What they’re saying about Orioles’ offense, Cole Irvin’s start in 11-3 win over Red Sox

BALTIMORE—What happened? The Orioles’ offense put on a holiday show, getting 13 hits and rolling to an 11-3 win over the Boston Red Sox on Monday.

It was the Orioles’ fifth straight win, their longest winning streak of 2024. At 34-18, they’re 16 games over .500 for the first time this season.

Kyle Stowers had a career-high four RBIs and three hits. He had two doubles, the first time he’s had more than one extra-base hit. Ryan Mountcastle had three hits. Cedric Mullins had a two-run triple. .

“That was one of the more complete offensive games of the year,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “Using the whole field, hitting with runners in scoring position. The way we ran the bases was fantastic … played really good situational baseball. Really nice to see our offense have a complete game today.”

How was Irvin’s performance? When Kyle Bradish and John Means returned to the starting rotation, joining Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer, Cole Irvin was the odd man out, going to the bullpen even though he had been pitching effectively.

Kremer and Means are now on the 15-day injured list, and Irvin is back in the rotation. After two bullpen outings, including a 3 1/3-inning emergency call after Means left last Wednesday’s game in St. Louis, Irvin threw five scoreless innings on Monday.

Last season, Irvin started 12 times and relieved 12 times. This year, he has started eight times and relieved twice.

“It’s not easy, but at the same time, that’s what I ‘m asked to do. I have to find a way to make it easy,” Irvin said. “Mentally, just stay locked in, focused on what I knew how to do in my routines, day-in and day-out. That’s what allows me to be consistent, whether it’s in a starting role or a relieving role.

“He’s kept a great mindset,” Hyde said. “He’s stayed positive. He’s really a team-first guy. He’s saying all the right things. I’m sure he wants to start. I’m sure he wants to know the routine that he’s going to be on, but he’s doing everything he can to put himself in position to have success because of a really good mindset and helping out the team any way he can.”

Irvin left with a seven-run lead, the second time this season the Orioles have scored that many runs with him on the mound.

“It takes a little pressure off,” Irvin said. “But they have a good ballclub over there, and you still have to make pitches, and do your part, and I feel like I did that.”

He allowed four hits, walked three and struck out six, throwing 92 pitches.

In the fourth, Boston loaded the bases with one out, and Irvin struck out Dominic Smith and Ceddanne Rafaela.

“Cole gave us everything he had,” Hyde said. “His workload has been interrupted … Awesome job by Cole keeping them off-balance.”

How much fun did Stowers have? Stowers had only 12 at-bats and one RBI before Monday’s game. He’s had to be patient while Mullins, Colton Cowser, Austin Hays and Anthony Santander get the bulk of the time in the outfield.

“It’s a lot of work in the cage, staying sharp mentally, staying in the game mentally,” Stowers said. “Just trying to get game-like reps or as close to game-like reps as I can in the cage.”

Hyde has been impressed by Stowers.

“He’s taking good at-bats,” Hyde said. “Staying on the baseball really well. He’s got huge power. Hasn’t even shown that yet. He can use the whole field. He can drive the baseball, did a nice job defensively when he’s been out there.”

Stowers was just 2-for-30 (.067) last year and though he played well during spring training, he was sent back to Triple-A Norfolk.

“Really fun for me to have a big day,” Stowers said. “Fun for the team to get a win. Long road for me to get back here from last year. Cool to have a big moment. Most importantly, happy to get a win and keep going.”

How rough was Vieria’s day? Thyago Vieria, who was acquired from Milwaukee on Saturday, did not retire any of the five batters he faced, allowing four walks and a three-run triple to Romy Gonzalez. Vieria also threw a wild pitch.

Hyde had to call on Cionel Pérez to get out of the inning.

Before the game, he  talked about baseball in his native Brazil and revealed he spoke four languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English and Japanese, which he learned when he pitched in Japan. The word he was struggling with on Monday was control.

What’s the word? “I knew what to expect coming into things. Now, I’m playing with a lot of confidence, a lot of gratitude and, honestly, just playing the game.”-Stowers on how comfortable he feels this season.

What does it mean? After four wins against the Chicago White Sox, the team with the worst record in baseball, the Orioles began a stretch of 14 straight games against American League East opponents with a win.

What’s the stat of the day? 28. The Orioles are 28-0 when outhitting their opponent.

What’s going on in the minor leagues? First baseman Scott Etzel drove in three runs and third baseman Ryan Higgins hit a three-run home run as High-A Aberdeen beat Hudson Valley, 9-4.

The IronBirds were the only Oriole affiliate to play on Monday. They’ll be off on Tuesday while the other three will play.

What’s next? Grayson Rodriguez (5-1, 3.20) will face Brayan Bello (5-2, 4.04) on Tuesday night at 6:35 in the second game of the series.

Call for questions: Each weekday, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles’ question. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com