Quality starts not leading to quality outcomes in Baltimore

The O's have lost six of the seven games in which the starter provided a quality start.

On Tuesday, the Orioles did what they have been doing best lately: waste a quality start.

Final score: Seattle 3 - Baltimore 0.

David Hernandez pitched 6.1 innings, gave up three runs, and took the loss. It's the second time this season the O's have lost a quality start by Hernandez, who gave up two runs in six innings in a 3-0 loss to the Blue Jays on April 10.

After struggling to find solid starting pitching for what has seemed like an eternity, the Orioles are finally getting it this season (with the sad exception of Brad Bergesen). The starting rotation has posted quality starts in nearly half the games this season (7 0f 15), which doesn't include two strong, five-inning efforts by Millwood and Matusz respectively.

Consider this: the O's have lost six of the seven games in which the starter provided a quality start. Brian Matusz holds the only win following a quality start, an 8-3 win against the Athletics on April 18.

Jeremy Guthrie's three quality starts are tied for the MLB lead, but he has yet to earn a win.

Here's what MLB.com's Bailey Stephens had to say about quality starts last week: "Quality starts are key to a team's success, even in the season's earliest games, as early divisional matchups can set the tone and make for a positive start to the season."

Not so much in Baltimore. Talk about setting a tone.  

Blame the bullpen, and, of course, blame the bats. Baltimore is a major league-worst 16-for-107 (.150) with runners in scoring position. They are next to last - only Houston is worse - in run support average at 3.12.

Grow the arms and buy the bats? I suppose the Birds will be busy on the free-agent market following the season. Oh, and get well soon, B-Rob.


Orioles Quality Starts in 2010

April 7 - Jeremy Guthrie quality start (lost 4-3)

April 10 - David Hernandez quality start (lost 3-0)

April 11 - Kevin Millwood quality start (lost 5-2)

April 12 - Jeremy Guthrie quality start (lost 5-1)

April 17 - Jeremy Guthrie quality start (lost 4-3)

April 18 - Brian Matusz quality start (won 8-3)

April 20 - David Hernandez quality start (lost 3-1)


Image Source: Here.

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