Benches Clear in Boston

In tonight’s game, Boston jumped out to an early lead against the talented rookie Zach Britton. The rookie lefty gave up seven earned runs in only 2/3 innings of work. Britton’s ERA inflated from 3.47 to 4.05. It was a frustrating night for Britton to say the least. Frustration, however, was mounting in the Orioles clubhouse before the game took place.

The Orioles lost four straight games before tonight’s game against the Red Sox. Frustration finally manifested itself in the eighth inning of tonight’s game when Kevin Gregg threw inside on Ortiz. Gregg threw inside two more times. This ultimately resulted in Gregg and Ortiz exchanging punches. Ortiz and Gregg were both ejected in the inning.

The post-game interview by Gregg was ridiculous by all accounts. Gregg’s comments did nothing good for his team. The comments may have motivated a few of his teammates but overall it put a target on the backs on all of them. After all, tonight’s game was not the last game of the series as the Sox and Orioles play two more times this weekend.

Back to Gregg’s post-game comments.

“There’s 17 inches on the plate. You’ve got to use all 17. That’s what I was doing when I was out there. They’re going to whine and complain about it because they think they’re better than everybody else, but no, we have just as much right to pitch inside as they do.”
Kevin Gregg in a post-game interview commenting on the Red Sox

Gregg’s competitive spirit refused to be shown up tonight. That was obvious when he decided to intentionally pitch inside to Ortiz. It’s clear that Gregg is frustrated and his actions may have reflected what the Orioles felt as a whole, but why would you say something so idiotic in a post-game interview when you have two more games left in this series and several more games against the Red Sox before the end of the season? Do you really need to motivate the Red Sox?

The Sox lineup is an offensive force as they currently rank 1st in runs, 1st in batting average, and 1st slugging percentage. The last thing the Orioles want to give the Red Sox is a reason to play harder. Gregg, however, with diarrhea of the mouth may have given the Sox every reason to let loose on a struggling Oriole’s team.

Gregg’s words have already resonated within the Red Sox clubhouse. Both teams will most likely get warned before tomorrow’s game and it will most likely not matter.

Gregg probably won’t get hit by a member of the Red Sox. He may, however, get hit by one of his teammates when a Red Sox pitcher decides to throw at one of them.

Side Notes:
-I do not condone fighting but if you’re going to charge the mound Ortiz, please try to land a punch.

-Watching Kevin Gregg try to explain himself after the bench-clearing brawl was pathetic.

-Lackey, you’re up tomorrow. Nothing is more depressing than watching you pitch this season. You’ll probably be out of tomorrow’s game before the fourth inning. Instead of pitching batting practice, try to do something useful tomorrow.

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