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Orioles pitching staff improves during 10-4 stretch
The Baltimore Orioles have won 10 of their last 14 games and sit a half-game out of an American League wild card spot. Starting pitchers have raised their strike rate and lowered their ERA during the recent stretch.
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The Baltimore Orioles won their fifth game in six outings on Friday, defeating Toronto 13-3. The club improved to 31-33 and moved within a half-game of the final American League wild card position. He said the offense gave the pitching staff freedom to attack hitters.
Rotation statistics Baltimore starters posted a 2.75 ERA over the 14-game stretch after recording a 5.11 ERA in the first 50 games. Fielding Independent Pitching fell from 4.72 to 4.09, and expected ERA dropped from 4.61 to 4.17. Strike rate rose from 62.3 percent to 66.6 percent, above the league average of 63.5 percent.
Manager Craig Albernaz credited the improvement to attacking the strike zone and generating first-pitch strikes.
Individual adjustments Right-hander Shane Baz has increased use of his curveball and thrown at least six innings in each of his last four starts. Brandon Young has posted a 3.47 ERA in nine starts after refining his splitter. Assistant pitching coach Mitch Plassmeyer said Young reduced velocity and spin on the splitter to create more depth and movement.
Kyle Bradish noted that strong outings by rotation mates have raised confidence across the staff. The Orioles hold 98 games remaining on the schedule.
