Steve Lounello was the star last night for the Orioles shutting out the Pirates on three hits over 5 innings while striking out 6. Steve is now 4-0 on the year and has struck out 32 in 27 innings of work.
Offensively Tony Nardacci had a double and two singles to lead a 12 hit Oriole attack. Dick Stark had a double and single and Mark Lennox had a pair of hits for the 14-2 Orioles.
Carlo Agneta had a pair of hits for the Pirates. Rich Knaup was the victim of some seeing eye hits and threw well in defeat for the 10-5-2 Pirates.
That was the first time I saw Steve throw. He's got a very easy, relaxed delivery -- almost sleepy -- and yet the ball leaves his hand like a dart. Very impressive. And a nice guy, too. What's he doing on the Orioles?!
Hey, kidding. Don't go sensitive on me, Orioles.
I thought the Pirates played pretty well. For us to beat the Orioles, we need to play at the top of our game AND get a little lucky; last night, well, it was a good thing we weren't in Vegas with our life savings on the table. That Orioles outfield is terrific, btw, all three of them get great reads on the ball, run extremely well, and together cover a lot of ground. Also, I love watching Buckley play shortstop. Nardacci is a stone in my shoe -- he's always doing something to ruin my evening. What a great, complete player. And Dick Stark just quietly bangs out two hits a night like a machine.
Someday this league should think about Gold Glove Awards. The Orioles would be good for 3-4 of them, easy.
It will be interesting to find out how the Hummingbirds, the defending champs, do in a scheduled doubleheader at Gruner against the Orioles. Could be a playoff preview. The Hummingbirds, like the Marlins, have struggled at times this year. But both of those teams a loaded with winners. They will not be going down easily.
