Orioles Destroy Oakland

Last night the Orioles beat the Oakland A's 10-1 to move into a first place tie with Tampa Bay. The two AL East leaders are both 13-8. This has been a great start for the Orioles and the best one since 2005. Hopefully, the Birds can keep up this outstanding performance. If they continue to play like they did last night, this could be a pretty long run.

Of course with any victory where you give up less than 2 runs most of the accolades should go to the starting pitcher for the game. This game is no exception as start Wei Yin Chen pitched an amazing game. Chen only gave up one run in 7 innings to lower his ERA to 2.22. These starters have been lights out, and if they continue this I like our chances against anybody.

Chen was not the only phenomenal pitcher last night. Luis Ayala pitched two more scoreless frames in the victory. Ayala still does not have an earned run for the season and has been brilliant out of the pen. Him, O'Day, Strop, and Johnson are another big reason for the O's being in first place.

The offense finally exploded last night as well. Chris Davis lead the charge for the Orioles last night offensively. Davis was 3 for 4 including 4 RBIs while raising his average to .313. The 1st baseman also absolutely crushed a ball onto Eutaw Street for his 4th home run of the year. There is a baseball plaque coming to Eutaw Street with Chris Davis's name on it. Awesome display of power Chris.

Other notable offensive performances happened last night. Adam Jones went 3 for 4 and scored 3 runs. Jones raised his average to .333. Wilson Betemit went 2 for 4 with a double and continues to give the Orioles solid production while in the lineup for Reynolds (cough, cough). Robert Andino was the other Oriole with multiple hits as he also went 3 for 4. Andino raises his average to .309. Great production by those hitters so far in April.

-Noland