Major League Baseball: Baltimore Orioles crush Texas Rangers
In one of the more unexpected upsets recently, the Texas Rangers were defeated 4-1 by the Baltimore Orioles. The day was a particularly disappointing to fans that had come to see the news Ranger, Cliff Lee work his magic. What they were treated to instead was the Baltimore Pitcher, Chris Tillman, pitch a no hitter into the 7th innings.
Cliff had reason to be disappointed with the game and himself. He said that he had hoped to do a better job than he did with the ball adding that he was happy to be with the Rangers who, according to Cliff, had an “unbelievable offense.” That offense however did not come to the rangers rescue as Cliff threw fewer than 20 balls in 89 pitches.
However, as impressive as a four game sweep against the Rangers was, the Orioles are still at the bottom of the league and still in the running for the worst record in franchise history. At least now they can feel a little better about the position they are in. Their interim manager was certainly pleased with what they had accomplished in Arlington. “You couldn’t feel happier for these guys,” he said pointing out that they had been working hard and had won all four games on the road.
Jake Arrieta and Chris Tillman commanded the spotlight leaving much to be desired from Cliff Lee. Cliff would not disappoint. He is truly one of the best players in the league and a dodgy first game should not leave anyone questioning that. Consoling the disheartened fans however would not be quiet as easy. They had come from all around and in large numbers expecting to see an amazing game but all that were made to witness was a nothing worth writing home about. Cliff later said that the Orioles were “super aggressive,” after having been knocked to 3 home runs on Saturday.
Arrieta said that sweeping one of the greatest teams in the league was bound to greatly affect the team’s confidence. “It’s great way to end the first half,” he said. The victory should be even more uplifting considering the fact that the Rangers are still in first place. Arrieta acknowledged his own performance when he said that he had thrown just one bad pitch which the Rangers All-Star second baseman, Ian Kinsler, dispatched for a home run. “Kinsler was able to take advantage on a fastball that ran away," Arrieta said. Kinsler’s solo home run was the best of the Rangers offense.
The last time the Orioles were in Arlington, they lost both games and have not managed a sweep since 1976 (also the first sweep overall since 2008), making the contributions of Arrieta and Tillman all the more pronounced. Arrieta said that the series seemed to go the Orioles way from the beginning. He said that if their starters did not do well, the bullpen would pick off the offense and put zeroes on the board and their own offense, then, was able to put the Orioles on top with runs when needed. Arrieta further added that he was extremely proud of Tillman’s game and that his performance would have certainly boasted his confidence.
Rangers Pitcher C.J Wilson was taken aback by the unexpected ferocity of the Orioles offense. He said that the young players on the Orioles roster were hungry and were taking good swings at the ball. Not sharing the same sentiment was Ian Kinsler. In his opinion the game was a bit of a fluke. “It was just one of those weird games, every swing they took turned into a run somehow,” he said.
The Rangers were still in high spirits and despite Lee’s less than thrilling performance, still considered Lee to be a valued asset for the rangers whose worth will be made more apparent in coming games.
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