That’s a gut-wrenching scenario for Orioles fans! It’s tough to witness such a stellar performance from Corbin Burnes, only for the team to come up short offensively. Getting eight innings of one-run ball is the kind of outing every team dreams of in the postseason, and for the Orioles to waste that is incredibly frustrating.
Facing a depleted Royals bullpen after Ragans’ early exit should have provided an opportunity to capitalize, but it sounds like the Orioles just couldn’t find their rhythm at the plate. In the playoffs, every opportunity counts, and failing to score even a single run is a tough pill to swallow. This kind of result often leads to questions about offensive production in critical moments, and it highlights how unforgiving postseason baseball can be. Hopefully, they can regroup and find a way to turn things around in the next game!
It’s tough when the top of the order struggles like that, especially in a postseason game where every at-bat is crucial. A 1-for-17 performance from your best hitters is a clear indicator that something needs to change, whether it’s adjustments to the lineup or a different approach at the plate.
Making immediate changes could involve tweaking the batting order or giving some players a break to reset mentally. It might also be worth considering matchups against the Royals’ bullpen and adjusting the lineup accordingly. Sometimes a fresh face or a different strategy can shake things up and spark the offense. The Orioles need to regroup quickly if they want to stay in the hunt, as the pressure only intensifies in the postseason.
1. James McCann should not see another start in the postseason
That decision certainly raised some eyebrows! Moving Adley Rutschman to designated hitter and starting James McCann behind the plate is a notable choice, especially considering Rutschman’s talent and potential impact in the lineup.
If the Orioles were hoping McCann’s experience would benefit the pitching staff, it didn’t pay off given the overall offensive struggles. Rutschman’s bat can be crucial in tight games, so it’s perplexing to see him not in a position to contribute more directly. It might be worth re-evaluating that strategy for the next game, as having your best players in optimal positions is vital for postseason success.
It’s a tricky situation for the Orioles. While McCann’s familiarity with Burnes might justify the decision from a pitching perspective, his lack of offensive production raises valid concerns, especially in the postseason when every at-bat counts. His performance in Game 1 only underscores those worries.
Given that other players like Slater and Rivera have shown better hitting capabilities, it might be time for the Orioles to reassess their lineup choices. Having someone who can at least put the ball in play when runners are on base is critical, and relying on McCann as a starter could be detrimental to the team’s chances of advancing. Balancing defensive needs with offensive production is key, and adjustments may be necessary to maximize the team’s potential in the next game.
That sounds like a solid plan! With Lugo on the mound, having Rutschman behind the plate can not only bolster the defense but also provide a more potent bat in the lineup. O’Hearn can add some offense at DH, and it allows the team to maximize its strengths against a right-handed pitcher.
If the Royals or any future opponents start a left-hander, keeping Rutschman in the field is a smart move, especially given his ability to handle pitching and contribute offensively. Starting Rivera or Slater at DH would also give the lineup a better chance to produce, particularly if those players have favorable matchups.
2. Cedric Mullins should be moved up in the Orioles lineup
Mullins’ performance in Game 1 was definitely a bright spot amidst the offensive struggles. His ability to hit against a lefty like Ragans, especially given his overall struggles this season, shows that he was finding his groove at the right time. Hitting him in the lower third made sense against the left-hander, but now that a righty is on the mound in Game 2, it’s a great opportunity to capitalize on his recent success.
Moving Mullins up in the order could help create more scoring opportunities, especially if he can continue his strong performance. The Orioles need to make adjustments based on matchups, and getting a hot bat like Mullins’ higher in the lineup can only improve their chances of producing runs.
3. The Orioles need to fear Bobby Witt Jr. more than they did in Game 1
You’ve made a great point about the Orioles’ approach in that situation. Given Witt’s impressive season and ability to impact a game, intentionally walking him to face Pasquantino seems like the wiser choice, especially considering the circumstances. The strategy of not letting the game’s best players beat you is a crucial aspect of postseason baseball, and this is a classic example of that philosophy in action.
By trusting Burnes to go after Witt, the Orioles missed an opportunity to mitigate risk in a pivotal moment. It’s one of those lessons that can make a significant difference in the playoffs. Adapting their strategy in similar situations going forward could be key for the Orioles if they want to keep their postseason hopes alive.
