HOUSTON – Surely there would be a game like this.
One in which Corbin Burnes, who has one of the lowest ERAs in baseball, allows more than three runs. And where the Orioles’ offense, normally full of hits, dries up. And where the returning kids just can’t find any of that magic in the midst of a tough stretch.
That game came on Saturday, when the Astros beat the Orioles 5-1. Baltimore must win Sunday’s series finale behind Houston resident Albert Suarez to avoid being swept for the second time this season.
“We knew this stretch was going to be tough,” second baseman Jordan Westburg said. “We knew the month of June was going to be difficult with the caliber of teams we were playing and the number of days in a row we played, but that’s what we signed up for. That’s what we hope for. We are all competitors at the end of the day. “We’re going to take these two on the chin and come back tomorrow and try to save a series.”
Burnes allowed four runs, his most in an Orioles uniform, but his performance on Saturday was neither unpleasant nor concerning. The Astros took advantage of two off pitches. He still managed to get through seven innings, saving the bullpen and allowing only five hits, but two of them turned out to be home runs.
“I threw the ball really well today, which is funny to say when you’re down 5-1 and giving up four runs,” Burnes said. “As for command, it’s the best we’ve ever had. As far as things go, it’s the best we’ve ever had. Two mistakes that we left on the plate that they hit.”
Burnes’ changeup has been one of his best pitches this year, and batters hit just .065 against it. In this third inning, Yordan Álvarez became only the third batter to get a hit and the first to hit a home run. That was a two-run shot to center field to put the Astors up 3-1.
In the fifth, Burnes sent seven straight cutters to Chas McCormick. The first three were balls, the fourth and fifth were strikes and the sixth was thrown out. The seventh was just over the middle of the plate, and McCormick sent a solo home run into the left field seats to make the score 4-1.
“I think he just wants a couple of pitches, but other than that I think he threw the ball really well,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “In this section we are with a tired corral, he worked seven innings for us. He definitely gave us a good chance to win.”
Bryan Baker came in for the eighth and McCormick hit the first pitch he saw for a home run. Colton Cowser almost stole it, but he missed and hit his head on the railing. He was slow to get up but continued in the game.
Burnes’ departure wouldn’t have mattered as much if the Orioles offense, which had scored 28 runs in its last two games, had managed some hits. His only run came on a solo home run by Westburg in the second inning.
“I think our guys have been working hard,” Hyde said. “I found a good starter and a good team.”
Although it was the team’s only run, Westburg’s shot extended the Orioles’ streak to 21 straight games with a home run, a franchise record. They lead the MLB with 124 home runs, 11 more than the Yankees. Gunnar Henderson leads the way with 24, the second most in baseball behind Aaron Judge with 28. Anthony Santander is tied for fourth with 20, 11 of which came in June. Adley Rutschman (14), Westburg (12) and Ryan Mountcastle (11) are also in double figures.
