Orioles Sweep to Start the Season.

The Orioles rocked up to Fenway Park with something to prove on their delayed Opening Day: they’re not a team to be overlooked. Having been in rebuild mode for a few years now, Baltimore haven’t produced much in regard to win – loss records, and they’re definitely not up to contender status just yet. What the Birds are, however, is hungry and full of young talent. After sweeping the Red Sox to start their 2021 season, they’ve made that loud and clear – with a shut-out 3 – 0 on Opening Day, a 4 – 2 victory to follow, and finally dominating 11 – 3 in last night’s game.

The biggest point of uncertainty for the Orioles heading into the season was undoubtedly their starting rotation... although you wouldn’t have known that after watching these games, which boasted a brilliant performance from each starting pitcher.

The first to take the mound was ace, John Means, who obtained 18 straight outs. Through 7 innings he only allowed 1 hit, made 5 strikeouts and no walks in 97 total pitches. Obviously, John Means business.

Veteran Matt Harvey made the start in his Orioles debut in game 2. The Dark Knight pitched for 4.2 innings, allowed 6 hits, made 1 walk and 4 strikeouts. Reliefer Adam Plutko then stepped in – also making his Orioles debut - for 2 innings, allowed only 1 hit and stranded 2 batters. While it wasn’t as strong a performance compared to game 1, there was a lot to like from the newest residents of Birdland. 

Finally, rookie Bruce Zimmermann got his first MLB win in game 3 after striking out 5 batters over an impressive 6 innings.

The pitching was sure something to write home about but the biggest story at Fenway Park was the heart-warming return of O’s first baseman, Trey Mancini, who missed the 2020 season after a year-long battle with colon Cancer. Mancini delivered a truly memorable, and inspiring performance, bringing home 3 runs and 3 RBI’s across the series – ending with an average of .250.

Another key component for the offense was lead-off hitter, Cedric Mullins. The rookie centre fielder had an outstanding series, particularly in game 3 - where across his 5 plate appearances - he recorded 3 doubles and 2 singles – hitting 5 – 5 and bringing in 3 of the Orioles 11 runs. Add right fielder, Anthony Santander into the mix, who drove in 4 runs across the series, and you’ve got a pretty electric top of the order.

So, does this sweep mean the Orioles are suddenly hot in contention for the division title? Absolutely not. For one, it’s the first series of the year, and while it was a fantastic way to kick off the season, there’s no telling if they’ll be able to maintain this calibre of play weeks or months down the line. Secondly [are perhaps more tellingly], the Red Sox aren’t contenders either so once we do see the O’s go up against those World Series frontrunners it’ll put their current state into a clearer perspective.

All that said, however, what the Orioles are is a team with a lot of promise, and a bright future. This sweep highlighted a reliable veteran presence and a handful of rookies with great potential. This is still a team on the rebuild but these victories proved that they’re slowly inching closer to contention.

It will likely take years but don’t sleep on these birds because eventually they’ll be flying towards the highest prize.