Orioles starter Jorge López has a complicated relationship with the fifth inning. López, who the Orioles claimed from Kansas City in August of last year, has a tendency to start strong in games but waiver as the contest continues.
Think of the first inning as a first date. López is out to make a good first impression without revealing any of his flaws— opposing batters hit just .143 in the first frame. After a strong start, things begin to heat up. López keeps his cool though, limiting hitters to an identical .143 average in the second.
After a while, López feels comfortable enough to reveal his vulnerable side.