For the Baltimore Orioles, the 2009 season has always been about gaining experience for the players that can help you going forward. Watching Chris Tillman, and Brian Matusz step-forward, and make the most of that opportunity this weekend, is something every Oriole fan should be able to enjoy.
Last night, Tillman had his outing cut short by rain. However, Tillman was able to work 5 innings, allowing 6 hits, 1 er, 1 homer, 0 bb’s, with 2 k’s.
In his last-several starts, Tillman has shown an increasing ability to mix-up his pitches, and not allow batters to sit on any anticipated pitch.
Today Matusz was in total control, over the course of 7 dominating innings. Matusz allowed only 4 hits, 1 er, 1 bb, and had 8 k’s. It was Matusz’s 3rd start with at-least 7 k’s.
Matusz had the Cleveland hitters completely off-balance, with his ability to throw a curve for strike-one. As Buck Martinez relayed during the MASN telecast, Matusz had also looked at himself, and realized he needed to be more pitch-efficient and directly attack hitters.
These two are just getting their feet wet in the Majors, but are learning lessons all the time. Combine that improving knowledge with their existing physical abilities, and future is exceedingly bright for both.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.