Blue Jays AL East Recap: Toronto holds their ground

O’s tumble out of first
Baltimore Orioles: 67-56

The Orioles began the week just a half a game out of first. They ended it it in third place and down by two and a half games. Despite the weekend losses to the Jays and Sox, the Orioles had their own problems.

Baltimore went on to lose all but the opening game in their series against the Astros. After an impressive road trip, the Orioles got into trouble by dropping both games against the rival Red Sox. Baltimore then proceeded to get hammered by the Astros who took three of four. In the four-game set, the Orioles were outscored 37-26. Including a 32-13 deficit during the weekend.

The Orioles’ main problem this week was their rotation. It was pounced on by two potent offences, and even ace Chris Tillman couldn’t stop the damage. The rough outings by the rotation only lead to strenuous workloads of the O’s normally top-notch bullpen.

Not counting Sunday’s start by Yovani Gallardo, the rest of Baltimore’s rotation combined for just over 18 innings in 5 games, an average of just over three innings per start. Baltimore will need much better production from their rotation to make it down the stretch.

Final Takeaway:

The Orioles are not out of the woods yet. They will play a home and away set against the NL East leading Nationals to start the week and end the week against the new-look Yankees. With both the Sox and Jays playing favourable matchups this week, the O’s will have to pull together to stay tight in the race.

Next: Baby Bombers still in the mix...