The Baltimore Orioles broke out to a 4-0 lead on Monday evening in Anaheim only to see the game evolve into a too close for comfort 4-2 win over the LA Angels. The game ended on a called strike three to Mike Trout with the bases loaded and two outs. Craig Kimbrel (1.0 IP, H, BB, 2 K, HBP) recorded the save, his sixth of the season and the 423rd of his career. Kimbrel has now moved ahead of Billy Wagner on the career list and certainly had an easier time getting the game ball on this night.
The Orioles were in a position to win due to the stalwart effort of Albert Suarez (1-0). Suarez threw 5.2 scoreless innings, allowing 4 hits, walking 2 and striking out 5 to earn his first win of the season. It may be a bit premature to call him a hidden gem but the early returns are good. Suarez has pitched 11.1 scoreless innings over two starts and has allowed 7 hits with 2 walks and 9 strike outs.
James McCann (1 for 4, HR, R, RBI) opened the scoring with a 2nd inning homerun. Colton Cowser (1 for 4, HR, R, RBI) homered in the seventh inning as well.
Adley Rutschman (2 for 4, 2B, 2 RBI) accounted for the rest of the Baltimore offense, knocking in two runs on the night.
Gunnar Henderson went 2 for 4 with a triple and a run scored.
Jorge Mateo went 0 for 3 with a run scored, a walk and a stolen base.
Providing a solid effort out of the bullpen was Yennier Cano who allowed one hit over 1.2 innings.
2024 Record: 15-7
Next Game: Tues. 4/23 @ 9:38 pm vs. LA Angels in Anaheim