Comedy of Orioles’ errors gifts Yankees much-needed sweep

The Baltimore Orioles committed made more errors than used pitchers in Thursday’s 10-5 loss to the New York Yankees. Think about that …

In what was the sixth straight victory for the Yankees, this one had it all. Fifteen total runs, 24 total hits, 21 strikeouts, seven walks, 19 runners left on base, and five errors. That last stat was all thanks to the Orioles.

Those five defensive gaffes paved the way for six Yankees’ runs, including the game-changing four-run bottom of the fifth. New York never relinquished the lead after that. And how about some history in the process?

The last time the Orioles committed five errors in a game against the Yankees? Almost a lifetime ago.

The Bombers have now won eight of their last nine games and this sweep of the O’s was a long time coming. Even though the Yankees definitely swept Baltimore somewhat recently, it feels like it’s been ages.

Now, New York will begin a road trip on Friday night with a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals, and couldn’t have put themselves in a better position.

The Orioles’ awful defense gifted the Yankees a win.

It’s especially funny to think about how this game nearly turned out, though. Bruce Zimmerman was dominating the Yankees through four, allowing just two hits and a walk. He was dropping in nasty changeups like it was his morning routine. Fans really felt as if New York wasn’t going to capitalize on its momentum by grabbing another sweep.

Unlike 2021, though, the Yankees cannot be given a second chance. Last year, fans watched plenty of botched opportunities across the board, but the offense isn’t letting anyone get away with anything thus far in 2022.

Locastro, by the way, forced two errors with his speed. What a valuable depth piece he’s been through the first three weeks.

As for the rest of the team, Jameson Taillon was unimpressive in his 4.2 innings of work, but ended up with the no-decision once the floodgates opened. Aaron Judge was the only player to homer, but four others (Josh Donaldson, Anthony Rizzo, Marwin Gonzalez and Giancarlo Stanton) recorded RBI. This is the wagon fans have envisioned all along.

This is what it should look like when this team plays inferior opponents. Testing the defense with contact hitting and aggressive baserunning. Getting hits when poor defense extends innings.

Normal Yankees Baseball. It’s good to have you back for the time being!

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