A Night For Pitchers
On a night when the Orioles AAA team, the Norfolk Tides threw the first combined no-hitter in team histoey and just the third nine inning no-hitter in their history, the Baltimore Orioles pitching corps combined to throw a two-hit, 3-0 shut out over the Cincinnati Reds.
The Orioles had to endure a 2 hour and 41 minute rain delay that included pre-game fireworks (the game was a scheduled fireworks night buy local ordinances do not allow fireworks after 11 pm) in order to get the win.
Starter Cole Irvin (3-1) allowed just 2 hits, both to the uber-talented Elly De La Cruz, and struck out 4 in 6.1 innings to record his third victory of the year. From there the bullpen was lights out with Yennier Cano (0.2 IP), Danny Coulombe (1.0 IP, K) and Craig Kimbrel (1.0 IP, 3 K) combining to deny the Reds any additional hits. Kimbrel not only struck out the side on 16 pitches (12 strikes), he caught De La Cruz to end the game and earn his eighth save of the year. Kimbrel is now tied with Boston’s Kenley Jansen for fifth place on the all-time saves lead with 425.
The game was a scoreless affair until the seventh inning. Jorge Mateo (1 for 4, R, SB) opened the inning with a single, stole second and scored on Adley Rutschman‘s (1 for 4, 2B, R, RBI, BB) one out RBI double. Ryan O’Hearn (2 for 5, HR, R, 2 RBI) then momered 397 ft. to right-center to put the Birds up 3-0.
Ryan Mountcastle went 2 for 4 with a double and a stolen base.
Gunnar Henderson went 2 for 4.
Heston Kjerstad went 1 for 2 with 2 walks.
2024 Record: 21-11
Next Game: Sat. 5/4 @ 6:40 pm vs. Reds in Cincinnati