The pattern persists for the 2024 Orioles: every impressive victory is swiftly followed by a disheartening loss where they falter at nearly every turn.
This trend continued as the O’s stumbled to a 6-4 defeat in the second game against the Dodgers. Corbin Burnes concluded a dreadful August with yet another disappointing performance, receiving little support from a shaky Birds defense that committed three critical errors. A promising start by the Orioles quickly fizzled, and they squandered a chance to tie for first place with the Yankees.
Let’s begin with the Orioles’ one successful inning—the top of the second—when the Dodgers’ defense unwittingly aided a three-run rally that should have been a routine 1-2-3 inning for starter Walker Buehler. After getting the first batter out, Buehler induced a simple ground ball from Ryan O’Hearn, but Max Muncy errantly threw it past first base, allowing O’Hearn to reach second. Then, Buehler struck out Cedric Mullins on a pitch that bounced, yet catcher Will Smith seemingly forgot to make the throw to first. He didn’t lose the ball or anything; it was as if he simply froze while Cedric dashed to first base, and by the time he recalled to throw, Mullins had already beaten the throw.
The hottest hitter for the Orioles lately, Ramón Urías, capitalized on the free runners, driving a double into the right-field corner while a jubilant Eloy Jiménez cheered on the MASN broadcast. A couple of batters later, Urías crossed home plate on a James McCann RBI single, which drew even more cheers from Jiménez. Eloy is clearly thrilled to have left the White Sox, folks. Colton Cowser kept the momentum going with a double, yet Adley Rutschman left two runners stranded in scoring position by popping out on a very hittable 2-0 pitch.
Despite this, the Orioles handed a multi-run lead to their ace. If it had been any other month than August, Corbin Burnes could have likely maintained that lead. Sadly, the current version of Burnes is a stark contrast to the pitcher who consistently dazzled O’s fans for months. Disaster struck him once again.
It was disappointing because, during the first two innings, Burnes’ stuff appeared significantly improved from his last two poor outings. His curveball had extra sharpness, his sinker exhibited some late movement, and he effortlessly retired six consecutive batters. Though he allowed a homer to Shohei Ohtani, who hasn’t? Even that pitch wasn’t terrible; Ohtani reached across the plate on a wild swing and somehow sent it soaring over the wall to his pull side.
However, the bottom of the third? A resounding disaster. Rather than a shutdown inning, it became a meltdown. The Dodgers rallied for four runs to seize the lead. To be fair to Corbin, he was hampered by poor defense, as Urías let an Enrique Hernández grounder slip under his glove for a one-out error. Yet Burnes can only be held accountable for what transpired afterward. Ohtani and Mookie Betts struck back-to-back singles, allowing Hernández to score, and then they executed a double steal, placing two runners in scoring position.
Burnes managed to secure a significant strikeout against Gavin Lux—which would have ended the inning had it not been for the earlier error—only to leave a 2-2 curveball hanging for Home Run Derby champion Teoscar Hernández, who did not miss it. His blast traveled 431 feet, landing in the left-field seats for an Earl Weaver Special, granting L.A. a 5-3 lead.
It was brutal. Burnes had not conceded five runs in a game during his first 22 starts of the season. Now, he has done so four times in his last five outings. (If it offers any consolation—and it doesn’t—only one run was earned.) At this point, I don’t even know what to say other than that Burnes urgently needs to turn around this disastrous August. If his struggles persist, the Orioles could face significant issues come postseason, and Corbin’s potential free-agent payday will take a considerable hit.
Burnes managed to last five innings, but the Dodgers tagged on another unearned run during his final inning. Ohtani reached base on a fielder’s choice, sprinted for second, and made it to third when McCann mishandled the pitch. (With that steal and his earlier homer, Ohtani joined the illustrious 42-42 club. Breaking news: he’s quite talented.) Then, with two outs, Gunnar Henderson mishandled a Muncy grounder to short that would have concluded the inning, allowing Ohtani to score. Burnes was indeed poor tonight, yet his teammates offered no support in the field.
It’s not just the pitching and defense that faltered for the O’s; their offense was also underwhelming. They managed to score three runs in the second inning, true, but only because the Dodgers’ defense couldn’t convert routine outs. O’Hearn contributed an RBI double in the fifth, which was promising. However, the Birds failed to capitalize on several other opportunities, leaving runners stranded on the bases from the second to the seventh inning. After driving Buehler from the game in the fifth, they were stymied by a succession of five Dodgers relievers.
it was a thoroughly unsightly game for the Orioles. Don’t they realize that devoted fans like me are staying up late on the East Coast to watch them? It’s as if they don’t even care.
More concerning than my loss of sleep, however, is that the O’s continue to appear as a deeply flawed team that seems unable to find any rhythm, and currently their expected #1 postseason starter can’t secure an out. This situation is far from ideal.
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2024 Orioles: A Frustrating Cycle of Wins and Losses Continues
Understanding the 2024 Orioles Season Landscape
The Baltimore Orioles entered the 2024 season with renewed hope after a surprisingly successful 2023 campaign. With a mix of promising young talent and experienced veterans, fans were eager to see how the team would perform. However, as the season unfolds, the narrative has shifted to a frustrating cycle of wins and losses that has left both players and supporters scratching their heads.
Current Standings and Performance Overview
As of mid-season 2024, the Orioles find themselves in a competitive AL East, battling against powerhouse teams like the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. Let’s take a closer look at their performance so far.
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Orioles | 47 | 45 | .511 |
| New York Yankees | 55 | 37 | .598 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 50 | 42 | .543 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | 48 | 44 | .522 |
| Boston Red Sox | 43 | 49 | .467 |
This data shows that while the Orioles hover around the .500 mark, their inconsistency has been a key talking point among analysts and fans alike.
Key Players Impacting the Season
The Orioles have a roster filled with talent, but a few key players have stood out — for better or for worse. Here are some of the individual performances that have shaped the season:
– **Adley Rutschman (Catcher)**: As a top prospect, Rutschman has consistently been a bright spot for the Orioles, boasting a batting average hovering around .280. His leadership behind the plate has been invaluable.
– **Gunnar Henderson (Third Base)**: The young star has shown flashes of brilliance with his power bat and defensive skills, yet has struggled with consistency, causing fluctuations in his performance.
– **John Means (Pitcher)**: After returning from injury, Means has been pivotal in the rotation. His ability to go deep into games has helped the bullpen, but he’s also had bouts of inconsistency.
– **Cedric Mullins (Outfielder)**: Mullins has been a reliable presence in the outfield and on the bases. However, his on-base percentage has dipped, impacting the team’s run production.
Challenges Facing the Orioles in 2024
Despite their talent, the Orioles have faced several challenges that have hindered their ability to string together consistent wins:
1. Injury Woes
Injuries to key players have disrupted the lineup and rotation. The absence of a reliable closer has resulted in blown saves that have cost the team critical games.
2. Defensive Struggles
The Orioles’ defense has been lackluster at times, leading to unearned runs and missed opportunities. Improving fielding fundamentals will be crucial for the second half of the season.
3. Inconsistent Offense
The offense has been hit-or-miss, with slumps from key players resulting in streaks of low-scoring games. Finding consistency at the plate is essential for any playoff aspirations.
Case Studies: Key Games of the Season
Looking back at pivotal matchups can provide insights into why the Orioles are experiencing this cycle of frustration. Here are a couple of significant games:
Game 1: The Comeback Victory
In a thrilling game against the Yankees, the Orioles found themselves down by six runs by the fourth inning. However, thanks to a remarkable performance by Rutschman and a clutch home run from Henderson, the Orioles pulled off a comeback victory, ending with an 8-7 scoreline. This game showcased their potential but also highlighted how they can fall behind early.
Game 2: The Heartbreaking Loss
Conversely, in a matchup against the Blue Jays, the Orioles led by three runs entering the ninth inning. However, a combination of poor pitching and defensive errors led to a stunning collapse, resulting in a 9-8 loss. This game epitomized the frustrations facing the team and raised questions about their ability to close out games.
Benefits of Staying Positive During the Ups and Downs
For both players and fans, maintaining a positive outlook amidst the frustrations can have several benefits:
- **Team Morale**: A supportive fanbase can uplift players, encouraging them to push through tough times. This morale boost can be significant during slumps.
– **Player Development**: Young players can learn from adversity, developing resilience that will serve them in crucial moments later in their careers.
– **Community Engagement**: Engaged fans create a vibrant baseball culture. Supporting the team through thick and thin fosters a sense of community.
Practical Tips for Fans and Supporters
As the 2024 season continues, here are some practical tips for fans looking to support their team through the ups and downs:
– **Stay Informed**: Keep up with player stats, injury updates, and game previews. Knowledge enhances the experience of watching games.
– **Engage on Social Media**: Join discussions with fellow fans on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Sharing thoughts and experiences can create a sense of camaraderie.
– **Attend Games**: If possible, attending games can provide a more immersive experience. The atmosphere of a live game can lift spirits, regardless of the outcome.
– **Support Local Businesses**: When attending games, consider supporting local restaurants and shops around the stadium. This helps foster community ties and enhances the game day experience.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Orioles?
The second half of the season is approaching, and the Orioles have the opportunity to assess their roster and make adjustments. Here are some areas they need to focus on:
– **Trade Opportunities**: The trade deadline is a pivotal time for teams. The Orioles could explore trading for a reliable closer or an experienced bat to stabilize the lineup.
– **Player Development**: Focusing on the growth of young players like Henderson and Rutschman will be key. The team must ensure they are developing their skills appropriately for long-term success.
– **Strengthening the Bullpen**: Addressing bullpen issues is crucial. Having reliable arms in late-inning situations can help turn losses into wins, breaking the frustrating cycle.
The Baltimore Orioles’ 2024 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with both thrilling victories and disappointing losses. As they navigate this challenging landscape, both the team and its fans must remain hopeful and engaged, looking forward to brighter days ahead.
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