John E. Sokolowski- USA Today Sports
The Baltimore Orioles’ 6-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays is one that will hopefully regain the confidence of the pitching staff. Closer Jim Johnson got the much needed win in a close game after Johnson blew his three previous save opportunities.
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Johnson entered the game against the Blue Jays with a whopping 4.03 ERA. Some people don’t understand how bad that is and in some ways, it is even on the joke level. No wonder Johnson is the first pitcher since 2011 to blow three save opportunities in a row.
But the O’s were able to hold off the Blue Jays with great bats like Adam Jones, who launched a bomb, which is his second home run in the last two games.
These days, the pitching obviously isn’t where it needs to be for the O’s, but they need small victories to gain their confidence back. An area that some would argue was the Orioles’ best asset over the last two seasons in the bullpen, has totally been inept over the last month or so. The fact that the team is still 27-22 and are within 3.5 games of first place in the AL East shows the team has a heart of a champion. Which is why Johnson regaining some momentum is very critical for the stretch run, along with the fact that the team is showing their offense can hold the fort during tough times.
Every team in professional sports go through their tough stretches. It’s about how you are able to maintain ground with the competition. The Orioles have done just that. A win Sunday against the Blue Jays would go a long way.
