Former Shorebirds shine on opening day for the Orioles
When the Baltimore Orioles released their 25-man roster April 2, several names looked familiar to baseball fans around Delmarva.
Joining recognizable Orioles such as Manny Machado, Zach Britton and Jonathan Schoop, seven other former Delmarva Shorebirds were on the list for opening day.
Pitchers Dylan Bundy, Tyler Wilson, Oliver Drake, Mychal Givens and Donnie Hart, and fielders Ryan Flaherty and Trey Mancini all made the final cut after having strong spring training showings.
Facing off against the Toronto Blue Jays in the opening game of the season, a handful of Orioles with ties to the Shore made the afternoon one to remember, with the Orioles capturing a 3-2 victory in the 11th inning.
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Machado takes charge at third
Following the 2016 season, in which he finished fifth in the American League MVP race, Machado had a slow day at the plate, getting just one hit in four at-bats, but as with so many times in his career, Machado’s presence was felt at the corner.
Multiple times, Machado displayed his cannon of an arm, slinging the ball from one side of the infield to the other. His most memorable play came in the top of the 11th, when the third basemen dove for a quick line drive, got on one knee and shot the ball over to first base for the out.
Though outfielder Mark Trumbo was the hero of the day on offense with his game-winning home run, Machado held down the fort in the infield and helped prevent Toronto from scoring in the final five innings.
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Schoop stays quiet
Schoop, who finished last season with a .267 batting average and 82 RBIs, had the quietest game of the six former Shorebirds at the plate, going 0-4 and settling in with an average day at second base.
Trio of pitchers slow down Blue Jays
On the mound, Britton, Givens and Wilson were called on to silence the Blue Jays' offensive attack. The trio combined for four strikeouts while allowing six hits and zero runs in 4.2 innings pitched. Wilson was awarded the win after replacing Britton in the 11th inning.
Mancini’s perfect day
Although Mancini had just one at-bat after filling in for Seth Smith in the 10th inning, the pinch hitter capitalized during his one trip to the plate. After hitting three home runs in just five games last season, Mancini showed off his accuracy, hitting a single in the bottom of the 10th.
If Monday’s opening game is any indication, 2017 will be a good year for former Shorebirds.