Orioles Even The Beltway Battle

Yesterday afternoon the Baltimore Orioles beat the Washington Nationals at home 8-3. While it might not make up for Friday’s embarrassing 17-5 loss, it was a small bit of revenge. Both Baltimore’s bats and pitching staff came together yesterday for a nice win.

The Orioles outhit the Nationals 14-7, including 5 extra base hits, while their pitching staff allowed just one earned run. After facing an early 2 run deficit in the top of the 3rd after two runs scored on an error. Nolan Reimold evened things up in the bottom of the third by blasting a 2-run home run. The rest of the Orioles bats followed as Nick Markakis and Valdimir Guerrero each singled in a run in the 4th, to give the O’s a 4-2 lead. They opened things up in the 7th with another 4 run inning.

Baltimore saw an impressive all-around offensive performance from their team, as all 9 starters contributed with at least one hit. The core of the Orioles lineup were key as Adam Jones, Markakis, Guerrero and Matt Wieters each had two hits apiece. The Orioles also had nice contributions from rookies Nolan Reimold and Brandon Snyder who drove in a combined 3 runs. It was a nice offensive performance considering that both Brian Roberts and Derek Lee were out with injuries, and Luke Scott was getting a day off.

The Orioles pitching was also highly impressive as Jeremy Guthrie gave Baltimore 7 strong innings which is the same number as Baltimore’s previous two starters (Brad Bergeson and Jake Arrieta) managed combined. It was a big performance for for the Orioles pitching staff, after they had given up a combined 30 runs the previous two nights. It also broke a 4 game losing streak for Baltimore’s bullpen has blown two big games late this week against division opponents, Boston and New York.

While overall it is just one win, against another team who is in last place in their division, but it was a big morale booster for Baltimore. They needed a strong start, awakened bats, and a bullpen that didn’t blow a lead. This afternoon Baltimore will look to take this series with another big win against their local rivals.