BALTIMORE – Tyler Wells has been prone to letting the long ball go this season.
But he also did an outstanding job collecting strikeouts, while also limiting hits and walking.
All of those factors were in effect Thursday afternoon as the right-hander pitched 6 2/3 innings for his third straight win as the Orioles beat the Blue Jays, 4-2, to clinch the three-game set at Camden Yards.
Wells hit eight and walked one, allowing two homers on a single by Danny Jansen. Off the opposing catcher’s breakout, Wells gave up just three more hits.
“Coupled with Danny Jansen’s bats, he was absolutely fantastic,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “Doing what he’s been doing all year. He throws a lot of strikeouts, working ahead of the count. He’s well positioned. Good combination with fastball, cutter, slider, changeup. Very unpredictable. He can throw them all for strikeouts.”
The series win was a big one for the Orioles as they kept trying to keep up with the Rays. The Birds have won five out of six at home and are also 5-1 this season against Toronto, pushing the AL Wild Card six games over their divisional opponent.
“I think the big difference, frankly, was the confidence,” Wells said of their two-series win over Toronto this season. “I think if you look at the Blue Jays, you see these guys grow up as young stars. You have them.” [Bo] Bechet and Vlady [Guerrero Jr.] come up. You have [Cavan] Come on, Biggio. I think as these guys get older they get better.
“I think you’re starting to see kind of the same transition with us now with Adley and Gunnar and Grayson. You have it [seen] What is our minor league system and they are coming to the major leagues now.
The youth movement has been the talk of the town surrounding the Orioles, and in many ways, the team can use other teams like the Blue Jays as a benchmark for growth.
“Now as we round the corner here, I think you’re starting to see a lot of us young people stepping into those roles that we’re excited about,” said Wells. “We’re excited to go out there and face the best. It’s been a great team this year. They’ve got a really good lineup. I think they’re going to be good for a long time, but I think we’re going to be as good, if not better, for a long time.”
Wells’ MLB leading WHIP remains steady at 0.86 as he scored hits with his fastball, cutter and slider. The right-hander has eight or more strikeouts in four of his last seven starts.
“Danny Jansen has kind of got me on those two courts, but other than that, [I’m] Wells said. “I felt like I was running the ball really well today. I felt like I had fun with almost all of my performances and it worked really well.”
Wells has a 2.89 ERA over the current three-game winning streak, and his captain believes the right-hander deserves more All-Star attention.
“I’m a huge fan of Tyler Wells,” said Hyde. “I’m on the bandwagon trying to make an All-Star team. He’s had a great first half. He’s been really consistent for us. He gives us a chance to win almost every time and [has] Subtract large numbers. I’d like to see him have a chance to go.”
Adley Rutschman and Austin Hays provided solo shots for the Orioles offense. Hayes’ blast in the bottom of the eighth was a crucial insurance that allowed Felix Bautista some breathing room.
Another close quarters flamethrower scored four times for his 18th save.
“I’m no pitcher, but I can imagine having a two-round lead instead of a one-run lead, where one hit doesn’t really cost you the game at that point.” [is critical]Hayes said. “You can still be aggressive and attack the area. It was great to get him a little bit of insurance and a cushion there so he could be aggressive in the area.”
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