Orioles go 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position and fail to back Burnes in 4-0 loss to Cubs

BALTIMORE-What happened? Corbin Burnes allowed three runs on nine hits in six innings in his final start before the All-Star Game, but the Orioles didn’t score while leaving 10 runners on base and going 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position in a 4-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.

The Orioles have lost two straight to the Cubs by a combined score of 13-2.

Their lead in the American League East is two games because the New York Yankees beat Tampa Bay, 2-1.

Shoto Imanaga allowed six hits in six scoreless innings.

Burnes allowed a home run to Christopher Morel and three singles in the second to put the Orioles behind 2-0. In the fifth, Michael Busch hit a ball off second base for a double and Seiya Suzuki drove him in.

“You’ve got to tip your hat to them for making something like that count,” catcher James McCann said.

What’s wrong with Orioles’ offense? Manager Brandon Hyde hasn’t been pleased with the Orioles’ offensive approach.

“I just think at times we’re getting a little too big and trying to get the big hit,” he said. “I think it’s going to turn around for us. We’ve just got to relax a little bit.”

“It’s the ups and downs of the season,” McCann said. “This offense has been really good for an extended period of time. It’s something we obviously know. We’re not ignorant to that.

“We’re going to show back up tomorrow and stick with the same process we’ve had all year and over the course of the season, the good things are going to far outweigh the bad things.”

How did Burnes think he threw? “For the most part, I threw the ball pretty well,” Burnes said. “Credit to them for putting some good swings on the ball. They had a pretty good approach up there of just doing their best by putting it in play and good things happened.

“Balls found holes, hit bases. Pretty much anything that could have gone on tonight happened.”

How does Burnes assess the Orioles’ and his first half? “We played a lot of good games. We had a [bad] stretch there a couple of weeks ago,” Burnes said.

“We came out of it and played well … I think we played great in the first half, and I think we’re set up well for the second half and for a run at their postseason.

“I’ve done a good job of sticking to my routine and to my process in between starts. Things have been a little crazy this year with the babies being born and some other stuff going on.”

Burnes hasn’t decided whether to pitch in next Tuesday’s All-Star Game after the birth of his twin girls on June 28^th.

“Not yet. There are 2-week old babies that are complicating things right now,” he said.

How did the Orioles think Burnes threw? Burnes equaled his season and career high by allowing nine hits.

“Quality start. He gave us a chance to win. Unfortunately, our offense didn’t come through tonight,” McCann said. “In the second inning, they jumped on pitches early in counts. He did a good job slowing them down a little bit, using the offspeed stuff to keep them off balance.”

Hyde thought Burnes pitched well enough to win.

“A lot of soft contact. They’re finding some holes right now in the infield and in the outfield. We give them credit for putting the ball in play,” Hyde said.

What’s the word? “Every time he takes the mound, we know we have a shot to win. It’s frustrating on nights like tonight where we can’t come through offensively to back him up.” –McCann on Burnes’ start

What does it mean? Game-time temperature was 90, and conditions were challenging.

“It’s difficult to play,” McCann said. “It feels like a sauna. It’s hard to even breathe out there, but the opponent has to do it, too.”

What’s the stat of the day? 3. The Orioles have been shut out three times this season, all in games started by Burnes. The other two were May 1^st and 7^th.

What’s going on in the minor leagues? Bruce Zimmermann (2-4) allowed four runs on three hits, walking four and striking out three in 4 1/3 innings as Triple-A Norfolk lost to Memphis, 7-2. Centerfielder Kyle Stowers and third baseman Coby Mayo hit their 17^th and 19^th home runs consecutively in the sixth inning.

Seth Johnson (0-6) allowed one run on four hits in five innings in Double-A Bowie’s 5-1 loss to Altoona. Rightfielder Dylan Beavers had two hits.

Third baseman Carter Young had three hits and hit his fourth home run and first baseman Noelberth Romero drove in two runs in High-A Aberdeen’s 7-5 loss to Asheville.

Catcher Jose Mordán had three hits, including his 13^th home run, as Single-A Delmarva beat Asheville, 7-4.

Aberdeen reliever Luis Sánchez was placed on the injured list with a stress fracture of the right elbow.

Delmarva starter Carter Baumler is on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement.

What’s next? The Cubs and Orioles meet in the final game of their three-game series on Thursday night at 6:35. Albert Suárez (5-2, 2.48) will face Justin Steele (1-3, 2.95).

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