The Baltimore Orioles are facing a challenging season, needing wins to prevent a fire sale at the upcoming trade deadline. Their recent struggles were epitomized by a 7-0 loss to the Texas Rangers, where they were shut out for the eighth time this season and managed only one hit. This defeat marked their second consecutive loss in the series and their fourth in the last five games, bringing their record to 34-46.
Jacob deGrom, the two-time Cy Young Award winner, dominated the Orioles by retiring 18 consecutive batters before they recorded their first base runner, a walk by Jackson Holliday in the seventh inning. Colton Cowser finally broke the no-hitter in the eighth with a single, but it was too little, too late. DeGrom’s impressive performance featured pinpoint command and a mix of pitches that kept the Orioles off balance.
Jordan Westburg acknowledged deGrom’s prowess after the game, noting that it was a unique experience to face such a seasoned pitcher. Cowser echoed his sentiments, expressing the challenge of hitting against deGrom’s combination of speed and pitch location. Interim manager Tony Mansolino praised deGrom’s skill, emphasizing the difficulty of hitting against such a top-tier pitcher.
The Orioles’ offensive woes extended beyond just this game; they have struggled significantly at the plate lately and have been no-hit through six innings in three of their last five contests. Despite the setbacks, both Cowser and Westburg are maintaining a positive outlook, emphasizing the need to regroup and approach their next outing against the Tampa Bay Rays with confidence.
On the pitching side, rookie Brandon Young faced adversity in his start, allowing four runs over four-plus innings as he sought to find consistency after a prior shoulder injury. As the Orioles consider their next moves, the prospect of reshuffling their rotation looms, with adjustments likely coming in the next week.
While it’s been a tough stretch for Baltimore, there remains hope as the players focus on improvement and supporting each other. The upcoming off-day could present an opportunity for the team to reset and come back stronger in the days ahead, with the potential to turn their fortunes around against the Rays. Encouraging signs, like Westburg’s return from injury and Mateo’s rehabilitation success, provide a glimmer of optimism for the team moving forward.