O's Have Big 5th Inning to Win Rubber Match Against Yanks

    Good evening O's fans. It is always a better evening when the O's are in the win column. This was not the prettiest win in the world but it is a win and another series win. There were some good signs and some bad but the most important thing is that they win and move on to Fenway after a 7-5 win to finish off the Yankees.

    I was talking with my buddies today and Mike Winters and Will Polyniak both agreed that the O's success is going to depend a lot on the success of Chris Davis. Tonight there were some good signs and bad signs with him. He gave the O's the lead in the first inning with a single and had a big two run double as part of a O's five run fifth inning.  In the at bat with the double he swung at two pitches prior and looked terrible.  He ended up striking out three times in the game. We all know his potential when he makes contact but it needs to be more consistent. In our conversation, Mike said lets see where he is after 150 at bats. If he is hitting .175 at that point a decision needs to be made. I think that is a fair assessment.

   Another bright note was that Manny Machado got his first homerun of the year with a blast deep into the left field stands, a true no doubter. Jonathan Schoop also hit a bomb for the birds. He is looking really good so far.  Caleb Joseph had a great series with another base hit and RBI tonight. Delmon Young and Alejandro DeAza had good games tonight as well. The offense has been producing. The best thing is that we are scoring runs without prodction prior to tonight from Chris Davis or Machado.  J.J. Hardy is obviously still out as well along with Matt Wieters.  Hardy is taking batting practice and should start a rehab assignment soon. He is not making the trip to Boston. Matt is throwing from 120 feet and catching bullpen sessions and also hitting in simulated games.

   Now, on to the pitching and a few concerning things. Bud Norris did not have very good command after the second inning tonight. He seemed to lose it.  He was able to battle and keep the O's in the game through five innings. He was really all over the place though. He gave up 3 runs in his five innings of work.  I really like Bud as he is a gamer but he needs to be much better.  Tommy Hunter really struggled again tonight giving up two runs in the 8th inning. He has not looked good at all.  I have a thought and it is just a thought.  Could Bud Norris be Tommy Hunter soon? Maybe Norris goes to the bullpen coming out throwing 96 for an inning and Gausman moves to the rotation. I would like to hear everyone's opinion on that.  The starting pitching needs to be much better. 

   With all this said, we are 5-4, have won two of three series and we now head to Fenway on a winning note. This should be a great series. Would love three of four but would be happy with a split.  Ubaldo Jimenez gets the start on Friday. Let's hope he can follow up with another great start and down the Sox in game one. You heard it From the Booth, Let's go O's!!!!