What they say about Mateo’s incident, Orioles’ inability to land decisive hits in 4-3 loss to Rays

BALTIMORE-What happened? The Orioles had 15 hits and left 13 runners on base in a tough 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday.

Second baseman Jorge Mateo was placed in concussion protocol after he was accidentally hit in the batting helmet while warming up for an at-bat in the fourth inning and Cedric Mullins struck him.

Cole Irvin started and allowed two runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings, but Dillon Tate allowed a two-run double that gave the Rays the lead and the win.

Tate was in the game because Yennier Cano, Cionel Pérez and Jacob Webb were unavailable because they had played as pitchers two days in a row.

Gunnar Henderson opened with his 19^th Home run, his sixth home run as the first batter. It hit on Eutaw Street. On Saturday, Anthony Santander’s home run was hit on Eutaw Street.

“We just had so many chances to score,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “We definitely didn’t have enough bullpen space today. Hopefully we can add to that.”

“We had 15 hits. Today we had no hits when we had runners in scoring position. Things like that happen. We had chances there. We had chances late … or to regain the lead and just didn’t get it done today.”

The Orioles won two of three games against the Rays and had won eight of their last nine games. They will play four games in Toronto and another four in Tampa Bay.

“It’s kind of weird for us to have so many hits and not put so many runs on the scoreboard,” Mullins said. “It was one of those days. The series was going well, we’re taking the momentum from Toronto and then we see Tampa at their place.”

How is Mateo? Mateo’s status for the trip to Toronto and Tampa Bay is uncertain as he is in concussion protocol

“We’ll just wait and see,” Hyde said. “Run some more tests and see how he feels tomorrow.”

Mullins had no idea what was happening.

“I was loosening up, looking at the pitcher, stretching in a circle, normal stuff,” Mullins said. “He was right behind me. I didn’t see him at all. I just saw him in the kitchen. He seems fine.”

What went wrong with Tate? Tate got the last two outs in the seventh inning, allowing a hit by Randy Arozarena between the two outs. In the eighth inning, Isaac Paredes and Amed Rosario hit singles and Jose Siri hit a two-run double. Siri attempted a bunt, but struck out on two strikes.

“I just wasn’t good at my job today,” Tate said. “If I do what I need to do out there, the outcome could end up being different if we get him to make a bunt.”

“I didn’t want to put Cano or Webb. Tate was really the right-hander that was available,” Hyde said.

“Everyone has a role to play, and when those guys aren’t available, it’s my job to step in,” Tate said.

How did Irvin pitch? The Orioles needed a long start and kept Irvin going into the seventh inning. He allowed one run in six innings, and after José Caballero opened the seventh inning with a home run and Alex Jackson flew out to center, Irvin was replaced by Tate.

“I executed when I needed to and limited the damage,” Irvin said. “They’re going to land their hits. They came out swinging early. We had to dodge a little bit.”

“Irvin did a good job,” Hyde said. “Again, lots of strikes, extremely good velocity distribution. He faced nine right-handers in the lineup and did a great job of coming out and delivering unpredictable and efficient innings. He did what he’s done for us this season. Lots of strikes, lots of early contact.”

What was good and what was bad about Mullins? Mullins jumped up and caught Jonny DeLuca’s hit to center, denying him a home run. It was the second time Mullins made a great catch when Irvin was pitching.

At the 15 th of April^th With Irvin on the mound, Mullins made a spectacular catch off Kyle Farmer’s pitch.

“Irvin has something on the mound that gives me the ability to make really good plays,” Mullins said. “I really found the wall there … took three hard steps, four hard steps toward the wall, came back and was able to time it right and make the play.”

“He’s just unbelievable no matter who’s on the mound, but that showed when I was out there,” Irvin said. “He’s unbelievable defensively. He’s going to get going soon. I know he is. It’s just unbelievable what he can do for us defensively and on the basepaths. It was a lot of fun to watch that game.”

Mullins has gone hitless in four at-bats and his average has dropped to .181. In his final at-bat in the seventh inning, he struck out and slammed his bat to the ground. Colton Cowser batted for him in the ninth inning and got the final out.

“I try to let my defense guide my at-bats,” Mullins said. “It’s really been a struggle. I’m working every day to get out of there.”

Hyde hopes Mullins gets going, but his offensive problems continue.

“I’m trying to get all these outfielders together,” Hyde said. “I’ve got to get guys going that have been here before … Ced saved a run with his defensive effort, but he had a rough day offensively.”

What does that mean? The Orioles may have to make a change to their roster for Mateo, and they could also make a move in the bullpen.

What is the word? “If I could choose a midfielder for every game, it would be him.” –Irvin on Mullins’ catch

What is the statistic of the day? 15. The last time the Orioles had 15 hits and three or fewer runs in a loss was June 20.^th2016. It was the eighth time in franchise history that this happened.

What’s going on in the minor leagues? Chayce McDermott (2-3) allowed one run on four hits, walked four and had seven strikeouts in five innings as Triple-A Norfolk defeated Gwinnett 3-1. Right fielder Heston Kjerstad made his 14th^th Home run, a two-run home run.

Kyle Brnovich (4-1) pitched six hitless innings in Double-A Bowie’s 6-3 win over Somerset. Brnovich had six strikeouts and a walk. Center fielder Dylan Beavers had two hits and an RBI.

Center fielder Scott Etzel scored three runs and left fielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. scored two as High-A Aberdeen defeated Hudson Valley 7-3.

Second baseman Angel Tejada scored six runs in Single-A Delmarva’s 13-12 loss to Carolina.

What’s next? The Orioles begin a four-game series in Toronto on Monday at 7:07 p.m. Grayson Rodriguez (5-2, 3.53) will face former Oriole Kevin Gausman (4-3, 4.14). Corbin Burnes is scheduled to pitch on Tuesday, but the Orioles have not yet announced their starters for Wednesday and Thursday.

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