Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo recently skipped over Rodrigo Lopez in his pitching rotation.
When Lopez returned from a longer-than-usual break Friday to once again start against the Washington Nationals, he delivered a workman-like performance. The right-hander threw seven strong innings, allowing seven hits and one run in a 2-1 win before 48,331 fans at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
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“Every once in a while, I mean, it?s good to freshen up somebody. To give them an extra day or two,” Perlozzo said of resting Lopez.
It paid off brilliantly as the Orioles got their third consecutive standout performance from a starter.
“We?ve gone a little bit longer with our starters the last couple of days. As long as things are going well and they earned the right to stay in here, we?ll see how it goes,” Perlozzo said.
Lopez got just enough run support in the game, with RBIs from Melvin Mora and Corey Patterson.
Nationals starter John Patterson pitched for the first time since April 21, after going on the DL with a right forearm strain. The pitcher was solid, giving up two runs and six hits in six innings.
Javy Lopez started at catcher in place of Ramon Hernandez, just as he has for Rodrigo Lopez?s recent outings.
Perlozzo said he expects Hernandez back behind the plate Saturday.
Hernandez broke out of a 0-for-23 slump Thursday with two home runs. Hernandez, who has caught for most of the season, served as the team?s designated hitter.
“I?ve just got to get my mind set, get ready to play the game,” Hernandez said. “I can?t think about it. I can?t make excuses.”
The series was the first in Baltimore between the two clubs since the Nationals moved from Montreal to Washington last season. Washington took the first three-game series when it hosted the Orioles in May, winning the final two games at RFK Stadium.
Friday?s game harkened back to the jam-packed, glory days of Camden Yards. While there was not a vocal bickering back and forth between the two fan bases of Washington and Baltimore, there was a vibrant energy in the sellout crowd.
“It?s a good atmosphere. We need a full house,” Perlozzo said.
The game also marked the first time Orioles Hall of Famer Frank Robinson brought his team to town. During the middle of the third inning, the Orioles played a video montage of Robinson?s career with the Birds on the stadium?s big screen. Fans at Camden Yards stood and applauded the 70-year-old legend.
Robinson stepped out of the dugout briefly and tipped his cap to the town he once ruled.
Rookie Adam Loewen will take the mound for the Orioles Saturday, hoping to get his first win of the season. Perlozzo issued his conditional support for Loewen, saying he needed to show consistency.
“He?s got good enough stuff to pitch in the big leagues and win I think,” Perlozzo said. “How much he still needs to improve, that?s the problem.”
