The Orioles actually won a game on Thursday. And they did it while scoring five whole runs. Sure, it would have been nice if Seranthony Domínguez had NOT blown the save in the ninth inning in the first place, but that is what allowed the offense one more bite at the apple. And Anthony Santander smashed that apple out of the park for a walk-off home run. Let’s take the positives and wash away the negatives.
Everyone loves a walk-off home run! It’s emphatic. It feels good. It’s the kind of thing that could maybe spark a run, and boy could the Orioles use that. They need to find some way to end the regular season on a high note if they want to have a shot at an extended playoff run. This weekend they have to deal with the red hot Tigers yet again. A series win would be sublime, but right now we are just hoping to avoid sweeps. It’s sad, but it’s also reality.
For those that feel like the layoff between regular season and postseason is too long for the top two seeds in each league, perhaps this is a blessing. The Orioles’ chances at winning the AL East are nearly gone. Instead, they will likely need to wrangle with the Wild Card round. And since they have a big enough buffer in the standings, the team can properly organize the pitching staff in order to prepare. Whatever these last nine games bring, it should end with a rested bullpen, Corbin Burnes ready to roll in Game 1, and maybe some reinforcements on offense.
Jordan Westburg began his rehab on Thursday. He got a hit, drove in a run, and scored a run while playing second base for the Tides. Who was at third base? Well, that would be Ramón Urías. He also got his rehab under way, and he also had a hit. It seems like they are both on track to get back on the field sometime soon. That would be quite the boost to an offense that could use a kick in the rear.
