The Orioles Were A Few Steps Ahead of the Mariners in Birdland

While the Mariners dominated in the first game, they lost the second two games by two runs and then one run. On a positive note, the run differential over the three games was in the Mariners’ favor: 19 to 10.

Game 1: Friday, June 23 SEA 13, BAL 1

After a rain delay, the Mariners achieved their highest score of the season to date. Logan Gilbert dazzled at the plate, pitching for seven innings and keeping the Orioles scoreless.

In the second inning, the Mariners hit several singles and scored their first run. In the third inning, a second group effort yielded two more runs. Tom Murphy homered with Suárez on base: SEA 5, BAL 0. Teoscar Hernandez hit a solo homerun in the fourth: SEA 6, BAL 0.

The Orioles' Anthony Santander hit a home run in the seventh: SEA 6, BAL 1. In the eighth, the Mariners got started. Suarez hit a double, Caballero walked, and there was a wild pitch. Then Kelenic singled, Julio Rodriguez had a base hit as did France, Hernandez, Raleigh, and Suárez. By the time everyone involved had crossed home plate, the score was SEA 13, BAL 1.

This game was fun for Mariners’ fans and no doubt raised the lineup’s batting averages. In the end, Kelenic, Rodríguez, France, Raleigh, and Wong had one RBI; Hernández had 2 RBIs, and Suárez and Murphy each had three RBIs.

Game 2: Saturday, June 24: SEA 4 BAL 6

The second game was a battle of home runs.

In the second inning, Adam Frazier, a former Mariner, hit a single that allowed Gunnar Henderson to score. SEA 0, BAL 1. Wong and Raleigh prevented a second run with a terrific out at home plate.

In the top of the third, both Ford and Crawford hit home runs. In the bottom of the inning, Anthony Santander tied it up. SEA 2, BAL 2. In the bottom of the fifth, Frazier scores when Santander hits a single. SEA 2, BAL 3. Rodríguez tied the game in the sixth with a solo homerun: SEA 3, BAL 3. Aaron Hicks hit a home run in the bottom of the sixth: SEA 3, BAL 4. Rodríguez “stole” a home run in the bottom of the seventh. In the top of the 9th, Ford homered again and the game was tied, 4-4 at the end of the ninth. Ford's second HR broke a record.

The game went into extra innings. No Mariners scored at the top of the tenth. Baltimore's Ryan McKenna homered, scoring two more runs for the home team. The final score was SEA 4, BAL 6.

Bryce Miller pitched 4.1 innings, allowing three runs and striking out four. Brash, Speier, Muñoz, Adcock, Sewald, and Topa pitched in relief. Orioles’ starting pitcher, Dean Kremer, threw for seven innings followed by relief pitchers Cano, Coulombe, Bautista, and Baumann.

Game 3: Sunday, June 25 SEA 2, BAL 3

This game felt like a pitching duel with the exception of Cal Raleigh's high and far home run that went to Eutaw Street. The only other Mariners to have hit homers that far at Orioles Park at Camden Yards are Sam Haggerty and Ken Griffey Jr. Cal will get a plaque marking where the ball landed.

The low score reflects that there was very little offense. George Kirby pitched very well as did Brash and Speier. The Orioles starting pitcher, Kyle Bradish, pitched for seven innings and prevented the Mariners from scoring. Danny Coloumbe relieved Bradish. Félix Bautista threw balls at 101-103 MPH in the ninth. France managed to get on first base but the others struck which gave the Orioles the win.

For the Mariners, only France, Suárez, and Raleigh had hits, and Raleigh had 2 RBIs because his home run brought Suarez home too.

Except for the first game, the second two games came down to the wire. The Orioles did not thrash the Mariners by any means. At the end, it was one play or one error that made a difference between winning and losing. I hope that the Mariners hold their heads high after their series with one of the American League’s best teams. I am certain the players will be glad to sleep in their own beds. Go Mariners!