The blame for the Orioles’ 9-7 loss to the region rival Washington Nationals on Tuesday night couldn’t be placed on the offense.
After a strong start to his big league career, rookie right-hander David Hess struggled to get through the middle innings for his second straight outing, an indication that opponents are starting to adjust to him.
But Orioles manager Buck Showalter kept Hess in through a rocky 31-pitch fifth inning during which he gave back a four-run lead.
Hess entered the fifth inning having retired 12 of the first 14 batters he faced, his only blemish a solo homer by Trea Turner with two outs in the second.