Ravens Watch

Friday Replay: Buck Showalter Attempts “The Handshake”

And other top news from Baltimore sports this week.

Buck Showalter did his version of the Orioles handshake and it was…
Well, just watch.

Can’t blame the guy for being a little giddy. The Os skipper had just beaten the Dodgers in an epic 14-inning battle of wits. In the bottom of the 14th, he intentionally walked the bases loaded, knowing the Dodgers had no reserves left, forcing them to bring their pitcher to the plate with two outs. Predictably, reliever Chris Hatcher dribbled a weak one back to the mound and the Orioles won the game. Who says the American League can’t beat the National League at its own game?

O’s send five players to next Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
MVP-candidate Manny Machado is starting at third base. Catcher Matt Wieters and new acquisition Mark Trumbo (he of the 26 home runs—there’s a reason they call him Trum-bomb) are reserves. Ace closer Zach Britton is in the bullpen along with set-up man Brad Brach, which is something of a surprise—it’s rare for non starters and non-closers to make the All-Star team, although Darren O’Day did it last season. Just proves how great the Orioles bullpen truly is—and that the league has taken notice.

Michael Phelps bringing home more gold?
According to a computer-generated predictor, Michael Phelps and Jordan Spieth will lead the medal count for the United States. Works for us.

O’s pay tribute to the ’66 World Series champs.
Fifty years later, 16 members of the championship team—including Jim Palmer, Brooks Robinson, and Boog Powell—will take part in an on-field ceremony prior to tonight’s game. Bring your hats, gloves, and hankies—it’s sure to get emotional.