Why Baltimore Orioles Fans Shouldn't Be Concerned With Chris Bassitt’s Uneven Debut
The veteran hurler didn't have his finest outing in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Texas Rangers.
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Bassitt has been reliable since he broke into the big leagues with the Chicago White Sox in 2014, as he's had nine seasons with a sub-4. 00 ERA. However, the right-hander allowed four runs on six hits over 4.
1 innings in his Orioles debut on Monday, which earned him the loss. Bassitt struggled immediately, as he gave up two singles to start the top of the first inning before Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager moved the runners to second and third on a groundout. First baseman Jake Burger then hit a grounder to Bassitt, who misfired his throw to home plate trying to get right fielder Brandon Nimmo tagged out.
Bassitt made it out of that frame without allowing any more runs, but he gave up a double, a walk, and an RBI single to start the second inning. Left fielder Wyatt Langford then lined out to center before Seager walked, Burger hit an RBI single, and designated hitter Joc Pederson hit a sacrifice fly. Bassitt didn't allow any more runs after that, but gave up a leadoff walk to blank Smith in the fifth before striking out third baseman Josh Jung to end his outing.
The 37-year-old finished with 100 pitches (61 strikes). Baltimore's bullpen only allowed one run the rest of the way, but the offense couldn't muster a comeback in the 5-2 loss. Oh no Chris Bassitt pic.