Was something going on? Both Jack Flaherty and Cole Irvin scooted through the first inning almost like they had somewhere to be, on less than ten pitches each. Matt Bowman retired the side in the sixth on seven pitches. Cionel Pérez threw just eight pitches in the seventh.
I am convinced that both teams knew it was getting late for fans back on the East Coast so they made it a quick one. The hitters were swinging hard and early, and the starters were throwing strikes (better than 64%). Overall, despite a 10:10 ET start, this was a tight, well-played game for the Orioles.