The Baltimore Orioles find themselves on the brink of playoff elimination. Despite this, there is one remarkable aspect of their 101-win season that stands out: they never suffered a series sweep. This achievement is even more impressive considering they have not been swept since the call-up of catcher Adley Rutschman in late May 2022. Outfielder Austin Hays acknowledges the significance of this accomplishment, highlighting their ability to turn the page and focus on the next game as a key factor.
An Uphill Battle
However, avoiding a sweep is not the only challenge the Orioles face. In order to move forward in the playoffs, they must win three consecutive games. The odds seem stacked against them, considering their poor pitching performance in Game 2 against the Texas Rangers. Orioles pitchers issued a record-breaking 11 walks, with Corey Seager receiving five of those. The team used a total of eight pitchers who threw 206 pitches. Rookie starter Grayson Rodriguez, with a stellar 2.58 ERA in the second half, struggled with his fastball command, resulting in an early exit after allowing four walks and six hits in just five outs. The Rangers capitalized on this opportunity, adding a grand slam in the third inning to secure a commanding 9-2 lead. Although Baltimore made a valiant late rally in the ninth inning, it fell short.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde acknowledges the team’s disadvantages, particularly their struggles on the mound. He expresses hope that they can regain their form on the road, as they have performed well in away games throughout the season.
A Daunting Task Ahead
The Orioles face an uphill battle in attempting to mount a series comeback. The Texas Rangers, having won the first two games of the best-of-five series on the road, join the ranks of only 31 teams who have achieved this feat. Moreover, 28 of those teams have gone on to win the series. Hays recognizes the urgency of the situation, stating that there is no tomorrow and emphasizing the team’s reputation for playing with great intensity. To secure their spot in the next round, they must win three consecutive games against a formidable opponent.
Rodriguez, the Orioles’ rookie starter, started the game with an impressive 100 mph fastball. While he managed to escape a bases-loaded jam in the first inning, he struggled to get ahead of hitters in the second inning. His inability to consistently hit the zone hampered his performance, as he relied heavily on his fastball. The team’s game plan was to induce early contact and force ground ball outs, but this strategy did not come to fruition.
In an effort to turn the tide, Hyde made a pitching change in the third inning, replacing Rodriguez with reliever Bryan Baker. However, Baker, who had not pitched since September 15 and had struggled in his recent Triple-A appearances, walked three of the four batters he faced. Jacob Webb, who had previously given up a home run to Josh Jung in Game 1, entered the game to face Mitch Garver. Unfortunately for the Orioles, Garver seized the opportunity and hit a grand slam off a 3-1 fastball.
Adding to the Orioles’ woes was their difficulty in containing Corey Seager, the Rangers’ star hitter. Seager, known for his strong bat, had an exceptional performance in Game 2, continuing his success from the wild-card sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. He drew five walks, a postseason record. Rutschman recognizes Seager’s talent and reveals the team’s approach of being cautious when facing him. However, they now understand that they need to execute their game plan with even greater precision to avoid giving up walks.
The Rangers head back to Globe Life Field for the first time in two weeks. They have shown their offensive prowess in their four postseason games, hitting .272/.376/.456 and scoring 25 runs. Furthermore, their home field advantage cannot be underestimated, as they hit significantly more home runs at Globe Life Field compared to away games. This presents a challenging situation for the Orioles to avoid being swept for the first time this season.
The Baltimore Orioles find themselves in a dire situation as they face playoff elimination. However, their impressive record of avoiding series sweeps throughout the season gives them a glimmer of hope. To overcome the odds and advance to the next round, they must rally and win three consecutive games. The team must address their pitching struggles and find a way to contain the Rangers’ star hitter, Corey Seager. As they head into the next game, the Orioles have an opportunity to prove their resilience and defy expectations.
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