pennington is 52 years old. The left-handed pitcher had a 7.49 ERA over 50 total games in Baltimore from 1993 through 1995.
• Mike Trombley turns 54. The longtime Twins reliever moved to the Orioles in 2000 and made 125 appearances out of the bullpen before being traded to the Dodgers in 2001.
• Greg Myers is 55. The catcher made his way into 68 games with the O’s between 2000 and ‘01.
• Happy 60th to Jay Aldrich. The pitcher wrapped up a brief MLB career with seven games on the 1990 Orioles.
• The late Frank Bertaina (d. 2010) was born on this day in 1944. The southpaw had two stints in Baltimore, 1964 through 1967, and then again in 1969.
• Another posthumous celebration for Kal Segrist (b. 1931, d. 2015). The infielder got into seven games for the 1955 Orioles.

Orioles history

1990 - Cal Ripken, Jr. begins an MLB-record streak of 95 straight games and 431 consecutive chances without an error by a shortstop.

2010 - The Orioles place their brand new closer, Mike Gonzalez, on the DL following a disastrous first week of the season in which he posted an 18.00 ERA.