The Baltimore Orioles have been much improved in 2022.
Last year, when they finished with a lousy 52-110 record, which seems like a distant memory at this point: they are currently 80-76, and still have a small chance of making the playoffs.
Much of their 2022 improvement can and should be attributed to a huge step forward by the pitching staff as a whole.
Last year, Orioles pitchers were the worst in the league.
This season, they have been able to develop several weapons: Jordan Lyles, Spenser Watkins, Dean Kremer, Felix Bautista, Austin Voth, Dillon Tate, Cionel Perez, Tyler Wells, and others.
The O’s staff, however, hasn’t been able to stop New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge this season.
To be really honest: who has?
“#AaronJudge has more homers against the Orioles this year (9) than any other opponent. He’s slashing .397/.453/.931 with 19 RBI in 15 games against the O’s this year,” Yankees insider Bryan Hoch tweeted.
#AaronJudge has more homers against the Orioles this year (9) than any other opponent. He’s slashing .397/.453/.931 with 19 RBI in 15 games against the O’s this year.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) September 30, 2022
Nine Of Judge’s Home Runs Have Come Against The Orioles
It’s incredible to think that nine of Judge’s 61 home runs have come against the same team, and one with lots of good pitchers.
However, that stat is more a reflection of Judge’s majestic season than the Orioles’ up-and-coming pitching.
There is no shame in giving up home runs to a guy who looks poised to break the American League’s homer record for a single season.
As the Orioles start a weekend series against New York in Yankee Stadium, it’s fair to say that the odds of number 62 coming at home are quite high.
If you are going to the stadium, get your cameras ready, because you may be about to witness something special.
Judge looks on his way to winning the first MVP award of his already excellent career.
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