Back to Back Wins

The struggling Orioles made some magic happen. A couple of days ago it looked like the wheels were coming off, but this team is showing some resiliency. It comes from unlikely sources too, it comes from the starting pitching. Well, the pitcher today has been pretty fantastic. Wei Yin Chen had another quality start today. However, when you consider that the Orioles actually got back to back quality starts and they got one from someone other than Chen last night, you get excited as an Oriole fan.

Let's really look at the brilliant performance by Chen though. Chen moved to 8-5 after he pitched 7 strong tonight. He actually pitched better in his no decision last time, but he was dealing tonight. He had 5 strikeouts in the win and as I said before had a quality start.

Strop got the Orioles out of some hot water in the 8th. With the O's up one, O'Day came in to face a batter and walked him. After O'Day, Patton gave up a hit. So they called on Strop in the high pressure situation and Strop delivered. He got his 15th hold and now holds an ERA of 1.50.

After Strop came Jim Johnson as always. Like usual, Johnson came through. He was able to record his 28th save in 30 chances. Interesting note about the 2 blown saves is that the Orioles won both of those games. Johnson's ERA is now 2.43 and opponents are only batting .193 against him. We sure are lucky to have Johnson and Strop. Those two have definitely kept us in contention.

Another interesting note about this game is that Mark Reynolds had the deciding hit. Reynolds hit a two run single to put the Orioles up 4-3 for good. I still think we should trade Reynolds, but he has had a good series. He always kills Minnesota. Maybe Minnesota would want to trade for him?

Also Chris Davis went deep in the game. It was a monster shot and Davis's 15th of the season. Congrats to Davis and the Orioles on a huge victory. The Orioles remain a half game out of the 2nd wild card spot. 1.5 games out of the 1st wild card spot. The AL East looks pretty locked up as the Yankees are running away, but you never know. Just when you want to count these guys out, you have to think, Why Not?

-Noland