For the first time in 19 years the Baltimore Orioles hosted a playoff game despite the rain which delayed the start of their American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers.
It had also been seven years since the franchise played a role in the hunt for October glory.
However, once the rain moved out, the Rangers took control of the best of five series with a 3-2 win that turned the bedlam of Baltimore into a funeral procession by the time the shadows took over the ballpark.
Marcus Semien Slump Continues
Orioles Park at Camden Yards was an electric orange sea as one of the new school legends of Charm City baseball threw out the day’s first pitch.
Adam Jones, who officially signed a temporary contract then retired as an Oriole last month, sent the crowd into a frenzy that lasted until the Rangers figured out Orioles starter Kyle Bradish as their offense went into a post season slumber.
The MLBbros in both uniforms struggled mightily at the plate.
Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien went 0-for-5 following his 2-for-17 performance in the wildcard series.
Semien still remains at the top of the order as Texas continues to win without his offense.
However, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde needs to light a fuse under a team that stumbled to the finish line offensively after clinching the American League East Division title and the top seed in the junior circuit’s playoffs.
Cedric Mullins & Aaron Hicks Bats Cold In ALDS Game 1
Aaron Hicks and Cedric Mullins were slotted in the 6th and 8th holes in the lineup and couldn’t deliver on Saturday. Collectively, they finished the game 0-for-5 with two walks.
“We just need to get some early runs,” Hyde said. “Even the last week or so of the season we’ve just had a tough time kind of scoring early.”
The Rangers could’ve made things easier for themselves, but they couldn’t break the game open in the fourth inning.
With the bases loaded and two outs Semien, a player with seven career grand slams, struck out.
Overall, Texas left 10 runners on base. Despite his struggles, however, Manager Bruce Bochy remains confident in his slumping second baseman.
Suddenly, the Orioles magical season could turn into a nightmare quickly if they lose to the Rangers again on Sunday.
Traditionally, teams that lose game one in the Division Series at home win that series less than 30 percent of the time.
However, if the regular season proves to be any indication, this will be a long series. Baltimore is very resilient team and the squads solid their six games earlier this year.
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