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Thursday, September 24, 2015

Game Stories:  Manny Machado's homer lifts fired-up Orioles over Nationals The Sun 9/23  Machado's HR puts O's within 4 of WC spot MLB.com 9/24  Game update and Showalter on Machado milestone (O's win 4-3) MASNsports.com 9/23  Machado home run lifts Orioles past Scherzer, Nationals 4-3 AP 9/23  Machado hits and gets hit leading Orioles to 4-3 win over Nats CSN Mid-Atlantic 9/24  Machado provides fireworks as Orioles edge Nationals Reuters 9/23

Columns:  Orioles didn't need more reason to dislike Jonathan Papelbon The Sun 9/24  Orioles notes: Buck Showalter remembers Yogi Berra The Sun 9/23  Manny Machado drilled by pitch after hitting go-ahead home run in 7th inning The Sun 9/23  Manny Machado is youngest Orioles player to reach 500 hits The Sun 9/23  Machado gets best of Scherzer in key spot MLB.com 9/24  Pap, Machado differ on closer's intent on HBP MLB.com 9/24  O's righty Gonzalez progresses with sim game MLB.com 9/23  O's-Nats finale key to postseason pursuits MLB.com 9/23  Fellow No. 8 Ripken reflects on Berra's legacy MLB.com 9/23  Leftovers for breakfast and a look ahead MASNsports.com 9/24  Wrapping up a 4-3 win and the benches-clearing incident MASNsports.com 9/23  Showalter on Berra: "He's as much as everything we try to be about in America" MASNsports.com 9/23  Ryan Flaherty's start, Miguel Gonzalez's sim game and Zach Britton's status MASNsports.com 9/23  Taking another look at Machado and Jimenez milestones (updated) MASNsports.com 9/23  A take on Papelbon, the umpires, Machado's homer and more MASNsports.com 9/24  Manny Machado's homer off Max Scherzer lifts Orioles over Nationals MASNsports.com 9/23  O's game blog: Orioles are 10-8 this year against the NL MASNsports.com 9/23  Orioles-Nationals Preview AP 9/24  In their words: How sports world is remembering Yogi Berra AP 9/23  Orioles go for three-game sweep against Nationals CSN Mid-Atlantic 9/24  Buck Showalter remembers Yogi Berra as kind, wise CSN Mid-Atlantic 9/23  Jones out of the lineup for second straight game with back spasms CSN Mid-Atlantic 9/23  Gonzalez feels good after simulated game, start next? CSN Mid-Atlantic 9/23  Machado: Jonathan Papelbon is a coward NBCSports.com 9/24  Baltimore Orioles – PlayerWatch Reuters 9/23  Orioles RP Darren O'day earns fifth save of the season CBSSports.com 9/23  Harper: 'I'll ... get drilled tomorrow' after Papelbon throws at Machado CBSSports.com 9/23  Manny Machado on getting plunked by Jonathan Papelbon: 'That's coward stuff' Yahoo! Sports 9/24

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-va-sp-orioles-nationals-0924-20150923- story.html

Manny Machado's homer lifts fired-up Orioles over Nationals

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun September 23, 2015

With the Orioles and Washington Nationals holding on to faint playoff hopes in the regular season's final days, this week's “Beltway Series” had lacked its typical energy.

But that was before both dugouts emptied Wednesday night in the ninth inning of the Orioles' 4- 3 comeback win over the Nationals. After Machado hit a go-ahead two-run homer, he was hit on the left shoulder by a 93-mph fastball from reliever Jonathan Papelbon in his next at-bat.

As Machado glared toward the mound and had words for Papelbon, who was ejected from the game by home plate umpire Mark Ripperger, Orioles manager Buck Showalter played intermediary, sprinting out of the dugout to calm his third baseman.

“It's something that's uncalled for,” Machado said. “It's something that you don't do. I expect more from a guy like that with the [resume] that he has. … You don't throw at somebody's head. ... I think we've just got to keep playing baseball.”

Machado and the Orioles had the last laugh. Two innings earlier, Machado sent his 30th homer of the season rocketing into the stands in left-center field at Nationals Park.

But Papelbon's first pitch to Machado in the ninth was high and tight, and after a second-pitch curveball, Papelbon pelted Machado

“Pitchers out there, the ball can slip out of your hand, but when you throw at the head on first pitch right from the get-go, then you throw a curveball and then you throw again at the head ... it's coward stuff,” Machado said. “It's just cowardly.”

Showalter said he had no doubt Machado was hit intentionally. After the game, Papelbon didn't make a strong case for himself, saying only that be believed Ripperger was influenced by the response from a pro-Orioles crowd late in the game.

“Perception is reality,” Papelbon said. “If Manny thinks I hit him, then that's what he thinks. I'm not going to sit here and go back and forth whether I did or whether I didn't, because it doesn't matter. If he thinks I did, that's what he thinks.”

The Orioles hadn't done much against right-handed starter Max Scherzer — he struck out 12 over 62/3 innings — but the Nationals stuck with the former American League Cy Young Award winner for one pitch too long.

With Nationals fans on their feet, urging Scherzer to throw a final strike to complete seven strong innings, Machado sent Scherzer's season-high 122nd and final pitch into the night.

“He's one of the best pitchers in the game right now,” Machado said. “He's battling the whole game, striking everybody out, making good pitches. I finally got a pitch to hit and I drilled it. It's one of the hardest balls I've hit all year and one of my hardest home runs.”

It was undoubtedly among the Orioles' biggest blasts of the season — and they'll need more to keep their fading postseason hopes alive. Machado's shot whipped the Orioles dugout into a frenzy. Machado slowly stepped out of the batter's box before rounding the bases, then jogged back to his teammates and yelled an emphatic “Let's go!”

“It was awesome,” Machado said. “Every game counts. Every pitch. Every at-bat. We're down against one of the best in the game and you come up and do what you did. It's all emotion. He's striking guys out and walking around and doing the same thing we do when we hit. I think it's just coming to October. It's October baseball and everybody is fighting for a spot.”

Papelbon said he didn't have a problem with Machado's slow walk out of the batter's box on his home run.

“No, I don't have a problem with it,” Papelbon said. “If a guy takes someone deep, they want to do whatever they want, that's fine with me. That's baseball. Whether or not I'm out there and someone thinks I show them up with a fist pump or someone pumps a home run, that's baseball. Just play the game. Don't let the game, or let fans dictate otherwise. Play the game of baseball.”

Showalter has implored his team to avoid scoreboard watching as the regular season winds down. The Orioles must first win games to make any of it matter.

But before Wednesday night's game, players couldn't help but peek at the clubhouse televisions showing the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels, two of the four teams they're chasing for the second AL wild-card spot.

With their win and the Astros' loss, the Orioles (75-76) are four games out of the second wild- card spot with 11 regular-season games left.

“I haven't even looked at it,” Showalter said of the wild-card standings. “I'm just trying to win every game and see where it takes us. But thanks for telling me now I've got to grind on that. I'm trying the ignorance-is-bliss thing.”

Right-hander Chris Tillman (10-11) earned the victory despite losing a 2-1 lead with a 40-pitch fifth inning.

“It was frustrating to begin with,” Tillman said. “I think the hitters let me know right away it wasn't good enough and I had to start making better pitches and we were able to do that and get to that point in the game where you feel like you've done the job.”

After allowing the first three batters he faced to reach base in a scoreless first inning, Tillman took control early. He needed just 54 pitches to get through four innings and retired 12 straight Nationals batters before issuing a one-out walk to Michael Taylor.

Wilson Ramos then tied the game, sending an 0-2 pitch down the left-field line, scoring Taylor from first to make it 2-2.

Scherzer then singled to put runners at first and third, and Anthony Rendon's sacrifice fly to right scored Ramos to give the Nationals a 3-2 lead.

Scherzer overcame an early deficit, holding the Orioles scoreless after yielding a two-run homer to Steve Pearce in the first inning.

After working the count to 2-0, Pearce turned on a 95-mph high fastball and sent it into the left- field stands for his third homer over his past five games.

Machado became incensed when he was called out on strikes in the fifth inning. On an 0-2 count, Machado attempted to call timeout, but Ripperger didn't give it to him and Scherzer threw a pitch down the middle for a called strike three.

Machado then went face to face with Ripperger before Showalter got between them.

Rookie Mychal Givens pitched two perfect innings in relief, retiring all six Nationals batters he faced in the seventh and eighth. With closer Zach Britton still ailing with a lat muscle strain, Darren O'Day recorded his second save in as many days with a scoreless ninth.

Asked whether he was concerned with any carry-over into today's series finale, Showalter said his team didn't do anything wrong.

“We just competed and put a good swing on a tough pitcher late in the game and our bullpen made it hold on, so I don't want them to do anything different,” Showalter said. “Darren, believe me, has as competitive of blood as anyone in baseball. He knows Zach wasn't available again tonight.”

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/151231836/manny-machado-leads-orioles-past-nationals

Machado's HR puts O's within 4 of WC spot

By Bill Ladson and Jacob Emert / MLB.com September 24, 2015

WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Max Scherzer did his best to keep the Nationals' postseason pursuit alive. He was dominant, but Manny Machado's two-run homer in the seventh ended Scherzer's night and sent the O's to a 4-3 win over the Nationals in the Battle of the Beltways on Wednesday night.

The Nationals remain 6 1/2 games behind the Mets in the National League East race. The Mets lost to the Braves, 6-3, at Citi Field. The Orioles moved to within four games of the second Wild Card spot in the American League.

The Nationals had a 3-2 lead going into the seventh inning. Scherzer had thrown 104 pitches, and was still nasty for most of the seventh until he faced Machado.

"I actually felt very strong in the seventh," said Scherzer. "My pitch count wasn't indicative [of how my arm felt]. I was in the low 100s [with the pitch count] after the sixth. I still felt strong, I still felt good. I knew I could go out there and compete for a full inning, and I did."

After J.J. Hardy led off the seventh with a double, Machado came to the plate three batters later and hit a 2-2 pitch into the left-center-field stands for a two-run homer.

"I finally got a pitch to hit, and I drilled it," Machado said. "It's one of the hardest balls I've hit all year [Statcast™ measured the exit velocity at 115 mph], and one of my hardest home runs. It was just a great swing I put on against one of the best in the game right now."

Right-hander Chris Tillman was the winning pitcher for Baltimore. He lasted six innings, allowing three runs on six hits. The Nationals' big inning came in the fifth, when they scored two runs. Wilson Ramos had an RBI double, while Anthony Rendon gave the Nationals a 3-2 lead with a sacrifice fly.

Said Tillman, who allowed a first-inning run on Yunel Escobar's RBI single: "I think the hitters let me know right away it wasn't good enough, and I had to start making better pitches, and we were able to do that and get to that point in the game where you feel like you've done the job."

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

Scherzer breaks record: Scherzer put himself in the Nationals' record books, finishing his night with 12 strikeouts, giving him 249 this season. The record was previously held by Stephen Strasburg, with 242 in 2014.

"It's cool, but at the same time, it's overshadowed by a loss. Maybe after the season, I will feel good about it," Scherzer said.

Pearce's early pop: With two outs in the first frame, Chris Davis drew a bases-empty walk to extend the inning to Steve Pearce. Pearce made Scherzer pay, slamming a two-run homer that Statcast™ projected to travel 367 feet.

Papelbon ejected: Jonathan Papelbon was ejected with two outs in the top of the ninth inning after hitting Machado with a pitch. The benches on both sides emptied without incident. Felipe Rivero finished the inning for Washington.

"I was pretty surprised. I felt [home-plate umpire] Mark [Ripperger] let the crowd into it a little bit there. I think he allowed that to dictate his decision to toss me there," Papelbon said. "As players and as umpires, we have to keep our cool out there and let the game play out for itself."

"It's something that's uncalled for," Machado said. "It's [garbage]. It's something that you don't do. I expect more from a guy like that, with the past that he has. You've just got to go out there and keep playing baseball. It's part of the game. If you can't take the heat, just stay out of the kitchen and just go on from it. You don't throw at somebody's head. I think that's [garbage]. I think we've just got to keep playing baseball."

Keeping it close: After allowing one run on two hits and a walk in the first inning, Tillman settled down to retire 12 straight Nationals, which took him through the fifth. He encountered trouble again that inning and needed more than 35 pitches to escape the frame, but not without the Nationals regaining the lead. Tillman returned for a strong sixth inning and ended the night with 110 pitches.

"Tilly got a big out to get that win, kind of pushed him a little bit," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "He had an extra day. Chris, I thought he deserved a better fate. I thought he punched out Rendon a couple of times, maybe [Bryce Harper]. He didn't let those calls affect him, and he kept grinding."

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

In the first inning, Orioles catcher Matt Wieters hit a fly ball near the left-field stands. It looked like Jayson Werth had a play on the ball, and after he was unable to make the catch, Nationals manager Matt Williams challenged the call and claimed that a fan interfered with the play. The call was overturned, with fan interference resulting in the out and ending the inning.

WHAT'S NEXT

Orioles: Rookie Tyler Wilson will make his fourth career start on Thursday at 4:05 p.m. ET when Baltimore and Washington wrap up the 2015 edition of the Battle of the Beltways. Wilson is 1-2 with a 5.00 ERA over 18 innings in his three starts.

Nationals: The Battle of the Beltways wraps up on Thursday at 4:05 p.m. ET. Nationals starter Tanner Roark felt good in his previous start last week, but the results were all too familiar in a loss to the Marlins. Making his third start since returning to the rotation, Roark threw five innings and allowed six runs on eight hits, including two homers.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/09/game-update-and-showalter-on-machado- milestone.html

Game update and Showalter on Machado milestone (O's win 4-3)

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com September 23, 2015

WASHINGTON - The Orioles have a chance tonight to gain another game on the Astros for the second wild card and reduce the margin to four.

They currently trail by 4 1/2 games after Houston's 6-5 loss earlier today to the Angels.

The Orioles jumped out to a quick lead tonight on Steve Pearce's two-run homer off Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer with two outs in the top of the first inning. Pearce's 14th home run came after a two-out walk to Chris Davis.

Davis leads the Orioles with 76 walks. It's not just home runs, RBIs and strikeouts.

Scherzer has surrendered 26 home runs this season. Pearce has hit 14 this season to go with 37 RBIs.

Pearce has hit five home runs in his last 11 games after collecting five in his previous 41. He's 6- for-14 with two doubles, three home runs and six RBIs in his last five games.

The Nationals got back one run only two batters into their half of the inning. Anthony Rendon doubled over center fielder Gerardo Parra and scored on Yunel Escobar's single. Chris Tillman walked Bryce Harper - everybody walks Bryce Harper - but Jayson Werth lined into a 6-4 double play.

Tillman struck out Clint Robinson on his 21st pitch to end the inning.

Parra led off the game by flying to right-center field. He's 12-for-64 (.188) this month after going 28-for-117 (.239) in August.

Manny Machado grounded out, so he's stuck on those 500 career hits.

Machado is the youngest Oriole to reach the milestone, topping the likes of Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken Jr., Brooks Robinson and Boog Powell. And it does qualify as a milestone.

"Yeah, especially when you consider how many games he's missed because of injury. It hasn't been because the manager didn't want to play him," said manager Buck Showalter, who certainly would know.

"I'm surprised by the year he's had, the selectivity, the pitches he's quitting on now. That's what would make him into a brute. And he's only going to get stronger.

"In spring this year, I remember the first time he walked by my office going down toward the weight room or training room, he didn't have a shirt on. I went, 'That's a little different.' And he's only going to get bigger and stronger. I hate to tell everybody."

Update: Tillman retired 12 in a row before walking Michael Taylor with one out in the fifth. Taylor scored on Wilson Ramos' double to left field, and Ramos took third on Scherzer's single. Rendon lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to give the Nats a 3-2 lead.

Tillman threw 40 pitches in the fifth to raise his total to 94. He also gave up a single to Escobar and walked Harper again. He seemed upset after failing to get a called third strike on Rendon. Plate umpire Mark Ripperger has angered both sides tonight.

Update II: Machado hit a two-out, two-run homer on Scherzer's 122nd and final pitch to give the Orioles a 4-3 lead in the seventh. Machado crushed a 98 mph fastball, launching it into the red porch in left-center field as Orioles fans erupted.

Machado has 30 home runs to go with 77 RBIs.

J.J. Hardy led off the inning with a double.

Tillman allowed three runs and six hits in six innings, with three walks and five strikeouts. He threw 110 pitches, 66 for strikes, before Mychal Givens replaced him.

Update III: The Orioles defeat the Nats 4-3 for their 10th win in the last 14 games. They trail the Astros by four for the second wild card.

Tillman improved to 10-11 and O'Day recorded his fifth save by retiring the Nats in order with two strikeouts. Givens retired all six batters he faced and struck out Harper and Werth, the last on a 97 mph heater.

The Orioles (75-76) are 23-25 in one-run games and one game below .500 for first time since Aug. 27.

Both benches emptied and Jonathan Papelbon was ejected in the ninth after hitting Machado on the shoulder with two outs. His first pitch was high, the third - a 93 mph fastball - drilled Machado, who apparently angered the Nationals by admiring his home run.

http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/09/23/ap-bbo-orioles-nationals

Machado home run lifts Orioles past Scherzer, Nationals 4-3

Associated Press / SI.com September 23, 2015

WASHINGTON (AP) Manny Machado hit a two-run homer off Max Scherzer with two outs in the seventh inning and the Baltimore Orioles rallied past the Washington Nationals 4-3 on Wednesday night.

Steve Pearce had a two-run homer and a double for the Orioles, who moved within four games of the final AL wild card spot.

Washington remains 6 1-2 games behind NL-East leading New York, which lost to Atlanta.

J.J. Hardy led off the seventh with a double against Scherzer (12-12), but after Clint Robinson robbed Gerardo Parra with a diving stop at first, the Washington starter had a chance to get out of it.

Machado worked the count to 2-2 before lining Scherzer's season-high 122nd and final pitch into the seats in left center for his 30th homer.

Baltimore starter Chris Tillman (10-11) allowed three runs over six innings for his first win since Aug. 17.

Darren O'Day pitched the ninth for his fifth save.

Regular closer Zach Britton has not worked since Sunday, missing a second straight save opportunity.

Reliever Mychal Givens chipped in two scoreless innings for Baltimore.

Scherzer gave up four earned runs and seven hits while striking out 12 and walking two.

He has 249 strikeouts last on the season, and set a new Nationals (2005-present) record, surpassing Stephen Strasburg's 242 in 2014.

Scherzer has allowed 14 homers in his last nine starts.

Machado was nearly ejected in the fifth inning after home plate umpire Mark Ripperger declined to grant him time and Scherzer's pitch was a called strike three.

Manager Buck Showalter came out and steered Machado away from Ripperger.

The Nationals rallied for a 3-2 lead in the fifth.

Tillman had retired 12 straight before issuing a one-out walk to Michael Taylor. Wilson Ramos followed with a double down the left field line and Taylor came all the way around.

Ramos went to third on a single by Scherzer and scored on Anthony Rendon's sacrifice fly.

The Orioles took a 2-0 lead in the first. Chris Davis drew a two-out walk and Pearce followed with his 14th home run.

Washington pulled with 2-1 in their half on Yunel Escobar's RBI single.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Orioles: CF Adam Jones (back spasms) missed his second straight game. . RHP Miguel Gonzalez (right shoulder tendinitis) threw a three-inning simulated game as well as a 20-pitch bullpen session, and is expected to throw another bullpen session Saturday.

Nationals: 1B Ryan Zimmerman (oblique) has been taking light swings, but remains day-to-day. ''When he goes out there and plays we want him to be able to let it go, so he's got to get to that point first,'' manager Matt Williams said.

UP NEXT

Baltimore RHP Tyler Wilson (2-2, 3.72) pitches the series finale, making his second start since being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk. Wilson allowed six runs in 4 1-3 innings of a loss to Tampa Bay last Friday. He will be opposed by RHP Tanner Roark (4-6, 4.73), who lost his last two starts, both against the Marlins.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/machado-hits-and-gets-hit-leading-orioles-4-3- win-over-nats

Machado hits and gets hit leading Orioles to 4-3 win over Nats

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic September 24, 2015

WASHINGTON – Manny Machado couldn’t believe it. Two innings after he hit the home run that put the Orioles ahead by a run, Jonathan Papelbon threw his first pitch of his at-bat over his forehead. Two pitches later, Papelbon drilled him in the left shoulder and was immediately ejected.

Both benches emptied and stared each other down after home plate umpire Mark Ripperger threw Papelbon out.

Fortunately, nothing else came of it—except an exciting Orioles win that put them within four games of the wild card with 11 to play.

Machado’s two-run homer off Max Scherzer in the seventh propelled the Orioles to a 4-3 win over the Nationals before 27,991 at Nationals Park on Wednesday night.

The Orioles (75-76) are four games behind Houston and also trail Minnesota by three and Los Angeles by 2 ½ for the final wild-card spot.

Machado kept his cool and didn’t engage with Papelbon, but was seething after the game.

“I mean a 10-year vet, with more than ten years in the game and he’s going to go out there and throw at somebody’s head,” Machado said.

"It’s something that’s uncalled for…It’s something that you don’t do. I expect more from a guy like that with the past that he has.”

Papelbon, the pitcher who allowed Robert Andino’s famous season-ending single in Sept. 2011, left the Red Sox. He’s watched from afar as Machado has become a lightning rod.

“I don’t necessarily think I’m being targeted. I’m going up there making good swings. If people are trying to hit me, it’s part of the game. I’m not worried about getting hit. I’ll take the hits. It’s part of the game. Pitchers out there, the ball can slip out of your hand, but when you throw at the head on first pitch right from the get-go. Then you throw a curveball and then you throw again at the head. That’s just [garbage]. It’s coward stuff. It’s just cowardly,” Machado said.

Papelbon, whose controversial acquisition by the Nationals, hasn’t been a popular or successful move, said he wasn’t throwing at Machado.

“They just said they deemed it intentional. They didn't give me any reason. I don't know if they have to give me a reason or not. But perception is reality. If Manny thinks I hit him, then that's what he thinks. I'm not going to sit here and go back and forth whether I did or whether I didn't, cause it doesn't matter. If he thinks I did, that's what he thinks,” Papelbon said.

“I don't know what's going through his mind right there. All I can tell you is I'm trying to go out there and pitch and do my thing out there, and that's all that really matters. Whether they want to get somebody tomorrow, that's up to them.”

Machado’s home run, his 30th, came with the Orioles behind 3-2.

J.J. Hardy led off the seventh with a double off Max Scherzer (12-12), and two outs later, Machado lined a home run that quickly flew to the left-center field seats.

“It’s one of the hardest balls I’ve hit all year and one of my hardest home runs. It was just a great swing I put on against one of the best in the game right now,” Machado said.

Chris Tillman, who hadn’t won in his last six starts, got the win. Tillman (10-11) pitched six innings, allowing three runs on six hits.

“It was frustrating to begin with. I think the hitters let me know right away it wasn't good enough and I had to start making better pitches and we were able to do that and get to that point in the game where you feel like you've done the job,” Tillman said.

Mychal Givens and Darren O’Day combined for three perfect innings. O’Day picked up his fifth save.

The Orioles (75-76) are one game under .500 for the first time since Aug. 27.

Buck Showalter insists he doesn’t know his team’s standing.

“I haven’t even looked at it. I’m just trying to win every game and see where it takes us. But thanks for telling me now I’ve got to grind on that. I’m trying the ignorance is bliss thing,” Showalter said.

Scherzer walked Chris Davis with two outs in the first, and Steve Pearce hit his 14th home run of the year.

Tillman allowed a leadoff double to Anthony Rendon, and a run-scoring single by Yunel Escobar in the first.

After Bryce Harper walked, Tillman retired 12 straight until Michael A. Taylor walked. Taylor sped home on Wilson Ramos’ double to tie the score. Scherzer singled, and Ramos scored from third on Rendon’s sacrifice fly to give the Nationals (78-73) a 3-2 lead.

COMING UP: Tyler Wilson (2-2, 3.72) faces Tanner Roark (4-6, 4.73) at 4:05 p.m. on Thursday.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/24/bbo-orioles-nationals-writethru- idUSMTZEB9O5T7JPO20150924

Machado provides fireworks as Orioles edge Nationals

Reuters September 23, 2015

Machado provides fireworks as Orioles edge Nationals

WASHINGTON -- Third baseman Manny Machado had three eventful at-bats in the fifth, seventh and ninth innings that presented a lot of fireworks in an Interleague showdown Wednesday.

He was called out on strikes in the fifth when he was not granted time, and then lined a two-run, go-ahead homer with two outs in the seventh off ace Max Scherzer as the Baltimore Orioles beat the Washington Nationals 4-3 on Wednesday to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

"He beat me. He put a good swing on it," Scherzer said. "I knew it was last batter. I thought my fastball was my best pitch (but) unfortunately he put a good swing on it."

The 30th homer of the year by Machado was a scorching liner to center that came on a 2-2 pitch from Scherzer (12-12), who struck out 12 batters and gave up four runs in 6 2/3 innings.

"What a great at-bat," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said of the Machado homer.

Machado was then hit by a pitch in the ninth with two outs and none on by closer Jonathan Papelbon, who was then ejected from the game by home plate umpire Mark Ripperger. Benches cleared but there was no incidents and Felipe Rivero came in to get the final out in the top of the ninth.

"It's something you just don't do," Machado said of getting hit in the upper left arm, near his head. "Don't do it that way. I don't think it's part of the game" to throw a pitch near the head.

"There's no reason for it," Orioles starter Chris Tillman said of a pitch up and in to Machado.

Papelbon said he wasn't given a reason for why he was ejected. He also said he would not get into a "back and forth" of whether he tried to hit Machado or not.

"We have to keep our cool out there let the game play out," said Papelbon, who felt the crowd influenced the decision by the umpire to eject him. "If he thinks I hit him that is what he thinks."

The Orioles (75-76), now 3-2 against Washington this year, began the day five games back of the second wild card spot in the American League. The Nationals (78-73) started the night 6 1/2 games behind the first-place New York Mets in the National League East.

Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy began the seventh with a double. After Scherzer retired the next two batters, Machado hit his homer two innings after he was irate after he struck out looking when he was not granted time by Ripperger.

Tillman (10-11) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings. Reliever Mychal Givens pitched two scoreless innings for the Orioles and Darren O'Day worked a perfect ninth for his second save in two days and fifth of the season.

"He pitched really well. He had to (in order) to match Scherzer," Showalter said of Tillman.

Orioles left fielder Steve Pearce had a two-run homer in the first and a double in the eighth.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck-blog/bal-orioles-didn-t-need-more-reason-to- dislike-jonathan-papelbon-20150923-story.html

Orioles didn't need more reason to dislike Jonathan Papelbon

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun September 24, 2015

Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon quickly became Orioles Enemy No. 1 on Wednesday night when he threw a fastball near Manny Machado’s head and then bounced another one off his shoulder in the ninth inning of the Orioles’ 4-3 victory at Nationals Park, but it wasn’t like he was beloved figure in Baltimore to begin with.

During a career spent mostly with the Boston Red Sox, Papelbon had more saves (32) against the Orioles than he did against any other major league team. He added two more in interleague play after he signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and came into Wednesday night’s game with a 2.14 career ERA against the O’s.

That might be reason enough to rankle the Orioles and their fans, but Papelbon’s unorthodox mound presence also rubs opponents the wrong way.

Of course, going upstairs twice against one of the most popular Orioles stars -- and one of the best young players in the game -- certainly added a new layer of animosity and left open the possibility of renewed hostilities in today’s rain-makeup series finale.

Papelbon was defiant afterward, not admitting to hitting Machado on purpose but not really denying it either.

“All I can tell you is I'm trying to go out there and pitch and do my thing out there, and that's all that really matters,’’ he said. “Whether they want to get somebody tomorrow, that's up to them.”

Papelbon also may have had some unhappy flashbacks after Machado’s game-changing home run off Max Scherzer in the seventh inning forced him to watch the Orioles celebrate at the expense of his team. He was on the mound for the infamous “Curse of the Andino” game in which the Red Sox were dramatically eliminated from postseason consideration in the last game of the 2011 season by an Orioles team with nothing else to play for.

It would be his last game in a Red Sox uniform and his last game in the American League. He signed with the Phillies before the 2012 season and was traded to the Nats in July.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-notes-0924-20150923-story.html

Orioles notes: Buck Showalter remembers Yogi Berra

By Eduardo A. Encina and Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun September 23, 2015

It was a sad day for baseball after news broke early Wednesday morning that Hall of Famer Yogi Berra had died at 90, and that news hit Orioles manager Buck Showalter, who carried on a long friendship with the Yankees great, especially hard.

Showalter received the news in a late-night phone call from Berra's granddaughter, Lindsay.

"Got a call from Lindsay last night about 12:30 or 12:40,'' Showalter said. "I think she had just come from there and she had a list of people that Yogi would want her to call. I really appreciated that. She said, 'He wouldn't have wanted you to hear or read about it but from someone from the family.'"

"He always had time for me," Showalter said. "He treated everybody the same. We would all love to have the things that are going to be said about Yogi said about us. But the difference is, we were saying those things about Yogi when he was alive. … He's what everything we try to be about in America."

Showalter got to know Berra when Showalter was coaching and managing in the Yankees organization. They remained close and Showalter never hesitated when he was invited to attend any of Berra's big events over the years.

Berra will be remembered as one of the all-time lovable characters in the sport, but Showalter said that — for all the quips and quotes associated with him — Berra was very serious about baseball and never stopped giving back to the game and to society.

"As good a player as he was, and hopefully some young people will look at some of his statistics that will make you shake your head — like 12 strikeouts in one year [in 656 plate appearances in 1950]. … People do that in three days — he was as good a person as he was a player. For all the fame and fortune the game afforded him, he was always trying to give back. I know it sounds like a cliché, but he always had time."

Gonzalez still hoping for two more starts

Miguel Gonzalez pitched a three-inning simulated game on Wednesday at Nationals Park and said that his arm feels normal and he is hopeful of returning to the rotation to make two more starts before the end of the regular season.

"Good, definitely a plus,'' said Gonzalez, who is on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis. "I threw 45 pitches, 20 in the pen, some long toss. Everything was well."

If all continues to go well, he will throw a regular bullpen session on Saturday and could be ready to make a start on Tuesday against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards. That would allow him to get two starts in before the end of the regular season.

"It was a good step for him,'' Showalter said. "We'll see how it feels tomorrow. He'll have a couple days off and a work day Saturday. That's the plan. It was encouraging, like we hoped."

Jones improving

Adam Jones, who is recovering from back spasms, remained out of the starting lineup on Wednesday, but Showalter said he is improving.

"Adam's getting better every day, making improvement day to day,'' Showalter said. "He'll rejoin us at some point. We had him checked out. There's nothing structurally wrong. We're just trying to get that problem out of there. It'll take a little time.

"He's not a very good watcher," Showalter added. "He's a participator. That's the difference between these guys and a lot of people. They want to participate. They'll go to their share of games and sporting events in the offseason, but they want to participate. … They want to be a contestant instead of one of the watchers."

Britton still waiting

Closer Zach Britton said Wednesday that he could be ready to return in a few days, but the Orioles are not pushing him to get back. He said he came back too soon over the weekend against the Tampa Bay Rays and the team wants to be sure the soreness in his left lat is gone before he throws again.

Britton knows what's at stake, so he doesn't want to push it either, but he does want to get back into a save situation before the end of the regular season.

"I don't want the season to end on Tampa,'' he said, referring to his blown save on Sunday at Tropicana Field.

Showalter would not speculate on Britton's return.

"Nothing new,'' he said.

Around the horn

UT Ryan Flaherty made his first start of the season in right field on Wednesday. Flaherty hadn't started a game there since 2012, when he made nine starts in right field. "It's been a while," Flaherty said. "I'm always messing around out there, spring training helped a lot. … I'll go out early and catch some balls." … RHP Ubaldo Jimenez became the second American League pitcher this season and the 25th in 19 years of interleague play to be credited with both a win and a game-winning RBI in the same game on Tuesday night. His second-inning RBI single was his second RBI this season. He also had an RBI single on June 17 in Philadelphia. Since the DH rule was created in 1973, only eight other AL pitchers have driven in a run in two different games in the same season. Three of them were Orioles: RHP Mike Mussina in 1999, RHP Kris Benson in 2006 and Britton in 2011.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck-blog/bal-orioles-manny-machado-drilled-by- pitch-after-hitting-goahead-home-run-in-7th-inning-20150923-story.html

Manny Machado drilled by pitch after hitting go-ahead home run in 7th inning

By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun September 23, 2015

Apparently, the price for hitting a dramatic home run off Nationals ace Max Scherzer is a chance to get a baseball stuck in your ear.

Manny Machado came back to the plate in the ninth inning of Wednesday night’s 4-3 victory and Nats closer Jonathan Papelbon buzzed him near the head with his first pitch. Two pitches later, he hit Machado on the left shoulder, just inches from his jaw.

Papelbon was immediately ejected, but argued vociferously with the umpires while Machado walked very slowly down the first base line -- stopping about halfway to watch the argument. Two umpires quickly moved in between them to make sure there were no additional hostilities.

“It’s just [BS],’’ Machado said. “It’s something … I mean a 10-year vet, with more than 10 years in the game and he’s going to go out there and throw at somebody’s head. I mean, once, and then he throws a curveball to kind of get you off the mood, then throws up at the head. It’s something that’s uncalled for. ... It’s something that you don’t do. I expect more from a guy like that with the past that he has.”

Though both benches emptied slowly to observe the dispute, there was no other contact between any opposing players or coaches. Orioles manager Buck Showalter ignored the umpires and went right to first base to stand alongside Machado and make sure nothing happened that might put his third baseman in any physical peril.

Machado stood at first base for a long time staring at Papelbon after the Nats reliever returned to the dugout, but Papelbon would not make eye contact with him.

If Papelbon was making the case to the umpiring crew that the third pitch was not an intentional head ball, he certainly wasn’t going to get any takers in the Orioles clubhouse. He’s a very good control pitcher and the fact that he came close the first time and went right back to that spot left little room to believe that it was accidental.

Machado showed impressive restraint immediately after the ball hit him. He apparently learned from the bat-throwing outburst in that game last year against Oakland that led to Machado being suspended for five games.

“Honestly, I’m here and I play for the Baltimore Orioles. I play for this organization and we have a goal, which is to make the playoffs. We’re just going to keep playing baseball," Machado said. "If I go out there and do something that I’m not supposed to be doing, I’m going to hurt the team -- not myself but hurt the team -- and that’s something I don’t want to do. You gotta be smart in the situation. We have a long-term goal here. We’re trying to make the playoffs. We’re in the running. We’ve got to just keep playing baseball. That was my whole thought process.”

Still, the umpires will be on full alert on Thursday when the O’s and Nats play their rain makeup game at 4:05 at Nationals Park, and Papelbon should be prepared to get a letter from the Commissioner’s Office informing him when he can take a day or two off.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-third-baseman-manny-machado- becomes-the-youngest-player-in-club-history-to-reach-500-career-20150923-story.html

Manny Machado is youngest Orioles player to reach 500 hits

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun September 23, 2015

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado became the youngest player in franchise history to reach 500 career hits with his fifth-inning single in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over the Washington Nationals, according to STATS LLC.

Machado joins an impressive list of Orioles legends. He reached the milestone at the age of 23 years, 78 days, which is 119 days younger than Eddie Murray, who reached 500 hits at 23 years, 197 days.

Murray, who recorded his 500th career hit on Sept. 9, 1979, held the club mark for more than 36 years.

Cal Ripken, Jr. is third on that list at 23 years, 339 days, followed by Brooks Robinson (24 years, 35 days) and Boog Powell (24 years, 289 days).

“I mean, yeah, you look at it,” Machado said of the milestone. “It’s something that’s always there, something that you hopefully want to be just close to it. It’s something that, Cal’s record and Eddie Murray’s ... I think you just want to want to have half the career’s they’ve had, and kind of not really think about it. Just go out there and play and whatever comes your way is going to come.”

Machado -- who debuted in the majors at the age of 20 years, 34 days on Aug. 9, 2012 – is enjoying the best season of his major league career, hitting .289 with a .360 on-base percentage, .490 slugging percentage, 29 doubles, 29 home runs and 75 RBIs. He is also the only player in the majors this season to play in every game.

“It’s great that it came. I worked hard to get here," Machado said. "It’s been a great season so far. Hopefully, I’ve got many more hits to come. Right now, it’s just keep playing baseball. If more hits come, just gonna help the team in whichever way possible.”

Machado is also the seventh-youngest active player to reach the 500-hit mark. Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro, who also debuted at 20, recorded his 500thhit at the age of 22 years and 167 days on Sept. 7, 2012.

“It’s awesome,” Machado said following Tuesday’s game. “It’s a great accomplishment. Just to get that many hits in the big leagues, it’s an honor. It’s something that I’m just blessed. It’s just an honor to be able go out there and play every day, to be able to go out there and perform and get that hit.”

Youngest to 500 hits

Youngest Orioles players to reach 500 hits Player; Age; Date of 500th hit Manny Machado; 23 years, 78 days; Sept. 22, 2015 Eddie Murray; 23 years, 197 days; Sept. 9, 1979 Cal Ripken, Jr.; 23 years, 339 days; July 28, 1984 Brooks Robinson; 24 years, 35 days; June 22, 1961 Boog Powell; 24 years, 289 days; June 2, 1966

Youngest active MLB players to Reach 500 career hits Player, Team; Age; Date of 500th hit Starlin Castro, Cubs; 22 years, 167 days; Sept. 7, 2012 Alex Rodriguez, M’s; 22 years, 301 days; May 24, 1998 Bryce Harper, Nats; 22 years, 324 days; Sept. 5, 2015 Mike Trout, LAA; 22 years, 337 days; July 10, 2014 Miguel Cabrera, Fla; 23 years, 24 days; May 12, 2006 Adrian Beltre, LAD; 23 years, 32 days; May 9, 2002 Manny Machado, O’s; 23 years, 78 days; Sept. 22, 2015

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/151232164/manny-machado-hits-big-homer-off-max- scherzer

Machado gets best of Scherzer in key spot

By Jacob Emert / MLB.com September 24, 2015

WASHINGTON -- For just a few moments in the immediate aftermath of his mammoth home run, Manny Machado stood and admired his work.

With one mighty swing in the seventh inning, the 23-year-old sent a 98-mph fastball from the Nationals' Max Scherzer deep into the D.C. night, seizing the lead for Baltimore in a 4-3 win that tightened the O's deficit to four games in the American League Wild Card race. "I finally got a good pitch to hit, and I drove it," said Machado after his 30th home run. "I think it's been the hardest ball I hit all year, one of my hardest home runs. It was just a great swing I put on against one of the best in the game right now."

In fact, with an exit velocity of 114.68 mph, per Statcast™, it was the second-hardest ball Machado has hit this season, but it carried far more impact than the 114.93-mph double in late May that tops the list.

After watching the ball touch down in the left-center-field seats at Nationals Park, Machado resumed his journey.

"The dugout pretty much erupted," starting pitcher Chris Tillman said. "It was awesome, especially with the starter still out there. To get back on top and get us back in the game, it was a big swing."

The drama surrounding Machado on Wednesday night wasn't through, however. When he stepped into the batter's box in the ninth inning, the 4-3 lead he provided still intact, Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon immediately pushed Machado off the plate with a fastball up and in. Understanding the intent of the pitch, Machado collected himself before stepping back in the box and taking a curveball for strike one.

Then, there was another fastball more up and more in that caught Machado on the front shoulder, and Papelbon was immediately ejected.

"It's part of the game. If you can't take the heat, just stay out of the kitchen and just go on from it," said Machado. "You don't throw at somebody's head. I think that's [garbage]. I think we've just got to keep playing baseball."

The benches emptied, and Machado and Papelbon exchanged words, but the situation calmed shortly thereafter. Machado trotted to first, and three defensive outs later, the Orioles had secured the second game of the Battle of the Beltways.

"If I go out there and do something that I'm not supposed to be doing, I'm going to hurt the team -- not myself, but hurt the team -- and that's something I don't want to do," Machado said. "You gotta be smart in the situation. We have a long-term goal here. We're trying to make the playoffs. We're in the running. We've got to just keep playing baseball. That was my whole thought process."

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/151232042/jonathan-papelbon-hits-manny-machado

Pap, Machado differ on closer's intent on HBP

By Jacob Emert and Bill Ladson / MLB.com September 24, 2015

WASHINGTON -- The intentions behind Manny Machado's ninth-inning at-bat against Jonathan Papelbon on Wednesday night at Nationals Park may be unclear between the two parties, but these are the facts:

Two innings after Machado mashed the go-ahead home run off Max Scherzer in Baltimore's 4- 3 win and watched near home plate as the ball sailed into the left-center-field stands, he stepped into the box against Papelbon. The closer came up and in with a fastball on the first pitch, dispatched a curveball into the strike zone for strike one, and then hit Machado on the shoulder with another fastball.

Immediately, home-plate umpire Mark Ripperger ejected Papelbon, deeming his actions to be intentional.

"Perception is reality," Papelbon said. "If Manny thinks I hit him, then that's what he thinks. I'm not going to sit here, go back and forth on whether I did or whether I didn't, because it doesn't matter. If he thinks I did, that's what he thinks."

Machado threw his bat and yelled toward the mound, slowly making his way to first base.

"It's something that's uncalled for," Machado said. "It's [garbage]. It's something that you don't do. I expect more from a guy like that, with the past that he has. You've just got to go out there and keep playing baseball. It's part of the game. If you can't take the heat, just stay out of the kitchen and just go on from it. You don't throw at somebody's head. I think that's [garbage]. I think we've just got to keep playing baseball."

Felipe Rivero replaced Papelbon and got Chris Davis to fly out to end the inning. The Orioles secured their win three outs later.

"No, we haven't done anything wrong," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said when asked if he'd address his team about the events heading into Thursday's finale. "We just competed and put a good swing on a tough pitcher late in the game, and our bullpen made it hold on, so I don't want them to do anything different."

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/151232162/orioles-miguel-gonzalez-tosses-simulated- game

O's righty Gonzalez progresses with sim game

By Jacob Emert / MLB.com September 23, 2015

WASHINGTON -- Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez threw 45 pitches in a simulated game at Nationals Park on Wednesday before Baltimore and Washington faced off in the second game of the Battle of the Beltways.

The right-hander is recovering from tendinitis in his throwing shoulder and has not pitched since Aug. 30. The next step is to throw a bullpen session in Boston, either Friday or Saturday, and make two starts in the regular season, the first coming as early as next week against Toronto.

"I feel good," Gonzalez said. "Especially, facing some hitters. Obviously, facing some hitters is not the same as some live [batting practice], so I thought it was a good workout today."

Gonzalez threw an additional 20 pitches in the bullpen and also did some extended long toss to complete the workout.

Gonzalez said he was pleased with both the process and the results, except for when he left a splitter up and Christian Walker hit it 15 rows up the empty left-field seats.

"I'm just trying to be a good teammate," Gonzalez said. "It happens. I want them to hit the ball. I want to see what the reaction is for the hitters."

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/151232162/orioles-miguel-gonzalez-tosses-simulated- game

O's-Nats finale key to postseason pursuits

By Jacob Emert / MLB.com September 23, 2015

The Nationals and Orioles will meet for the final time in 2015 on Thursday at Nationals Park, and each team has work to do to extend its season past early October.

Washington is 6 1/2 games behind the Mets in the National League East, while Baltimore has closed to within four games of the second American League Wild Card spot.

Tanner Roark will make his fourth consecutive start since taking over for Joe Ross in the Washington rotation, his 10th overall start this season. He is 3-3 with a 5.66 ERA in his nine prior starts.

Tyler Wilson will take the ball for the Orioles. He is 2-2 on the year with a 3.72 ERA in seven outings split between the rotation and the bullpen. Thursday will be his first career appearance against a National League club.

Things to know about this game

• The Orioles, who homered twice to account for all of their runs in Wednesday's 4-3 win, have hit 202 home runs this season, fourth most in baseball.

• Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper took his 119th and 120th walks Wednesday night. He's three walks shy of tying Ken Singleton's 1973 mark of 123, the most in Nationals/Expos franchise history.

• Orioles first baseman Chris Davis has two doubles and has reached base four times in the series. He leads baseball with 43 home runs.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/151238338/yogi-berra-remembered-by-cal-ripken-jr

Fellow No. 8 Ripken reflects on Berra's legacy

By Mark Newman / MLB.com September 23, 2015

NEW YORK -- Single digits tend to be especially hallowed numbers in Major League Baseball, and for Cal Ripken Jr., the No. 8 always took on extra importance because of Yogi Berra.

"Having the same number is cool," Ripken said Wednesday, not long after learning of Berra's passing at age 90. "I never had an affinity, necessarily, for No. 8. I was happy to get a single digit when they passed out the uniforms, but I take great pride that I shared his number."

Berra is the latest of the "Great 8's" who have passed now, after Bill Dickey, Willie Stargell and Gary Carter. Carl Yastrzemski, Joe Morgan and Ripken are the three surviving Hall of Famers who wore No. 8, with Yaz wearing it the longest (23 years), followed by Ripken (21), Stargell (21) and Berra (19).

In '08, fittingly, Berra invited three of them -- Ripken, Morgan and Carter -- to a Great 8's event at the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center on the campus of Montclair State University in Little Falls, N.J.

"We lost a special man," Ripken said. "Yogi, despite all his baseball accomplishments, I think first and foremost, he was humble. We all looked at him as a special man. I had a chance to be with him a number of times. The one time I remember most intimately, I went up to his museum, and he invited us up there for the Great 8's event. ... Basically, he stole the show.

"During the time we were up there at his museum, I had many intimate moments where he could share his stories, and I was all ears. It made me feel like he brought the era of baseball that I played in back down to his era, and he included me. When I think of Yogi, we're all sad that he's left us, but I think we're all happy to have known him."

Dickey had worn No. 8 for 15 of his 17 years of Major League service as the Yankees' catcher. Berra broke in with No. 38 in 1946, wore No. 35 from '46-47, and began wearing No. 8 out of Spring Training in '48.

Morgan spent nearly his first decade in other numbers: 12 with the Houston Colt .45s in 1963, 35 with the Colt .45s in '64, and 18 with the Astros from '65-71. The Hall of Fame second baseman was one of five Astros traded after the '71 season to Cincinnati for Tommy Helms, Lee May and Jimmy Stewart, and he was assigned No. 8 that next Spring Training. Morgan wore it for a total of 13 seasons, with Cincinnati, San Francisco, Philadelphia and finally Oakland.

Another Hall of Famer, Andre Dawson, is remembered by many for No. 8. But in his case, many others remember him for No. 10, which he wore through most of his days with Montreal. He came to Chicago and wore No. 8 from 1997-82, finishing his career later as No. 8 with the Marlins (1995-96).

Bob Boone, another catcher, wore No. 8 for 18 years, matching Carter's length with that number and mostly over the same time period.

Gary Gaetti, Andy Etchebarren and Doc Cramer are the other three players who wore No. 8 for at least 15 seasons. If you're a Braves fan, you think of Javy Lopez, yet another catcher who wore it 12 seasons, throughout Atlanta's division-dynasty run.

Among active Major Leaguers, Ryan Braun has worn No. 8 for nine seasons with Milwaukee. Royals fans think of third baseman Mike Moustakas. Kurt Suzuki of the Twins has worn it six seasons, and Desmond Jennings of the Rays has worn it five years.

But for Ripken, now is a time to remember what made No. 8 so special for him.

"I wish I would have had a chance to see [Berra] play," he said. "When you spent time with him, sometimes you saw a smaller or more frail human being, but he was a very strong, stocky sort of built player -- small in height, but a lot of power in his bat. I wish I had a chance to see him play a bit more."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/09/leftovers-for-breakfast-and-a-look- ahead.html

Leftovers for breakfast and a look ahead

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com September 24, 2015

I can't move onto today's make-up game between the Orioles and Nationals without revisiting last night's 4-3 win over the hosts.

I devoted most of my final blog entry to the Jonathan Papelbon fastball that nailed Manny Machado on the shoulder, coming dangerously close to his head and causing both benches to empty. Manager Buck Showalter predicted that everyone would focus on the incident more so than the come-from-behind victory. It's unfortunate, but when a star player gets drilled on purpose, as it appeared, and the closer gets ejected and the situation almost boils over, the media is going to fixate on it.

It's what we do.

Now, I can shift the attention to rookie Mychal Givens, who retired all six batters he faced after allowing a run Sunday against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

"It's good today," Givens said. "The other outing, you're going to have those days and I got out of that outing. To come back today and do well is a good feeling."

Givens struck out Jayson Werth on a 97 mph fastball for the second out of the eighth inning.

"I'm just trying to do my job. I'm just trying to attack hitters and just have fun out there. We're winning right now and it's fun right now. Just go out there and have fun," Givens said.

"I'm a laid back guy. Just go in there and have fun with the guys and just have fun winning and do what I can do and try to give us a chance to win, and that's what happened today."

Bryce Harper struck out before Werth came to the plate. In case you hadn't heard, Harper is having a tremendous year, probably good enough to be named National League Most Valuable Player.

"He's pretty explosive," Harper said. "Everything he threw was pretty dang good. That heater at 96, 97 looked like 100, so it's pretty tough. He threw well. Nothing we could do."

Machado's 30th home run of the season off Max Scherzer gave the Orioles a 4-3 lead in the seventh and further illustrated how much power he's carrying with him to the plate.

"I finally got a pitch to hit and I drilled it," Machado said. "It's one of the hardest balls I've hit all year and one of my hardest home runs. It was just a great swing I put on against one of the best in the game right now.

"It was awesome. Every game counts right from now on. Every pitch. Every at bat. We're down against one of the best in the game and you come up and do what you did. It's all emotion. He's striking guys out and walking around and doing the same thing we do when we hit. I think it's just coming to October. It's October baseball and everybody is fighting for a spot."

"I mean, Manny had a great at-bat," Harper said. "I think that's what All-Stars do. They go up in there in those situations with a 2-2 count and hit a 98 mph fastball to left-center. He punished it. That's a great at-bat by Manny and he got us tonight."

Machado definitely got Scherzer.

"I was just trying to be aggressive with him," Scherzer said. "I know in that spot in that situation in the game, I knew it was my last hitter, so I was just letting everything eat. I found a way to get to a 1-2 count. I was just trying to absolutely let it fly and let it ride to the top of the zone. That's where I usually get a lot of swings and misses.

"When I challenged him with my best, he beat me. I've got to tip my hat to him. He put a great swing on it. Sometimes you get beat. Tonight's one of those nights."

For the record, Scherzer said he had no issues with Machado's reaction to the home run.

"I didn't see it," he said. "I'm sure he was pumped. Hey, I'm pumped out on the mound, trying to come after you. He hit it. I really don't care."

It was quite a scene in the dugout.

"Awesome," said Chris Tillman. "I was fortunate enough to still be down there. The dugout pretty much erupted. It was awesome, especially with the starter still out there. To get back on top and get us back in the game, it was a big swing."

One night after collecting the 500th hit of his career, Machado notched his 30th home run of the season.

"It's awesome," he said. "It's a great milestone. It's something that I've worked very hard for. I'm at the point of, keep winning games now and keep swinging and hopefully I've got more of those in my career."

The Orioles moved ahead of the Indians in the wild card standings and are four behind the Astros for the second spot. They've won 10 of their last 14 games.

"I've told you many times, this time of year it snowballs and our guys have not let it get away from them," Showalter said. "They've stayed in touch with the competition and crazier things have happened. You all have watched it. We're not going to give in."

Showalter didn't feel the need to meet with his players afterward and warn them against retaliating today. He wasn't worried about Darren O'Day trying to even the score in the bottom of the ninth last night while also trying to hold a one-run lead.

"No, we haven't anything wrong," he said. "We just competed and put a good swing on a tough pitcher late in the game and our bullpen made it hold on, so I don't want them to do anything different.

"Darren, believe me, has as competitive of blood as anyone in baseball. He knows Zach (Britton) wasn't available again tonight and he knows he can't do something there that he'd probably like to."

It wouldn't surprise me if Britton remains unavailable until the four-game series against the Blue Jays that starts Monday at Camden Yards. A key will be his ability to play catch today. He also may need a bullpen session to make certain that his left lat muscle has healed.

Britton, of course, is hoping to pitch in Boston this weekend. And he really, really wants to end his season on a positive note, not the sour one at Tropicana Field. It will eat away at him all winter.

Tyler Wilson gets a chance tonight to cleanse himself of the poor outing Friday night against the Rays, to state his case for continued inclusion in an Orioles rotation that remains a work in progress with only 11 games left in the regular season.

Wilson has expressed his disappointment over letting down the Orioles in such an important game - every loss is another nail in the proverbial coffin - and hoped to atone for it.

Wilson has replaced Mike Wright, who's 1-5 with a 9.88 ERA in his last seven starts. Wright also is going through the growing pains that so often come from making the jump to the majors. However, Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson is convinced that both pitchers will make the necessary adjustments and stay here.

"Big time," he said. "I get it when you come up here and you're at the major league level and you see guys that, they're going to go out and they're going to play well, then they're going to struggle. It's going to happen. I think it's the norm. It's similar to when you get guys coming up from Double-A to Triple-A. Down there, we hope a guy steps right in at Triple-A and just tears the cover off the ball, but there are reasons why we have levels.

"Mike did a great job this year coming from where he was the year before, Tyler Wilson where he was the year before, and that's what we're looking to do and achieve. And hopefully when they get up here, that can eventually transform them into being quality major leaguers."

Wilson is making his fourth major league start. He's allowed 10 runs and 19 hits in 18 innings, with five walks and five strikeouts. Wilson has allowed two runs and 13 hits over 11 innings in four relief appearances, with two walks and three strikeouts.

Left-handers are batting .303 against Wilson and right-handers are batting .267.

Nats right-hander Tanner Roark is making his 10th start among his 38 appearances this season. He's allowed nine runs and 21 hits over 14 innings in three September starts, the last two against the Marlins.

Roark is 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA in two career games (one start) against the Orioles. He worked two-thirds of an inning on July 10 and served up a solo home run to Jonathan Schoop.

The current Orioles are 10-for-32 (.313) against Roark. Gerardo Parra is 3-for-7 with a home run, J.J. Hardy is 3-for-4 with a double and Caleb Joseph is 1-for-2 with a home run.

Left-handers are batting .313 against Roark and right-handers are hitting .270.

Parra was hurting last night after a couple of swings in the seventh inning and received a visit from Showalter and head athletic trainer Richie Bancells, but he stayed in the game.

"Front shoulder," Showalter said. "He said if he quit swinging and missing, it wouldn't hurt so much. He's a tough little (guy). I asked him if he wanted to come out and he said, 'No papi, I'll finish this no problem.'"

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/09/wrapping-up-a-4-3-win-and-the-benches- clearing-incident.html

Wrapping up a 4-3 win and the benches-clearing incident

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com September 23, 2015

WASHINGTON - The Orioles won last night and most of the attention fell upon closer Zach Britton, who revealed that he couldn't pitch due to a strained left lat muscle. The Orioles won tonight and most of the attention fell upon third baseman Manny Machado, who hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh but was targeted by the media after being targeted by Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Now it's a rivalry.

Papelbon threw high and tight on his first pitch to Machado in the ninth. The third pitch drilled Machado in the shoulder, again near the head, and both benches emptied as Papelbon was ejected. A 4-3 victory over the Nationals, the Orioles' 10th win in 14 games, raised the level of emotions beyond the final score.

"It's just bull(crap)," said Machado, who produced his 30th home run on the 122nd and final pitch from Max Scherzer. "A 10-year vet, with more than 10 years in the game and he's going to go out there and throw at somebody's head. I mean, once, and then he throws a curveball to kind of (change) the mood, then throws up at the head. It's something that's uncalled for. It's bull(crap). It's something that you don't do. I expect more from a guy like that with the past that he has.

"You've just got to go out there and keep playing baseball. It's part of the game. If you can't take the heat, just stay out of the kitchen and just go on from it. You don't throw at somebody's head. I think that's bull(crap). I think we've just got to keep playing baseball."

Machado, who admired his home run into the Red Porch area in left-center field, was asked whether he's being targeted.

"I don't necessarily think I'm being targeted," he said. "I'm going up there making good swings. If people are trying to hit me, it's part of the game. I'm not worried about getting hit. I'll take the hits. Its part of the game. Pitchers out there, the ball can slip out of your hand, but when you throw at the head on first pitch right from the get-go, then you throw a curveball and then you throw again at the head, that's just bull(crap). It's coward stuff. It's just cowardly."

Papelbon didn't leave the dugout after being ejected, which is another matter entirely.

Crew chief Brian O'Nora explained plate umpire Mark Ripperger's reasoning behind the ejection.

"He thought it was intentional. That's why he ejected him. That's how it is," O'Nora told a pool reporter.

"If you guys want to contact the office, we're going to write the report. They'll let you guys know. That's the reason he ended up ejected, because he thought it was intentional."

The Orioles didn't need an explanation.

"From what I saw, it's bad ball. It really is," said Chris Tillman, who won his 10th game after allowing three runs in six innings. "It's unfortunate that stuff like that happens. As a pitcher I get it, but not there. There's no reason for it. It's frustrating. It is."

"Yeah, it's obvious," said manager Buck Showalter. "You guys watched it, but there's a lot more to talk about in that game than that, but I know that's what people want to talk about."

Papelbon insisted to Ripperger that the pitch wasn't intentional.

"It kind of reminded me of the wrestlers that pulled somebody's hair and throw their hands up," Showalter said. "Who's that, the Hulk guy or something? Like really? But whatever."

Machado, who argued a called third strike earlier in the game as Showalter raced out of the dugout to protect him, glared at Papelbon but didn't go after him.

"He's not happy. We're not happy," Showalter said. "It's not part of the game, but I thought they were going to issue a warning on the first pitch. I was surprised they let him stay in the dugout for the rest of the inning."

Papelbon said he had no issues with Machado's reaction to the home run and enthusiastic celebration in the dugout.

"If a guy takes someone deep, they want to do whatever they want, that's fine with me. That's baseball," Papelbon said. "Whether or not I'm out there and someone thinks I show them up with a fist pump or someone pimps a home run, that's baseball. Just play the game. Don't let the game or let fans dictate otherwise. Play the game of baseball.

"They just said they deemed it intentional. They didn't give me any reason. I don't know if they have to give me a reason or not. But perception is reality. If Manny thinks I hit him, then that's what he thinks. I'm not going to sit here and go back and forth whether I did or whether I didn't because it doesn't matter. If he thinks I did, that's what he thinks."

The first pitch seemed to send a message.

"I don't know," Papelbon said. "I don't know what's going through his mind right there. All I can tell you is I'm trying to go out there and pitch and do my thing out there, and that's all that really matters. Whether they want to get somebody tomorrow, that's up to them. I think that's today's game, there's no more. If you think that I get you, then I'm out there, come get me in the seventh and it's done. It don't carry on until the next day. That's baseball.

"This is baseball. Two highly competitive teams, two great teams. We're both going out there trying to win a ballgame. That's basically what it boils down to. There's nothing other than that. It's baseball."

Machado's 30th home run also accounted for his 501st hit, and it wasn't a cheap on. He crushed a 98 mph fastball.

"He's got a shot at 100 runs," Showalter said. "I think that's what he's shooting for, too. He's going to have to have some help there. Of course, home runs, you help yourself with. It's apropos there that he caught the last out there."

Darren O'Day notched his fifth save after rookie Mychal Givens retired all six batters he faced and struck out Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth.

"Darren gave us a big inning," Showalter said. "I thought Mychal's eighth inning as much as the seventh, we had a little talk about the intensity you have to have every inning here. There's power everywhere, and if you drop your guard at all, you can pay a price for it. We pitched really well tonight. We had to to match Scherzer."

The win left the Orioles four games behind the Astros for the second wild card. They're one game below .500 for the first time since Aug. 27.

"I haven't even looked at it," Showalter said. "I'm just trying to win every game and see where it takes us. But thanks for telling me now I've got to grind on that. I'm trying the ignorance is bliss thing."

"We're not necessarily scoreboard watching, but we know what we've got to do," Tillman said. "We've got to take care of our own business. That's all you can really focus on right now, to go on out and try and win every single ballgame that we can and let the cards fall where they may." And hope no one falls during Thursday's make-up game from a pitch that comes too far inside.

"I mean, Manny freaking hit a homer and walked it off and somebody drilled him. It's pretty tired," Harper said. "It's one of those situations where it happens. I don't know. I'll probably get drilled tomorrow. We'll see what happens."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/09/buck-showalter-on-yogi-berra-hes-as-much- as-everything-we-try-to-be-about-in-america.html

Showalter on Berra: "He's as much as everything we try to be about in America"

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com September 23, 2015

WASHINGTON - Orioles manager Buck Showalter spent the majority of today's pregame media session reflecting on the life of Yankees great Yogi Berra, who passed away early this morning at 90.

This is a rough day for Showalter. He lost a friend and mentor, and today would have been his father's 92nd birthday.

Showalter learned of Berra's passing from the Hall of Famer's granddaughter, Lindsay Berra, who called him with the news. He didn't sleep much last night.

I'll pass along Showalter's comments after sharing his updates on a few injured players.

Miguel Gonzalez felt good after throwing three innings in a simulated game. He's lined up to start at Camden Yards during next week's series against the Blue Jays, with Tuesday a strong possibility.

"It went good. It was a good step for him," Showalter said. "See how he feels tomorrow, see how he feels on his work day. Probably take a work day, give him two days and come back on Saturday. Think that's the plan. That was encouraging like we hoped.

"He could make a couple starts and hopefully a playoff start. So he's got a shot at a couple starts, at least."

Adam Jones is missing his second game in a row with back spasms.

"Adam's getting better every day," Showalter said. "Making improvement. Day-to-day, inning- to-inning, but he's getting a little better every day. He'll rejoin us at some point. We had it checked out and nothing structurally wrong. Just trying to get that problem out of there. Will take a little time.

"He's not a very good watcher. He's a participator. That's the biggest difference with these guys and a lot of people. They want to participate. They'll go to their share of games and sporting events and stuff in the offseason, but they want to participate. They watch a golf tournament and go, 'I want to go play that.' They watch, maybe not hockey. I don't know, they might. They want to participate, they want to be one of the contestants instead of one of the watchers."

Showalter didn't have much to say about closer Zach Britton, who's bothered by a sore left lat muscle.

"Nothing new," Showalter said.

As I reported earlier today, Britton could play catch on Thursday and hopes to be available this weekend, though he might have to wait until the Blue Jays series.

Showalter grew close to Berra from his days in the Yankees organization, and the three-time MVP's passing this morning hit him hard.

"Where do you start? Sad day," he said. "I got a call from Lindsay last night around 12:30, 12:45 in the morning, and I think she had just come from there. She had a list of people she knew that Yogi would want her to call and I really appreciated that. She said, 'He wouldn't have wanted you to read or hear about it other than (from) somebody with the family.'

"He always had time for me. He treated everybody the same. We'd all love to have the things that are going to be said about Yogi said about us, but the difference is we were saying those things about Yogi when he was alive and when he was playing and when he was coming up. He's as much as everything we try to be about in America. You think about all the people that he impacted, and he impacted them because of the way he treated them. And he had such common sense. He could say things in less words. He'd say something and you'd stop and really start thinking about what he was trying to tell you, and he was exactly right. Just words of wisdom every time. And very competitive. I got to see him compete a lot in different ways other than playing. Some meetings with him with the Yankees. He'd stand his ground. He was a special man. I'm going to miss him.

"As good as a player he was, hopefully some young people will look at his statistics that will make you shake your head, like 10-12 strikeouts in a year, OK? You can do that in three days. He was as good a person as he was a player. With all the fame and fortune the game afforded him, he was always trying to give back. I know it sounds cliche, but he always had time. Every time I'd see him, he was always asking about, he kept up with us. All the people he knew, he always kept up with how they were doing. He loved the competition. He just loved it. He was such a special man. I'm going to miss him."

Berra became just as famous for his malaprops and witticisms as those statistics.

"Yogi was never trying to make you laugh, but he took himself so unseriously," Showalter said. "I never thought Yogi was a funny guy. When I was around him, it was serious and it was competition. It was play better. He was always positive about players. He wasn't afraid to like players. Yogi talked about what people could do, and as good as he was, that's a rare trait. Usually, it becomes a negative feeding frenzy. Yogi wanted no part of that. He was always thinking good things about people.

"He had asked me to go to his museum. They had a fundraiser or something. (Jim) Leyland was there, Joe Girardi was there. It's one of those things where, if Yogi asks if you'd mind, you just got on a plane. It was an honor for him to ask you. He had a great time that night. You could tell. It was baseball, talking about it. He didn't want to talk about himself."

Berra caught both ends of 117 doubleheaders, which is impossible to imagine in this day and age. Though he stood only 5-foot-7, he hit 358 home runs in 19 seasons and made 15 consecutive All-Star teams. Berra also earned 10 World Series rings.

"Take a look at his stats sometime. They're almost like somebody played in a Wiffle ball league," Showalter said. "I was looking at the bat he used, how big it was. He was so strong. People don't realize how good a catcher he was. He caught some pretty good pitchers.

"You know how you remember where you were when you heard certain news? I think I'll always remember that last night. You look at his military and everything that went on in his life. I don't know how you draw it up any more deserving of a good life than Yogi."

I relayed the stat from 1950 when Berra struck out only 12 times in 656 plate appearances. Try wrapping your head around that one.

"It's a joke. Come on, man," Showalter said. "I thought I was pretty good one year with 20 or 30, but my gosh. Twelve? I don't think he looked at his left-on-left numbers, do you? Wow."

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/09/ryan-flahertys-start-miguel-gonzalez-sim- game-and-zach-brittons-status.html

Ryan Flaherty's start, Miguel Gonzalez's sim game and Zach Britton's status

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com September 23, 2015

WASHINGTON - Ryan Flaherty didn't know that he was starting in right field tonight until bench coach John Russell posted the lineup next to his locker.

"I just saw it right there," Flaherty said.

Flaherty is no stranger to the position, but they need to get reacquainted. He appeared in one game in right last season and 17 in 2012, including nine starts.

"It's been a while," he said, adding that he needed to find a glove.

"You're always messing around out there. Spring training a lot and every now and then I make sure that I throw some balls. I'll go out and catch some fly balls."

Miguel Gonzalez threw 45 pitches in today's three-inning simulated game and added 20 more in the bullpen. He hopes to throw a bullpen session on Saturday in Boston and start on Tuesday against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards.

"Feel good, especially facing some hitters, obviously," he said. "Throwing bullpens is not the same as some live BP, so I thought it was a good workout today."

Gonzalez joked that he made one bad pitch, a splitter up in the zone that first baseman Christian Walker crushed to left field. I saw the ball land about 15 rows up the stands.

"Threw all of my pitches, felt good with all of them, except the one I left to Walker, a splitty up and in," Gonzalez said, grinning. "It happens. Obviously, I want them to hit the ball. I want to see what's the reaction from hitters.

"That's fine. Get their confidence up. That's what we want."

Everybody wins.

"Exactly," he said. "Trying to be a good teammate."

Closer Zach Britton remains day-to-day with a strained left lat muscle. He's feeling better and might be able to play catch on Thursday.

Britton could become available again this weekend in Boston, but there's also the chance that he's held out of games until the Blue Jays series that begins on Monday. He doesn't want his season to end with Sunday's blown save against the Rays at Tropicana Field.

Britton has been told that he can't make the injury worse by pitching, but he won't be as effective and there's no sense in trying to push through it.

The Red Sox are starting former Orioles left-hander Rich Hill on Friday and left-hander Henry Owens on Sunday. They haven't announced a starter for Saturday. The most likely candidates are Jonathan Aro and Craig Breslow.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/09/taking-another-look-at-machado-and- jimenez-milestones-and-more.html

Taking another look at Machado and Jimenez milestones (updated)

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com September 23, 2015

WASHINGTON - The traffic getting into D.C. today was the same as the previous two days despite the arrival of Pope Francis. No reason to leave the house any earlier, but I'm already seated in the Nationals Park press box while the grounds crew waters the infield and Paul Janish chats with Reed Johnson in shallow center field.

The Orioles will take early batting practice beneath a blue sky, with hardly a trace of clouds overhead. The nicest day so far since the Orioles arrived here.

How's that for color?

Update: Miguel Gonzalez is throwing his simulated game today under that same blue sky. So far so good.

Manny Machado registered his 500th career hit last night, impressive when considering that he reached the milestone at 23 years, 78 days, making him the youngest player in Orioles history.

Also consider that he's playing on two surgically repaired knees and he's the only major leaguer this season to appear in every game.

According to STATS, Machado is the seventh-youngest active player with 500 hits. He set the Orioles record by unseating Hall of Famer Eddie Murray, who was 23 years, 197 days old. Cal Ripken Jr. was third, according to STATS, at 23 years, 339 days.

Ubaldo Jimenez reached his own milestone last night by becoming the 11th Dominican-born pitcher with 100 career victories, but he had other reasons to feel special.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Jimenez became the second American League pitcher this season to be credited with a victory and a game-winning RBI in the same game, joining the Rays' Nathan Karns on July 21 versus the Phillies.

Jimenez also became the 25th American League pitcher in 19 years of interleague play to record a victory and game-winning RBI.

Jimenez has two RBIs this season. He also drove in a run on June 17 in Philadelphia.

Since the designated hitter rule was enacted in 1973, only eight other AL pitchers have driven in a run in two different games in the same season, and the list includes four Orioles - Jimenez, Mike Mussina in 1999, Kris Benson in 2006 and Zach Britton in 2011.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/09/a-take-on-papelbon-the-umpires- machados-homer-and-more.html

A take on Papelbon, the umpires, Machado's homer and more

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com September 24, 2015

Lost in the Jonathan Papelbon hit-by-pitch and ejection for nailing Manny Machado in the ninth inning last night was how big Machado came up for his team in the seventh inning.

Let's get to that in a moment.

First, outside of Papelbon himself, how can anyone really know if he threw at Machado? But we can have an opinion. Mine is that he threw at him twice, hitting him once. Both pitches were up and in. If the pitches had intent, that is cowardly and dangerous to throw a pitch near a batter's head. What did Machado do to Papelbon?

If Papelbon had any issues with Machado "styling it" on his homer, he should have spoken out during one of the 50 times his former teammate David Ortiz did that at Camden Yards. Or one of the many times he saved a game against the Orioles and acted like he just won the World Series. By the way, Machado did nothing wrong after hitting the homer. At least nothing not seen in the American League almost every night.

As for the umpires, there were two major mistakes made by that crew in my opinion. First, there should have been a warning after the first pitch came high and tight toward Machado. Second, they inexplicably allowed Papelbon to stay in the dugout after the ejection. How can four men miss that?

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper called Papelbon hitting Machado "tired." He said he wouldn't be surprised to get hit during today's game. It sure seems like Harper was calling out a teammate. You sure don't see that very often.

Kudos to Machado for not charging the mound. We've see this kid's emotions get the best of him before. This time that didn't happen and manager Buck Showalter and first base coach Wayne Kirby were nearby just to make sure. The last thing the Orioles need right now is Machado in a brawl when he has come through the season healthy.

To me, this doesn't make the Orioles and Nationals a rivalry. If this is what it takes, there was not enough there in the first place.

As much as some Orioles fans today may potentially want to see a Nats player get beaned, taking the high road is the best move here. Just get another win and get out of there if they can do it. The Orioles are now three games behind Houston in the loss column. That is close enough to see what's left of this race for them through to the end.

I can't see this causing hard feelings between players on these teams or between Showalter and his former player Matt Williams, the Nats manager. Showalter knows Papelbon too well. He is the only Nationals bad guy here. He hit a player who did his job well. Very well.

Now back to the homer itself. Machado hits a game-winner off Max Scherzer. That is rather impressive stuff. Took his team from behind and put them ahead with one swing. How very clutch that was off a former Cy Young Award winner. That was probably one of the more interesting at-bats of the 2015 season. Machado came through in a big spot. Get used to seeing much more of that Orioles fans.

As for seeing Papelbon again, I can do without that. With his team trying to catch the Mets, he created an unnecessary distraction and potentially put a teammate or two in harm's way. His act has been tired for a long time. It seems even some of his own teammates feel that way. http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/09/manny-machados-homer-off-max- scherzer-lifts-the-orioles-over-the-nationals.html

Manny Machado's homer off Max Scherzer lifts Orioles over Nationals

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com September 23, 2015

It was one of those classic game-on-the-line matchups between a top pitcher and hitter. The Orioles' Manny Machado won the battle against Nationals ace Max Scherzer and the Orioles won the game.

Machado hit a two-run go-ahead homer in the seventh on Scherzer's 122nd pitch as the Orioles beat Washington 4-3 at Nats Park. With their seventh win in the last 10 games and 10th in the past 14, the Orioles improved to 75-76 for the season.

The O's win, coupled with Houston's loss, moved the Orioles three back of Houston in the loss column. The Astros currently hold the second American League wild card spot.

Machado was involved in a heated situation in the top of the ninth. Jonathan Papelbon came on to pitch for the Nationals and threw one pitch high and tight toward Machado and then hit him high up on the shoulder two pitches later. Papelbon was ejected but MASN cameras showed him staying on the bench.

The O's were trailed 3-2 heading to the seventh when J.J. Hardy led off with a double. Two outs later, Machado came up. The count went to 2-2. Scherzer fired a 98 mph fastball and Machado drilled it into the left-center field seats for his 30th homer run and a one-run lead for the O's.

Scherzer went 6 2/3 innings in taking the loss, allowing seven hits and four runs with two walks and 12 strikeouts. He falls to 12-12 with an ERA of 2.98.Chris Tillman, who allowed two runs during a 40-pitch last of the fifth, went six innings to get the win. He gave up six hits and three runs and is 10-11 with an ERA of 5.16. Tillman picked up his first win since Aug. 17.

The Orioles took a 2-0 lead in the first. Chris Davis walked with two outs and Steve Pearce homered on 2-0 pitch. It was his 14th homer and fifth in his last 11 games. The Nationals got a run back in the first on Yunel Escobar's RBI single.

A stretch where Tillman retired 12 in a row ended with one out in the fifth and the Nats scored twice to take a 3-2 lead. Wilson Ramos doubled in the tying run and Anthony Rendon's sac fly made it 3-2.

After Machado's homer put the Orioles in the lead, Mychal Givens pitched two scoreless innings. He retired the Nationals in the seventh and eighth on 20 pitches. Darren O'Day pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to record his fifth save.

The Orioles are 3-2 this season against the Nationals, 13-6 since 2012 and 32-23 in the all-time series. The Orioles will go for a three-game sweep Thursday afternoon when Tyler Wilson (2-2, 3.72 ERA) pitches against Tanner Roark (4-6, 4.73 ERA).

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/09/os-game-blog-the-orioles-are-10-8-this- year-against-the-nl.html

O's game blog: Orioles are 10-8 this year against the NL

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com September 23, 2015

The Orioles may have been fortunate to win a game last night where they made three errors and allowed six walks. But still they posted a 4-1 victory over Washington in the opener of a three- game series at Nationals Park.

The Orioles improved to 74-76 with their sixth win in the last nine games and ninth in their past 13 games. They improved to 24-27 in the first game of a series and to 10-8 versus National League teams in 2015.

Manny Machado recorded his 500th career hit on Tuesday night. According to STATS, Machado (at 23 years, 78 days) became the youngest player to record 500 hits in Orioles history. The previous youngest was Eddie Murray (23 years, 197 days). Among active players, he became the seventh-youngest with 500 hits.

On the mound tonight, right-hander Chris Tillman (9-11, 5.19 ERA) pitches against Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer (12-11, 2.90 ERA).

Over his last six starts, Tillman is 0-4 with an ERA of 7.76. He has pitched 5 2/3 innings or fewer in four consecutive starts. His last win was Aug. 17 against Oakland. In 14 road starts, Tillman is 4-5 with a 5.40 ERA.

Tillman did not get a decision on July 10 when he faced Washington at Camden Yards. He went six innings allowing eight hits and two runs. He is 0-0 with an ERA of 4.37 in four career starts against the Nats.

Scherzer went 10-7 with an ERA of 2.11 in 18 starts in the first half. Since the All-Star break he is 2-4 with a 4.32 ERA in 12 starts. He has allowed 1.8 homers per nine innings in the second half.

Scherzer bounced back from a tough stretch to allow just two runs over 15 innings in his past two starts - both against Miami. In seven starts before that, he went 0-3 with a 5.79 ERA and the Nationals went 2-5 in those games.

Scherzer was the 2013 American League Cy Young Award winner when he went 21-3 with a 2.90 ERA against Detroit. He took a loss last October against the Orioles in the American League Division Series when he gave up five runs in 7 1/3 innings.

The Orioles have hit 200 homers this season. They are the only team in the major leagues with 200 or more homers in each of the past four seasons. They are 10 home runs shy of their fourth straight season of at least 210 homers. The last team to hit 210 or more in four straight seasons was the Philadelphia Phillies (2006-09).

Since April 29, the Orioles bullpen leads the American League and ranks third in the majors with a 2.89 ERA. In that same time, Baltimore relievers have held opponents to a .232 batting average, fifth-best in the majors.

http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/preview?gameId=350924120

Orioles-Nationals Preview

Associated Press / ESPN.com September 24, 2015

The Baltimore Orioles can sweep the latest Beltway Series partly because they've controlled the opposing heart of the order and the Washington Nationals haven't.

Regardless of what their big hitters do, the Orioles and Nationals are unlikely to make the playoffs even though neither is far removed from having a very realistic chance to repeat as East Division champions.

Baltimore enters Thursday's season series finale in D.C. officially eliminated from the AL East chase after first-place Toronto won Wednesday. The Orioles (75-76) last led the division July 2 and were within four games of first Aug. 17 but went on to lose 13 of 15. The current 10-4 stretch has them four behind Houston for the second wild-card spot with 11 to play, but Minnesota and the Los Angeles Angels are also ahead of them.

Washington (78-73) is all but out of wild-card contention and 6 1/2 back of the New York Mets in the NL East. The Nationals led the division as recently as Aug. 2 but were amid a 4-13 stretch that let the Mets take control, and they wasted a chance to gain ground by losing 4-1 to the Orioles on Tuesday and 4-3 on Wednesday.

Prior to those defeats, Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth keyed a 7-1 span with nine home runs and 20 RBI. Harper has drawn five walks in this series but was retired in his other three plate appearances. Issuing free passes to the MVP candidate has been a good strategy because Werth, batting cleanup behind Harper, is 0 for 8 while leaving 10 men on base.

Baltimore has had no such problems despite cleanup man Adam Jones missing both games with back spasms. Steve Pearce stepped in to deliver a two-run homer Wednesday and an RBI double Tuesday while batting behind Chris Davis, who has two doubles and an RBI.

It was No. 2 hitter Manny Machado, though, who had the biggest blow with a go-ahead, two-run homer off Max Scherzer in the seventh inning Wednesday.

There may be some lingering ill will after Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon threw high and tight to Machado in the ninth and later plunked him on the upper arm. Machado yelled toward Papelbon, who was ejected, and the benches briefly cleared.

"When you throw at somebody's head on purpose first pitch, straight out the get-go, then you throw a curveball, then you throw again at the head, that's just ... ," Machado said using a street term. "You know it's coward stuff. It's just coward."

Harper is anticipating some retaliation.

"I mean Manny freaking hit a homer," Harper said. "Walked it off and somebody drilled him. I mean, it's pretty tired. It's one of those situations where it happens and, I don't know, I'll probably get drilled tomorrow."

The one to do it could be Tyler Wilson (2-2, 3.72 ERA).

The promising rookie is getting a try in Baltimore's rotation after being recalled last week, but he lost at Tampa Bay on Friday by allowing six runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings. The right- hander, who turns 26 on Friday, had a 2.19 ERA in six previous appearances for Baltimore, including two spot starts.

"You got to keep in mind these guys have never really pitched in September before," manager Buck Showalter told MLB's official website. "So it's part of the process, and I think he will learn from it. He's a sharp, competitive guy."

Washington goes with Tanner Roark (4-6, 4.73), who has failed to pitch past the fifth inning in three starts since his call-up.

His worst performance since returning came last Thursday when he surrendered six runs and eight hits in a 6-4 loss at Miami, though Roark said it was an effort he could "build off." He has a 5.66 ERA in nine starts this season.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/09/23/in-their-words-how-sports-is- remembering-yogi-berra/72681672/

In their words: How sports world is remembering Yogi Berra

Associated Press / USA Today September 23, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) — Yogi Berra, the Hall of Fame catcher renowned as much for his lovable, linguistically dizzying "Yogi-isms" as his unmatched 10 World Series championships with the New York Yankees, has died at 90. Here's how he is being remembered:

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

"Yogi Berra was an American original — a Hall of Famer and humble veteran; prolific jokester and jovial prophet. He epitomized what it meant to be a sportsman and a citizen, with a big heart, competitive spirit, and a selfless desire to open baseball to everyone, no matter their background. Michelle and I offer our deepest condolences to his family, his friends, and his fans in New York and across the world."

___

ROB MANFRED, MLB COMMISSIONER

"Renowned as a great teammate, Yogi stood for values like inclusion and respect during the vital era when our game began to become complete and open to all. With his trademark humility and good humor, Yogi represented only goodwill to baseball fans. His proud American story will endure at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center in Little Falls, New Jersey.

"Yogi Berra was a beacon of Americana, and today Major League Baseball and all of its Clubs stand together in mourning his passing and celebrating his memory. On behalf of the game he served with excellence and dignity, I extend my deepest condolences to Yogi's children and grandchildren, his many friends throughout our game and his countless admirers."

___

ROBIN VENTURA, MANAGER, CHICAGO WHITE SOX

"It's sad, his passing, but anyone who starts thinking about him will smile. I was fortunate enough to play a couple of years with the Yankees and he spent a lot of time in the clubhouse. He lit up the room.

"Just a beautiful person all the way around. His numbers are incredible, but his presence and how he dealt with people were really the biggest thing."

___

JOE TORRE, MLB CHIEF BASEBALL OFFICER

"We've lost Yogi, but we will always have what he left for us: the memories of a lifetime filled with greatness, humility, integrity and a whole bunch of smiles. He was a lovable friend."

___

HAL STEINBRENNER, YANKEES MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER

"Yogi Berra's legacy transcends baseball. Though slight in stature, he was a giant in the most significant of ways through his service to his country, compassion for others and genuine enthusiasm for the game he loved. He has always been a role model and hero that America could look up to.

"While his baseball wit and wisdom brought out the best in generations of Yankees, his imprint in society stretches far beyond the walls of Yankee Stadium. He simply had a way of reaching and relating to people that was unmatched. That's what made him such a national treasure."

___

DEREK JETER, FORMER SHORTSTOP, NEW YORK YANKEES

"To those who didn't know Yogi personally, he was one of the greatest baseball players and Yankees of all time. To those lucky ones who did, he was an even better person. To me he was a dear friend and mentor. He will always be remembered for his success on the field, but I believe his finest quality was how he treated everyone with sincerity and kindness. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

___

NEW YORK METS

"Yogi Berra was a baseball legend who played a key part in our history. He was kind, compassionate and always found a way to make people laugh. With us he was a player, coach and managed the 1973 'Ya Gotta Believe' team to the National League pennant. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

___

BUCK SHOWALTER, MANAGER, BALTIMORE ORIOLES

"He wasn't afraid to like players. You go into a meeting and all they talk about is what a guy can't do. Yogi didn't talk about that. He talked about what people could do. For a guy that was as good as he was, that's a rare trait. Usually it becomes a negative feeding frenzy. Yogi wanted no part of that. He was always thinking good things about people."

___

TOM SEAVER, HALL OF FAME PITCHER

"They threw away the mold in regards to Yogi. He was one of a kind. He loved the game. As a manager, he never tried to complicate things. He let his players play. He respected what you did on the field. He was an utter delight to be around."

___

CAL RIPKEN, HALL OF FAME SHORTSTOP

"Yogi was a not just a Hall of Famer, he was a very special guy. When Yogi spoke, everyone was quiet and hung on every word. He owned the room. He was a legendary figure and will be missed by all of us baseball fans."

___

BOBBY RICHARDSON, FORMER SECOND BASEMAN, NEW YORK YANKEES

"What can I say about Yogi? He was a friend and a wonderful clutch hitter. He had so many accolades in the world of baseball that it is almost impossible to realize how many. He was a World War II veteran and a great friend. It's a deep loss."

___

JORGE POSADA, FORMER CATCHER, NEW YORK YANKEES

"When you were around Yogi, he had a way of bringing out the best in you. He made you feel good inside. That was his gift to so many of us, and why people always tended to gravitate to him. I don't care what team you play for or what team you root for, if you love baseball, then you love Yogi Berra."

___

CRAIG BIGGIO, HALL OF FAME CATCHER-SECOND BASEMAN

"Yogi is known a lot for his Yogi-isms, but he was one of the smartest baseball people I have ever been around. You don't win as many championships as he has by not being smart. He would say some things to me as a young kid, and I would kind of be scratching my head. And go: 'What is he talking about?' Then the next half-inning, whatever he said, just happened, and the next inning after that and so on and so forth.

"He prioritized his life very well. He loved the game of baseball and he loved his family and he loved his faith. He lived his life right. If we could all just grab a little piece of that and live our lives like he lived (his) life, it would be pretty amazing. He just did everything right."

___

JEFF IDELSON, HALL OF FAME PRESIDENT

"The Hall of Fame mourns the loss of a baseball legend, great American, tremendous family man and modern day philosopher. His baseball abilities and acumen are evidenced by his Hall of Fame election in 1972 and as the only manager in history to take both the Yankees and Mets to the World Series. He joined the Navy at 18, was married to his beloved wife Carmen for 65 years, and had more fun with the English language than any player in history. He will especially be missed in Cooperstown where he was beloved by his fellow Hall of Famers and his adoring fans."

___

RED SCHOENDIENST, HALL OF FAME SECOND BASEMAN

"He told the story about the first year (Derek) Jeter came up, he went up to Yogi and said, 'Hey Yogi, I'm having a little problem hitting the high pitch.' 'So don't swing at it,' Yogi said. Jeter said, 'Well, you swung at it.' Yogi said, 'Yeah but I hit it.' That's Yogi."

___

JOE MADDON, MANAGER, CHICAGO CUBS

"Not many people are recognized by one name only, but he was special — he is special. All the stuff you've read about that he's said, he says. You sit there and he throws something at you and you just feel very fortunate. We're going to miss him."

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/orioles-go-three-game-sweep-against-nationals

Orioles go for three-game sweep against Nationals

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic September 24, 2015

Today's Game:

Baltimore Orioles (75-76) vs. Washington Nationals (78-73), Nationals Park, Washington, D.C., 4:05 p.m.

Starting pitchers:

Tyler Wilson (2-2, 3.72) vs. Tanner Roark (4-6, 4.73)

Keys to the Game:

Can the Orioles sweep the Nationals? They've won 10 of 14.

Can Wilson rise to the challenge of the wild-card race? It will be just his fourth start.

News and Notes:

The Orioles trail Houston by four in the wild-card race with 11 to play.

Wilson allowed six runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings at Tampa Bay last Friday.

Roark is 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA against the Orioles.

Current Orioles are batting .313 against Roark.

Adam Jones missed his second straight game with back spasms.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/buck-showalter-remembers-yogi-berra-kind- wise

Buck Showalter remembers Yogi Berra as kind, wise

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic September 23, 2015

WASHINGTON – Early this morning, Buck Showalter received a phone call from Yogi Berra’s granddaughter, Lindsay with the news he was dreading.

Berra, who Showalter adored, had died at 90. He knew Berra from his days with the Yankees, and Showalter admitted he had a hard time sleeping when he heard the news.

“He always had time for me. He treated everybody the same,” Showalter said. “We would all love to have the things that are going to be said about Yogi said about us, but the difference is, we were saying those things about Yogi when he was alive.”

Berra was known for his witticisms, but Showalter found him to be wise.

“He’d say something, and then you would think about what he was trying to tell you, and he was exactly right,” Showalter said.

“He was as good a person as he was a player.”

Everyone has a favorite Yogi-ism, but Showalter said that’s not what he should be known for.

“Yogi was never trying to make you laugh, but he took himself so unseriously. I never thought Yogi was a funny guy,” Showalter said. “He was always thinking good things about people.”

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/jones-out-lineup-second-straight-game-back- spasms

Jones out of the lineup for second straight game with back spasms

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic September 23, 2015

WASHINGTON – Adam Jones is out of the lineup for the second straight game with back spasms.

“Adam is getting better every day,” manager Buck Showalter said. “Making improvement. Day- to-day, inning-to-inning, he’s getting a little better every day. He’ll rejoin us at some point. We had it checked out, nothing structurally wrong there. We’re trying to get that problem out of there. Take a little time.”

Jones has missed 14 games with ankle, shoulder, wrist and back injuries.

“He’s not a very good watcher,” Showalter said.

Zach Britton was held out of Tuesday night’s game, and is suffering from a left lat injury. Britton said after the game he thought the injury was relatively minor and hoped to be back in a few days.

Showalter said there was nothing new on Britton’s status.

NOTE: Ryan Flaherty starts in right field for the first time since July 25, 2012.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/gonzalez-feels-good-after-simulated-game- start-next

Gonzalez feels good after simulated game, start next?

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic September 23, 2015

WASHINGTON – Miguel Gonzalez had a successful simulated game. He threw 45 pitches plus an additional 20 in the bullpen.

Gonzalez felt strong in his Wednesday workout, and expects to throw a bullpen session in Boston this weekend.

It’s possible Gonzalez could start twice before the end of the season on Tuesday against Toronto and Oct. 4, the season’s last day against New York.

“Feel good, especially facing some hitters obviously, throwing bullpens is not the same as some live [batting practice], so I thought it was a good workout today, Gonzalez said.

He made everyone happy, especially Christian Walker, who parked a split-finger fastball about 15 rows up in the left field seats.

“Threw all of my pitches, felt good with all of them, except the one I left to Walker, a splitty up and in. It happens. They’re there for…obviously I want them to hit the ball. I want to see what’s the reaction from hitters,” Gonzalez said.

“That’s fine. Get their confidence up, that’s what we want.”

Gonzalez was joking asked if he was saving his best stuff the for the games.

“Exactly. Trying to be a good teammate,” he joked.

NOTES: According to STATS, Manny Machado became the youngest player in team history to record 500 hits on Tuesday. … Ubaldo Jimenez became the fourth Orioles pitcher to drive in a run in two different games in the designated hitter era. Mike Mussina (1999), Kris Benson (2006) and Zach Britton (2011) were the others.

http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2015/09/24/machado-jonathan-papelbon-is-a-coward/

Machado: Jonathan Papelbon is a coward

By Craig Calcaterra / NBCSports.com September 24, 2015

Manny Machado hit a two-run home run with two outs in the seventh in last night’s Nationals- Orioles game. He maybe admired it a bit. And he had a right to. It was a big home run that ended up winning the game for the Orioles. If you do something good and cool and productive at your job, I hope you’re pretty pleased about it yourself.

Of course you don’t have Officer Jonathan Papelbon of the No Fun Police working at your office. Papelbon disagreed with Machado that his home run was cool, and hit him with a pitch when he came to bat in the ninth.

It was quite obviously intentional too. He threw one up and in to him at first, then a curveball away to throw suspicion, then came in again and hit him up on the shoulder with a 93 m.p.h. fastball, which could quite easily have hit him in the face or head. Watch:

Every time I write about someone throwing at a batter intentionally, the armchair jocks come out of the woodwork to tell me that such behavior is totally fine and that I simply don’t understand it because I never played the game or something like that. I presume y’all will do that again, so I look forward to hearing from you. Just understand that you’re all wrong about that, that stuff like this from Papelbon has no place in the game and that he ought to be suspended for a long, long time for doing it, as should any pitcher who does.

Of course, I’m not alone in this. After the game Machado said “that’s just bulls***. It’s coward stuff. It’s just cowardly.” I’ll also add that it’s stupid and dangerous because, baseball’s unwritten rules being what they are, it’s almost certain that Papelbon’s [decision] is going to get his own team’s best player hit today. And that player knows it.

Here’s Bryce Harper‘s comments about it:

“Manny freakin hit a homer, walked it off and somebody drilled him. It’s pretty tired . . . I’ll probably get drilled tomorrow.”

It is tired. And stupid. And dangerous. And if you want to go all-in with a guy like Jonathan Papelbon when it comes to judgment, be my guest. But if you do you’re just as wrong as he is. I hope he gets suspended a good long time, even if I know he won’t be because basically everyone in baseball is content to turn a blind eye to this sort of crap:

See what I mean?

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/23/bbo-orioles-playerwatch- idUSMTZEB9N539R6120150923

Baltimore Orioles - PlayerWatch

Reuters September 23, 2015

INF Manny Machado has played in all 150 games this year. He was 1-for-4 on Tuesday and is hitting .289.

OF Junior Lake got the start in center -- his first with the Orioles -- as Adam Jones was out with back spasms. Lake was hitless in two at-bats and made an error on a flyball off the bat of Clint Robinson in the fourth.

CF Adam Jones was out of the starting lineup because of back spasms. "He's better. That is encouraging," said manager Buck Showalter, who did not commit to Jones starting on Wednesday.

OF Adam Jones was out of the starting lineup with back spasms on Tuesday. Junior Lake made the start in center -- his first with the Orioles at that spot. "He's better, which is encouraging," manager Buck Showalter said of Jones. The Orioles manager didn't commit to Jones being ready for Wednesday.

RHP Ubaldo Jimenez started Tuesday at Washington and got the 100th win of his career. He allowed just one unearned run and three singles to become the 11th Dominican native to reach 100 wins. He began his career in 2006 with the Colorado Rockies and has won 12 games this year, after winning just six last year with the Orioles. "It means a lot. It seems like yesterday that I got to the big leagues," he said. Manager Buck Showalter said Jimenez takes the ball the every fifth day, though he has struggled at times this year. "He was locating the two-seamer very good. He was nasty," said Washington catcher Jose Lobaton.

RHP Chris Tillman will start on Wednesday at Washington. It will be his 29th start of the year; he has given up 158 hits in 154 1/3 innings of work. He has been inconsistent, with some impressive performances and some real clunkers during the year.

RHP Miguel Gonzalez (tendinitis) said he is slated to throw a simulated game Sept. 23. Manager Buck Showalter said Sept. 22 the session would probably be less than five innings at Nationals Park.

http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25314395/orioles-rp-darren-oday- earns-fifth-save-of-the-season

Orioles RP Darren O'Day earns fifth save of the season

CBSSports.com September 23, 2015

Orioles reliever Darren O'Day picked up another save Wednesday, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning against the Nationals.

He's now recorded saves on consecutive days, adding some shine to what's been a spectacular season for O'Day. In fact, he's really had four consecutive spectacular seasons since coming to Baltimore. He's got a 1.91 ERA as an Oriole with 278 strikeouts in 259 innings, so it's nice to see him get rewarded with some saves while Zach Britton is sidelined. The five he's got now represent a new career high.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25314416/harper-says-hell-get-drilled- tomorrow-after-papelbon-throws-at-machado

Harper: 'I'll ... get drilled tomorrow' after Papelbon throws at Machado

By Mike Axisa / CBSSports.com September 23, 2015

With their postseason hopes hanging by a thread, the Nationals lost a crucial game to the Orioles at home Wednesday night (BAL 4, WAS 3). Washington was unable to take advantage of the Mets losing to the Braves (ATL 6, NYM 3). The Nats remain 6 1/2 games back in the NL East with 11 to play.

The big blow for Orioles on Wednesday came off the bat of Manny Machado, who turned a one- run deficit into a one-run lead with a go-ahead two-run home run off Max Scherzer in the seventh inning. Here is his go-ahead blast:

That was home run No. 30 for the 23-year-old Machado, who is having one of the quietest "I'm breaking out as a superstar!" seasons ever. He is now hitting .289/.360/.493 with those 30 homers on the year.

It's tough to tell from that video, but Machado did admire his home run a little bit. Too much for the liking of Jonathan Papelbon, it would seem. Papelbon was on the mound in the ninth inning trying to keep the deficit at one, and with two outs and the bases empty, he plunked Machado. To the video:

The first pitch of the at-bat was high and tight, the second pitch was on the outer half -- Papelbon attempted to make it look like he wasn't throwing at Machado -- and the third hit him in the shoulder. Machado was understandably unhappy and Papelbon was properly ejected. The plunking was clearly intentional.

Following the game, Nationals slugger Bryce Harper dropped some serious truth by saying plunkings like that are silly. He basically called out Papelbon without saying his name:

Harper's right too. He probably will get hit Thursday. O's manager Buck Showalter is an old school "you hit one of my guys, I'll hit one of yours" type and Harper's the obvious target for a retaliation plunking. Hopefully he doesn't get hurt.

I don't know if Papelbon was upset with Machado for admiring his home run, but it would be ridiculous if that is the case given Papelbon's history of histrionics. He shouldn't be one to throw stones.

The Nationals got beat. Hitting Machado afterwards doesn't make Papelbon look tough. It just makes him look like a sore loser.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/manny-machado-on-getting-plunked-by- jonathan-papelbon---that-s-coward-stuff--023950573.html

Manny Machado on getting plunked by Jonathan Papelbon: 'That's coward stuff'

By Mark Townsend / Yahoo! Sports September 24, 2015

The Beltway rivalry between the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals was turned up a notch or ten on Wednesday.

In the ninth inning of Baltimore's 4-3 victory, Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon came up and in on Manny Machado before actually drilling the young star two pitches later. This coming two innings after Machado launched a go-ahead two-run homer against Max Scherzer, which flipped the game in Baltimore's favor for good,

Though there was no clear evidence of Papelbon's intentions, there was enough probable cause in the mind of home plate umpire Mark Rippenger to eject Papelbon on the spot. Had he hit Machado with the first pitch, perhaps it's a different story. If the first doesn't come up and in, perhaps that's also a different story. The combination of two was definitely suspicious, and that's what nearly caused tensions to bubble over.

In Machado's opinion, it was clearly intentional. He didn't mince words about that following the game.

Those are pretty strong words. Even with 20-30 minutes to clear his mind, Machado was clearly still in that moment.

Some have suggested the plunking was in response to a beef between Machado and Scherzer stemming from a couple issues earlier in the game. Machado's home run, of course, was a crushing blow to the Nationals, who are still fighting for their lives in the NL East. When the margin is thin, any perceived hint of arrogance or just plain frustration can set guys off, and that could be the case here.

There was also an issue with Machado not getting a timeout from Rippenger, leading to a strikeout. That led to a minor run-in between Machado and the umpire, which no doubt didn't appeal to Scherzer either.

Obviously, there was a lot going on here. Enough anyway that both benches emptied slowly in the immediate aftermath, but the animosity was kept to the players directly involved. Papelbon was briefly restrained by teammates before heading back to the dugout, where he curiously remained even after being ejected. That was also noticed by the Orioles.

Fortunately, it didn't escalate into something more. At least not on this night. If you ask Bryce Harper, he suspects things could get interesting again on Thursday, and he also suspects he'll be right in the middle of it.

The last thing Harper probably wants is more fuel being thrown on the fire, but you know Papelbon.

Not exactly a denial, but also nothing surprising from Papelbon. He doesn't mind stirring the pot a bit.

As a result, Thursday's game could indeed be very interesting. Here's to hoping whatever does transpire does not escalate, and there are no casualties as a result.