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While other contenders clamor for closers, Orioles have Zach Britton
- Updated: July 26, 2016
1:12 AM ET
BALTIMORE — On the same day the Cubs sold the farm to reel in Aroldis Chapman, the Baltimore Orioles sat back and relaxed as Zach Britton went out there and did his job. Again.
Actually, if we’re being nitpicky, Britton didn’t necessarily do his job. He didn’t close the game. He didn’t get the save. He didn’t even get the win. But pitching in the top of the ninth inning of a tie game at home, which is unofficially part of the closer’s gig, he did retire Nolan Arenado, Carlos Gonzalez and Trevor Story in order. Perhaps you’ve heard of them.
In the process of mowing down Colorado’s murderer’s row, he a) gave the first-place Orioles a chance to win, which they ultimately did 3-2 in the 10th inning for their fifth straight W, b) made it look easy, and c) reminded O’s fans how lucky they are that, although their team does have its shortcomings (hint: rhymes with schmarting schmotation), the bullpen certainly isn’t one of them.
Working for the fifth time in six days, Britton needed just 10 pitches to arrest the heart of the Rockies’ lineup. He got Arenado on a weak chopper to third, then fanned Gonzalez and Story back-to-back. Given how hot Colorado’s big three have been lately — they entered the ninth inning on Monday hitting a combined .346 since the …
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