Kevin Gausman wanted to start the Orioles' first game after the All-Star break with the same control that allowed him to throw two scoreless outings in his previous three appearances.
But with admittedly little command of his breaking ball and split-fingered fastball, the right-hander couldn’t stifle an aggressive Chicago Cubs lineup in Friday’s 9-8 loss at Camden Yards.
En route to allowing eight runs in three innings, Gausman (5-7, 6.39 ERA) said he became a “two-pitch pitcher.” He relied mainly on his fastball and curveball, which the defending World Series champions hammered for four home runs.