Baltimore Orioles supporters are brimming with optimism for the upcoming Major League Baseball season, particularly given the team’s promising young lineup, stemming from their impressive 101-win campaign last year, coupled with a flourishing farm system.
Under new ownership as of this week, the Orioles made a significant acquisition in Corbin Burnes, the former ace of the Milwaukee Brewers. Burnes made his debut as an Orioles starter on opening day, a decision backed by manager Brandon Hyde, and he delivered a stellar performance.
Despite conceding an early home run to Mike Trout in the first inning, Burnes, the 2021 Cy Young awardee, showcased his prowess by striking out eleven Angels batters and allowing just one hit over six innings. Such a remarkable feat is exceptionally rare, as highlighted by OptaStats, marking Burnes as the first pitcher since Lon Warneke in 1934 to achieve ten or more strikeouts while conceding one hit or less in a team’s inaugural game of the season.
The Orioles’ dominance extended throughout the game, as they amassed ten hits en route to an emphatic 11-3 victory over the Angels. This commanding performance underscores why many regard the Orioles as strong contenders for the American League title.
Conversely, the narrative of the Angels relying heavily on Mike Trout resurfaced once more on Thursday, hinting at potential challenges ahead for the team’s supporters in the forthcoming season.
