Just when we started to trust Charlie Morton, he opened up the second half of the season with a stinker. That was frustrating, but even more was the very quiet Orioles offense. Bad pitching plus bad hitting equals another loss, and the Orioles are once again 10 games below .500 after the 11-0 loss.
It stands to reason that Morton won’t be on the Orioles much longer. He’s on a one-year deal and he’s 41 years old. He won’t be on the team next year, and the Orioles are bad this year. But Morton has been
good enough to imagine there could be interest in him by a team trying to get into the playoffs.
Well, he’s been good enough until tonight. In the bottom of the first inning, he gave up more runs than the Rays needed to win the game. Chandler Simpson doubled on a ball that a diving Cedric Mullins couldn’t quite get to, then Morton issued a four-pitch walk to Yandy Díaz. That set the table for All Star Junior Caminero, who showed why he was voted in with a three-run homer.
Morton allowed a solo run in each of the second and third innings, as well. Danny Jansen hit his 10th home run in the second, and in the third Josh Lowe doubled in Diaz, who had singled.
After that, Morton settled in and it looked like he might save the bullpen from having a long night at least. But in the sixth inning, things fell apart (even more). It wasn’t all Charlie’s fault, though. Jake Magnum reached on an infield single that Gunnar Henderson tried an failed to barehand. Magnum stole second base easily as the ball deflected into center field.
Ha-Seong Kim hit a fly ball to deep right field that Ramón Laureano fielded just inside the foul line. Magnum tagged up and Laureano fired the ball to Henderson, who let the ball go right between his legs. Magnum scored as Jordan Westburg chased after the ball. What an embarrassment. The error was somehow charged to Laureano, who I thought made a good throw.
Morton responded to these shenanigans by walking the next batter on four pitches. He was pulled from the game and more shenanigans ensued. Grant Wolfram came in and loaded the bases ahead of Diaz. I think you know what he did. That’s right, grand slam. He let Junior Caminero hit another one for good measure. 11-0 Rays.
Someone named Corbin Martin relieved Wolfram in the seventh and walked the first batter on four pitches. He walked two batters, actually. and threw a wild pitch. He was only saved from giving up runs by a nice catch by Colton Cowser at the wall.
I know this team isn’t good, but do we have to watch games like this? Ugh.
If you’re looking for the offense in this story, there isn’t much to say. Colton Cowser had a nice night with three singles and a walk. Ryan O’Hearn took a walk. Gunnar Henderson tripled and doubled. Henderson scored the lone run on a ninth-inning groundout after his double.
The Orioles lit up starting pitcher Taj Bradley the first two times they saw him this year. He had the last laugh tonight with a pitching line of 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K. The Orioles couldn’t get any momentum against him. He allowed four baserunners and none in the same inning. Relief pitcher Joe Boyle pitched two hitless innings.
I don’t know if there are still fans out there who think the Orioles have a chance at the postseason. I know there have been many holding on to hope that had been dwindling for a while. If this kick-off to the second half didn’t convince every fan out there that it’s time to give up the dream, I don’t know what will.
Orioles lose, 11-1. They are back in action tomorrow at 7:05 with Dean Kremer on the mound against Zack Littell. I sure hope tomorrow’s game is more fun.
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