With the Orioles laboring through a stretch where they’re averaging 3.4 runs per game and struggling to hit with runners in scoring position, it’s worth looking at whether an old talk radio bugaboo — going up hacking at the first pitch — is part of the problem.
This year’s edition of the Orioles, through 91 games, have swung at a higher rate of first pitches than they have in decades, and more than all but three other major league teams this year. There’s not a lot to suggest that’s the root of the offensive struggles, though.
The Orioles swing at 33.