BALTIMORE- What happened? For the first time in his career, Corbin Burnes allowed eight runs and 10 hits in just four innings as the Orioles lost to the Boston Red Sox, 12-10, on Friday night.
The four innings was the fewest worked by Burnes as an Oriole.
Craig Kimbrel allowed three runs on two home runs in the seventh inning and was booed by the home crowd.
Ramón Urias drove in a career-high five runs. Jackson Holliday had four hits, becoming the second-youngest Oriole with four hits in a game behind Brooks Robinson.
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Catcher Adley Rutschman was scratched just before gametime with lower back discomfort.
“He was hitting probably 30-45 minutes before the game in the cage and his back started bothering him,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “We took him out of the lineup there. He’s day-to-day right now, I’m hoping. We’ll see.”
What happened to Burnes? Burnes allowed two runs in the first, two in the third and four in the fourth.
“Gave up a lot of runs,” Burnes said. “I think from the get-go in the first inning we made some good pitches. They scored two runs on three hits that weren’t hit very hard and we went and made an adjustment, and it wasn’t the right adjustment. Fell behind a lot in counts, a lot of hittable pitches up in the zone, and they didn’t miss tonight.”
Hyde remains confident in his No. 1 starter.
“They were aggressive in the first,” Hyde said. “Got some soft contact, couple runs there early. I thought his stuff was still good. Maybe the breaking ball wasn’t maybe as effective and sharp as it had been in the past, but he’s still throwing 98 [mph] cutters and sinkers. They were aggressive with him.
“He’s been incredible for us and he’s not going to be perfect every night he throws. I thought that they took some good at-bats against him, but I’m sure he’ll bounce back well.”
Burnes allowed runs in the first inning for the first time since April 26th. After the Orioles managed to tie the score at 4 in the third inning, Boston scored four in the fourth, and the Orioles weren’t able to catch up.
“Yeah, we battled offensively,” Burnes said. “Seemed like every time they scored, we would try to fight back, and we did for the most part. The pitching staff, we just didn’t do a good job tonight.”
Can Kimbrel turn it around? Kimbrel continues to flounder, and boos accompanied him after he allowed three runs in the seventh.
“A couple homers, but the walk, that’s what’s kind of getting him in trouble there,” Hyde said. “The walk, the stolen base. They just got on his fastball.”
Kimbrel equaled his season high by allowing three runs in an inning, and this was the first time this season he’s allowed two home runs in an inning.
His ERA has risen to 3.89.
How special is Holliday? With his four hits, Holliday has moved his average up to .200, and he’ll set many records in his Orioles career. Not many young Orioles can be compared to Brooks Robinson.
“That’s quite special. Obviously very special to be able to share that with him. Hopefully, many more in the future,” he said.
The Orioles had 10 runs and 17 hits. It was the 12th time they’ve scored 10 or more, and the second time they’ve lost. The 17 hits was their third most in a game.
On June 21st, the Orioles scored 11 runs on 18 hits in a 14-11 loss at Houston.
“Any time you can put up however many runs that you did, I can’t remember, 10, 12, it’s special,” Holliday said. “We’ve got a special offense. To put up that many runs is always fun.”
Should starters get more rest? Hyde is trying to get his starters more rest, and Burnes approves.
“I think everyone could at this point in the season,” Burnes said. “Being in mid-August with the amount of arms we’ve had go down, we’ve definitely had our depth tested. At this point, you’re trying to make sure everyone stays healthy for October, and giving everyone a breather this time through, I think, is only going to be beneficial.”
What does it mean? The Orioles needed a strong start from Burnes for their third straight win. Instead, he threw his worst game as an Oriole. The team hopes there won’t be any more like this.
What’s the word? “I’d rather not have any of them. But I guess if we’re going to have one, it’s better to do it in a game in the middle of August vs. coming down the stretch or into the postseason.”-Burnes on the timing of his first bad start.
What’s the stat of the day? At 20 years, 256 days, Holliday is the second-youngest Oriole with a four-hit game. Brooks Robinson’s came on September 25th, 1957 when he was 20 years, 130 days.
What’s going on in the minor leagues? Triple-A Norfolk was held to two hits in a 7-0 loss to Gwinnett in a game shortened to six innings by rain.
First baseman John Rhodes drove in three runs and catcher Samuel Basallo had three hits in Double-A Bowie’s 8-2 win over Altoona. Trace Bright, Bradley Brehmer (3-3) and Houston Roth limited the Curve to four hits. They struck out 13 batters.
High-A Aberdeen was held to two hits in a 1-0 loss to Greenville. The Drive had only three hits.
Designated hitter Ethan Anderson and second baseman Maikol Hernández each had three hits in Single-A Delmarva’s 5-4 win over Carolina in 11 innings..
What’s next? Cade Povich (1-5, 6.27) will face Brayan Bello (10-5, 4.97) on Saturday night at 7:05.
Call for questions: Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. Please send yours to: [email protected]