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Corbin Burnes Aims for Record Eighth Quality Start as Orioles Face Blue Jays
Right-hander Corbin Burnes is on the cusp of achieving his eighth consecutive quality start when the Baltimore Orioles continue their four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. With the Orioles riding high on a wave of recent victories and Burnes consistently delivering stellar performances, this matchup is pivotal for both teams.
Orioles’ Offensive Power
In the series opener, the Orioles demonstrated their offensive prowess with a commanding 7-2 victory, driven by four home runs. Austin Hays led the charge with two homers, while Anthony Santander and Ramon Urias each contributed a long ball.
Austin Hays’ Impressive Comeback
Hays, who recently returned from a calf strain injury, has been a force to reckon with. His performance on Monday included a two-run blast and a solo shot, marking his first homers of the season. Since his return, Hays has maintained a .316 batting average over 14 games, showcasing his offensive capabilities and confidence.
Orioles’ Winning Streak
The Orioles have been in remarkable form, winning nine of their last eleven games. Their dominance extends to the American League East, where they hold a 12-4 record, including a 2-1 advantage over the Blue Jays this season.
Blue Jays’ Challenges
The Blue Jays have had a mixed start to their homestand, currently standing at 2-2. Despite having a potent lineup, they struggled with runners in scoring position in the series opener, going 0-for-6 in such situations. Manager John Schneider emphasized the need for better execution against fastballs, particularly against a pitcher of Burnes’ caliber.
Corbin Burnes’ Streak
Burnes has been a standout for the Orioles, boasting a 5-2 record with a 2.35 ERA. His streak of quality starts began on April 26 against the Oakland Athletics. Burnes’ consistent performance is vital for Baltimore, mirroring a similar run he had with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2023. In his career, Burnes has a 1-0 record with a 2.63 ERA over two starts against the Blue Jays.
Grayson Rodriguez’s Contribution
In the series opener, Grayson Rodriguez delivered a strong performance for the Orioles, allowing two runs (one earned) over a season-best 6 2/3 innings. His ability to limit the Blue Jays’ offense was crucial in securing the victory.
Toronto’s Offensive Struggles
Despite the loss, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. provided a highlight with a home run, his first at home since April 10. Guerrero has a stellar record against the Orioles, hitting .316 with 23 homers and 57 RBIs. However, Toronto’s inability to score in the first inning has been a significant issue, setting a franchise record of 25 consecutive games without a first-inning run.
Looking Ahead
As the series continues, the Orioles aim to maintain their momentum, while the Blue Jays look to bounce back and break their first-inning scoring drought. Corbin Burnes’ performance will be pivotal, and the ability of the Blue Jays’ hitters to adjust and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be crucial.
Conclusion
The ongoing series between the Orioles and Blue Jays highlights the critical role of pitching consistency and timely hitting. With Corbin Burnes aiming to extend his streak and the Orioles’ offense in full swing, the outcome of this series will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
