The Orioles would be in much better shape if they simply skipped Game 3 of each series in 2009.
Through three series, the Orioles are 0-3 in series finales, and they have been outscored 41-11 in those contests. The first two losses could be chalked up to a weaker lineup and poor pitching. While Wednesday had those elements, the Orioles' 19-6 loss at Texas was a little different than the club's first series enders. Starter Mark Hendrickson was wild and generally ineffective. Reliever Radhames Liz, recalled from Class AAA Norfolk before the game, allowed four runs in his lone inning.
Catcher Chad Moeller was the only reserve in Wednesday's starting lineup. Generally, manager Dave Trembley likes to rest his veterans on day games. With day games typically falling on the finale game of a homestand, the Orioles have closed out three straight 2-1 series wins with losses.
Wednesday was the Orioles' first defeat in a night game.
Trembley's maneuvers have been on point for the most part, but in order for the Orioles to continue their steady improvement, he'll have to find a way to rest veterans in night games, rather than as day-game group substitutions. To his credit, Trembley used just three relievers in the massacre, which leads into an off day.
RANGERS 19, ORIOLES 6: Texas 2B Ian Kinsler became just the third player in big-league history to record six hits and hit for the cycle in the same game. The Orioles used four pitchers in the blowout, with each allowing at least two runs.
