Gausman shines, O's take two of three at Tampa, head to the Big Apple

Kevin Gausman

The recent call up of Kevin Gausman from AAA Norfolk has provided a catalyst to the O’s pitching staff. Whether it is the threat of a lost spot in the starting rotation or just a coincidence, minus one forgettable outing by Ubaldo Jimenez, the O’s starters have been carrying a team that is failing pretty regularly to put sufficient runs on the board.

Yesterday afternoon Gausman made it three brilliant starts in a row when he allowed no runs on five hits in six innings. Gausman worked out of a massive bases loaded first inning jam. Had plate umpire Pat Hoberg called balls and strikes with more consistency, Gausman’s pitch count might have stayed down and enabled him to go even deeper into the game. Fortunately for the O’s, ex-closer Tommy Hunter worked two scoreless innings  in the seventh and eighth and Zac Britton dominated again in the ninth with two strikeouts to earn his ninth save.

Runs are still hard to come by for Baltimore. The O’s stranded a slew of base runners (as did the Rays) during the afternoon affair. However, Steve Pearce continues to amaze. His batting average is up to .324 after yet another two hit game. Pearce also drew a walk. He seems to always be on base.

The O’s head to New York for a critical three game showdown with the Yankees that begins on Friday night. Ubaldo Jimenez will take the bump for the O’s while the Yanks have yet to name a starter. The Yankees are a half game in front of the O’s going into the series. Both teams have won six of their last ten.