The Beltway Series Summary

I don't know about the rest of you, but this series always gets me extra pumped up as a local fan.  We get to see not one, but two franchises battle it out for MD/DC supremacy.  The best part is that the series takes place twice a year.  As you all probably know, the Orioles took two of three games from the beltway rival, Washington Nationals.

Nationals Park looked to have been sold out on Saturday, when a few friends and I went to see the game. We were luckily able to get standing room only tickets for a mere $20.  The only other seats available were $185, which shows the fans definitely came out for this series.  It was my second time at Nationals Park, and while I am a bit biased towards Camden Yards, I like the park in "Natstown" as well.

Now, on to the actual games.  The first two games were played very well, while Sunday's game was a six run loss by the Birds.  Orioles fans got their first look at both of the Nationals young phenoms, Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg.  Strasburg pitched five innings, striking out eight Orioles, while only giving up one earned run.  He also made another highlight, hitting his first major league home run.
Wei-Yin Chen got torched, giving up six runs in 4 1/3 innings.  Chen also had five strikeouts and three walks. 19-Year-Old Bryce Harper went a combined 4-for-12 in the three game series with 2 RBI.

The other two games featured home runs by Adam Jones and Nick Markakis.  Pedro Strop picked up his third save of the year in game one, followed by Jim Johnson closing it out for save number 15 in game two.  Adam Jones is pacing the Orioles offensively so far this season, leading the team in home runs and RBIs, while hitting at a .308 clip.

Overall, it was a great first series with the Nats this year.  We took the series, and the Orioles fanbase came out in large numbers this weekend.  At the game, there were alternating, "Go Nats" and "Go O's" chants, showing team pride.  On Saturday, there was even a free hat giveaway.  This was my first beltway series in person and the atmosphere was ELECTRIC!!  I hope this truly can become a great rivalry.  It also helps when both teams are off to great starts!  Can't wait till the Camden Yards trip for the Nats!! Keep it here for Orioles news/updates and commentary!

Tsuyoshi Wada Needs Tommy John Surgery

One of the more interesting offseason signings by Dan Duquette, pitcher, Tsuyoshi Wada is headed for Tommy John surgery.  Ken Rosenthal first reported the news on Twitter.  Wada has not made an appearance yet this year due to injury.  Wada, along with Wei-Yin Chen, were the major international signings for the Birds.  Chen has been great so far this year.  Before news broke of Tommy John surgery, if Wada were to have returned, it was being debated whether he was headed to the bullpen or to start.  Here are his stats from the Japanese League.  Wada, 31, signed a two-year contract worth $8.15 million, plus a club option for 2014.  Even with advances in Tommy John surgeries, Wada will still miss the rest of the 2012 season, but should be back ready to go next year!

Orioles Take Second Game Against White Sox, 3-2

The Orioles improved to 7-4 with another win last night against the AL Central's White Sox.  Nolan Reimold continued his hot streak, hitting his 4th home run in as many days.  Another homer was added by J. J. Hardy.  Home runs accounted for all the O's scoring on Tuesday, but that was all that was needed as Wei-Yin Chen plus the Orioles bullpen held the Sox to two runs.  Chen recorded his first win in the majors, going five innings with two earned runs, two walks, and four strikeouts.

Jim Johnson came on to record his 5th save of the year, after a shaky 9th inning, where he walked two to get the bases loaded.  A ground ball was hit to Wilson Betemit at 3rd base to get the final out.  Last night's game also featured Mark Reynolds in the DH spot.  The error-prone Reynolds would benefit from some more time to just focus on hitting and not having to play on the defensive side of the ball.

The third game out of four in this series will be tonight at 8:10 pm.  The pitching matchup tonight is Tommy Hunter against former San Diego ace, Jake Peavy.