Baltimore Orioles Produce Polar Opposite Pitching Performances in Thursday’s Doubleheader
The Orioles had a hot-and-cold day against the Astros.
The Baltimore Orioles simultaneously won their series against the Houston Astros while also ending the day on a sour note on Thursday. After winning Tuesday's matchup 5-3, they won Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader 10-3 before losing Game 2 11-5. Game 2 was a makeup of Wednesday's matchup that got rained out.
Starting pitcher Chris Bassitt had his best outing of the season in Game 1, allowing just one run on seven hits over 6. 2 innings to go with seven strikeouts against one walk. The 37-year-old earned his second win of the year and is now 2-2.
Bassitt pitched six scoreless innings before allowing an RBI single to Christian Vazquez in the top of the seventh, which ended his outing. Reliever Rico Garcia then entered and got the final out of the frame, which was a fielder's choice off the bat of Carlos Correa. Bassitt's performance was much-needed, as he still has a 5.
46 ERA on the year even after Thursday's game. Baltimore signed the veteran to a one-year, $18. 5 million deal this past offseason, and the club is depending on him to perform more like he has historically.