WASHINGTON — So, ever seen that before?
Catcher Matt Wieters with a clutch hit to end a game and send the opposition home unhappy?
You saw it eight times as an Oriole.
Eight separate times Wieters had ended a big league game by driving in the winning run.
Now, it’s nine.
Eight times as an Oriole, and once against them.
Wieters’ ninth-inning, bases loaded single down the first-base line Wednesday night scored two and gave the Washington Nationals a 7-6 comeback victory, snapping the Orioles’ six-game winning streak.
“We just needed a win. We’d kind of played poorly the first two games all around,” Wieters said. “Finally, we were able to get some momentum there in the last inning. We had some great at-bats earlier in the lineup. I was just looking for something I could try and get elevated a little bit and stay out of the double play. And I almost hit it right to (Chris) Davis anyways. But I was able to get it through, and (get a) big win.”
Wieters had three hits in five at-bats Wednesday against the team he played for in all eight of his previous MLB seasons.
In the first three games of the Battle of the Beltways, the Orioles are 2-1; meanwhile, Wieters is 5-for-13 (.385 average) at the plate with three RBIs.
Considered one of the Orioles’ most clutch hitters in recent memory, Wieters said he took no extra satisfaction in coming through against his old club.
“No, other than the fact that they kicked our butts (at Camden Yards), and it was time to come back and try to get a win,” he said. “That’s the thing, the competition is what I enjoy. So, any time they beat you, you want to come back and beat them. That’s why we all play the game.”
Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he knows first-hand that Wieters is dangerous with the game on the line, but so is the entire Nats’ lineup.
“All those guys, they have such a deep lineup. Any time you have Matt Wieters hitting eighth, you know what kind of lineup you’ve got,” Showalter said. “Matt’s a good man. I’m not gonna be a big fan of it tonight, but there’s part of you, as a guy that’s been around, you know that he can rise to those occasions.”
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I don't get y Brach was left in at all, he did nothing right..another game we gave away by leaving sumone in when he doesn't have it
O'Day not available. Brach was clearly the best option.
Getting beat by an ex-player especially one as popular as Wieters was always burns a little extra but good for Matt. Goes to show just how good he was with us.
Especially at crunch time.
I saw yesterday Vidal Nuno was brought back up and Logan Verrett was sent down.....WHY???? Last we saw of Vidal Nuno he was giving batting practice to a very good Yankee team, in consecutive games if memory serves and was subsequently sent down. Verrett has performed much better in his appearances since. Curious as to the rationale behind this.
All part of the Norfolk shuttle philosophy w only 6 relievers. Verrett had a long outing and is not available for at least 3 days so Os need another fresh arm.
One last point.....should Buck continue to let Brach try and "figure things out" or maybe try another in the closers role? Givens?
Brach will have a long leash w O'Day next in line.
I see mr walk incorporated blew another game. If this is Britton replacement for next year than we are in trouble. Both he and Jimenez should be traded asap. Bach was like this last year so why should we think different. He has the jimenez diease. One game good. One game Soso. The next he sucks. It is going to be a long 60 days. Two blown saves already. Bring up a rookie at least he will learn. Also it is a shame watching manny. You know angelos will be to cheap to resign him
Britton is currently signed thru 2018.
Went to the game last night. Wish I hadn't. This Wieters thing is killing me.
Hope you took a handkerchief.