BALTIMORE -- Historically, José Berríos has dominated the Orioles. He’s won six of eight career starts against Baltimore, earning a no-decision in the other two, including Monday’s 3-2 win in 10 innings at Camden Yards.
“He was magnificent,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “I told him that. He threw the ball to the best of his ability. He had it all working. He got quick outs. He got swings and misses. He got everything he needed to do. He was putting the ball where he wanted to. He had really the full mastery of all of his pitches today. He was fantastic.”
When Berríos’ outing was over in the top of the ninth inning, after allowing a single to Trey Mancini, the skipper joked that the right-hander must like playing at Oriole Park, given all of his past and current success.
After allowing a leadoff double to center fielder Cedric Mullins, the Twins' starter held the Orioles to one hit until the fifth inning. Berríos gave up his seventh homer of the season, however it was the only run he allowed on just five hits over his eight-plus innings.
Berríos’ eight-plus innings pitched is the most for any Minnesota starter this season -- surpassing the 7 1/3 by J.A. Happ on April 23. This start marks the third of Berríos' career where he allowed one or fewer runs over eight-plus innings (June 17, 2019).
When pitching with such dominance, it is easy to tip your cap in admiration, which is exactly what Orioles starter Jorge López did, calling Berríos' performance fun to watch.
“He is one of my inspirations -- being from Puerto Rico, knowing how hard-working he is,” López said of the Twins’ starter. “It’s an honor every time he steps on the mound, and to watch what he’s been doing. I’ve followed him every step of the way. He’s fun to watch as a pitcher, and it’s a blessing to be there and see his mound presence, everything, from bottom to top.”
Berríos' effective curveball usage enabled him to record 10 one- or two-pitch at-bats. He tossed his curveball for 40 of his 101 pitches on Monday -- recording 13 whiffs and called strikes.
“I like to strike out the guy, but when we get a one-or two-pitch out, I love that,” said Berríos. “[The Orioles] are still doing that, still aggressive, but we see it as quality pitching. That's why they don't get too many hits. So you know, we took it. We took a day like that.”
“We were out there watching the game and we were like, 'Well, we’re obviously here to win the game and talk strategy and all that, but the way he’s throwing the ball' -- [the staff] and I were talking about this and saying, 'You know, you’ve just got to let him go,'” said Baldelli. “You’ve got to let him pitch today and see where he can bring us. And he brought us to a great spot.”
Minnesota's offense started strong, but it was unable to connect with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-9. With the game tied at 1-1, the series opener headed for extra innings, the 10th time this season for the Twins. The offense came alive again in the top of the 10th, when Rob Refsnyder scored from third on a wild pitch and Jorge Polanco smacked his first career extra-innings home run.
The homer ensured the Twins would continue their 16-game winning streak against the Orioles, dating back to March 31, 2018.