The Baltimore Orioles find themselves on the brink of playoff elimination, a far cry from their extraordinary 101-win season. However, amidst their current struggles, there is one remarkable aspect that stands out: the Orioles have managed to avoid being swept in a series throughout the entire season. This achievement speaks to their resilience and ability to put previous losses behind them. The streak has remained unbroken since the call-up of catcher Adley Rutschman in late May of 2022. Outfielder Austin Hays acknowledges the significance of this feat, attributing it to the team’s ability to reset and focus on the next game.
Avoiding a sweep may be an impressive accomplishment, but the Orioles face an even greater challenge now. In order to advance, they must win three consecutive games. Unfortunately, their recent performance on the mound has been subpar. In Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers, Orioles pitchers struggled with their command, walking 11 batters, including Corey Seager, who set a postseason record with five walks. The pitching staff collectively threw 206 pitches, and rookie starter Grayson Rodriguez struggled with his fastball command, ultimately lasting only five outs. Mitch Garver’s third-inning grand slam further solidified the Rangers’ domination, leaving the Orioles with a sizable deficit to overcome. Manager Brandon Hyde acknowledges the team’s subpar performance and expresses hope that their strong road record will carry them through.
The Orioles face an uphill battle in their attempt to mount a series comeback. The Rangers, having won the first two games of the best-of-five series on the road, join a short list of 31 teams who have achieved this feat in postseason history. Of those 31 teams, 28 have ultimately won the series. The odds are undeniably against the Orioles, but Hays asserts the team’s commitment to playing with an intense drive and passion. Despite the challenges they face, the Orioles will leave everything on the field and prioritize winning three games in a row.
Rodriguez, the rookie starter, began the game with a blazing 100 mph pitch. Although he managed to escape a bases-loaded jam in the first inning, his inability to consistently hit the zone put him in a precarious position in the second inning. He admits to struggling with his fastball command, which impeded his effectiveness on the mound. When reliever Bryan Baker took over in the third inning, it was clear that the decision did not yield the desired outcome. Baker, who had not pitched for the Orioles since September 15, experienced control issues, walking three out of the four batters he faced. The situation worsened when Garver capitalized on his opportunity and hit a grand slam off Jacob Webb, further extending the Rangers’ lead. Hyde acknowledges the failure in the pitching strategy, emphasizing that the game plan did not work out as intended.
One of the Orioles’ biggest challenges in this series has been solving Corey Seager, the Rangers’ most potent hitter. In Game 1 and throughout the wild-card sweep of the Rays, Seager consistently displayed his offensive prowess, leaving opponents struggling to find an effective approach against him. In Game 2, Seager managed to draw an incredible five walks, setting a new postseason record. The Orioles recognize Seager’s capabilities, with Rutschman highlighting the need for more precision when facing him. Surprisingly, Seager, known for his aggressive approach, showcased a rare display of patience, often opting to take pitches instead of swinging. However, Garver notes that in the latter stages of the game, Seager appeared eager to hit, as evidenced by his attempt to connect with a high fastball on a 2-0 count.
As the series shifts to Globe Life Field, the Rangers will have the opportunity to further capitalize on their offensive prowess. Throughout their four postseason games, they have demonstrated an impressive .272/.376/.456 slash line and have scored 25 runs. Importantly, all four of these games were played on the road. The return to their home field, where they hit significantly more home runs compared to their performances on the road, provides an additional advantage. This presents a significant challenge for the Orioles, who must strive to avoid their first series sweep of the season.
The Baltimore Orioles are facing a seemingly insurmountable task as they strive to reverse their playoff fortunes. Although their streak of not being swept in a series is commendable, winning three consecutive games against the dominant Texas Rangers is an arduous challenge. The struggles on the mound, particularly with regards to controlling walks, have hindered the Orioles’ chances of success. Unraveling the enigma of Corey Seager’s approach presents another formidable obstacle. The Rangers’ return to Globe Life Field further strengthens their offensive capabilities, making their opponent’s task even more difficult. Nevertheless, the Orioles remain determined to fight against the odds and prolong their playoff run. Only time will tell if their tenacity will be rewarded with a historic comeback.
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