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Just when you think you have a handshake on the Orioles, they surprise you.
The O went to New York and the fans were expecting them to lose. They won two out of three to take the series.
They went to Toronto and the fans were expecting them to lose. They won two out of three to take the series.
They took a quick 3-0 lead over the Yankees in the home opener Thursday afternoon, ahead of 44,182 fans who thought the Orioles' recent magic would continue. They lost 8-4.
Given the current expectations for 2019, a record of 4-3 should nevertheless seem to be a monumental success for the Orioles. And according to the current lineup, it is unlikely that the team will remain above .500 for a long time. This does not mean that it's impossible, and that players certainly do not give up after a single defeat.
"I'm always confident, I always feel good," said Mike Wright, who left the three-run circuit to give the Yankees an undeniable lead. "I'm excited about this team, really excited to move on."
Even though players understand that this is only a match out of 162, obviously there is extra energy from Opening Day.
Nothing like the first game at home, especially in a city that loves baseball. Every shot of baseball rings true in this first game. It can therefore be frustrating for the home team to lose, especially against fierce rivals. The victories of Baltimore on the road leading to the excitement of the first 3-0 lead in the first set seemed ultimately to be a tease.
The O themselves certainly do not adhere to their own hype after a quick start. Four victories do not mean much in the grand scheme of things. But that does not take away the pleasure of the first week of the season, nor the stubborn belief of the team itself.
It does not take away from how exhausting the first week was, even with an impressive record.
"We need it," Brandon Hyde, director, said immediately about Friday's day off. "We need it. It's a difficult week. Our guys launched a ton of very stressful sleeves. Tomorrow is very necessary. "
Alex Cobb, who launched 5.2 impressive runs in his 2019 debut, enjoyed the crowd at the game.
"It was fun," Cobb said afterwards. "You really cherish every time you can participate in a great league match and there is that kind of atmosphere."
The pitcher was not shy about the team's ultimate goal this season, even though it seemed unreachable for the fans.
"Our goal is obviously to get that kind of playoff atmosphere," said Cobb. "And in September, when you're aiming for that playoff spot … it was a lot of fun. I liked it, the crowd was great. They applauded us a lot and I wish I could give them a win to go home to. "
Hyde also shared his experience in his first match in Baltimore.
"Much longer than it seems," Hyde mocked as he described what it was like to run for the first time on the legendary orange carpet. "Especially if you give five to your teammates and your coaches. But no, it was really very special.
The manager continued to congratulate the fans present.
"The reaction of the crowd has been phenomenal," Hyde said. "That was all I hoped for. It was a great energy in the stadium today. Loved I loved the way the fans came out and were noisy. I just thought the environment was great today.
Hyde received the strongest applause in the pre-game introductions, a surprise given that he is a beginner coach in his first home game. This is a testament to how quickly the fanbase embraced him, as well as the rest of the new diet in Baltimore.
The only thing that went wrong today for the Orioles is the game itself. Of course, when the Orioles lost a match similar to last week, they turned around to win four straight wins.
It's important to remember that in the first game of the first series of the season Luke Voit scored a 3-point homer in a big Yankees victory.
The Orioles still won the series. Do not give up hope for now.
– NBC Sports Orioles (@NBCSOrioles) April 4, 2019
Wright and the team see in this defeat the same kind of opportunity.
"You want to take it the same way you did that first show in New York," Wright, Thursday's losing pitcher, told members of the media. "Lose first, take the next two."
It is a message of confidence and, more importantly, resistance from the Orioles throughout the season. It stems from Hyde's leadership and clearly resonates with the players.
Will that lead to more victories? May be. It's hard to say after just seven games and the team has not lost a set yet. But it is obvious that the Orioles do not intend to lower themselves easily.
For them, this week was the first in a long series in which they plan to surprise others. And enjoy doing it.
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