For struggling O's, Mancini remains dependable

August 17th, 2019

BOSTON -- Trey Mancini has been a constant for the Orioles this season, especially when they play on the road against the Red Sox.

The left fielder extended his hitting streak at Fenway Park to 10 games on Friday, dating back to May 19, 2018, in the Orioles’ 9-1 loss. Mancini tied the Astros’ Yuli Gurriel for the longest streak among active visiting players when he doubled off Rick Porcello in the third inning. The line drive off a 90 mph fastball traveled into right field at 105.2 mph, according to Statcast.

“I’ve always loved playing here, and it’s a great atmosphere,” Mancini said. “A lot of times I think when I’m going well, my approach is kind of right or right-center field, and it’s really spacious here.”

The last Orioles player to put together a 10-game hitting streak at Fenway was Ryan Flaherty (2013-15). Prior to that, Nick Markakis collected a hit in 14 consecutive games in Boston from 2010-11.

Mancini entered Friday's series opener batting .375 this season at Fenway Park, where the Orioles had played only four games all season in April. Over this career, he has hit safely in 20 out of 22 games at the ballpark. Mancini went 1-for-3 with an RBI in Friday’s win.

“I never try to think too much and try to do too much at the plate here,” Mancini said. “I just kind of want to spray the ball around and hit it where it’s pitched.”

Mancini has been causing problems at the plate for the Red Sox, like he’s done for other teams. Including Friday, he has connected for a hit in 13 of his 14 games against the defending World Series champions this season.

It’s all part of a standout fourth Major League season for Mancini. The 27-year-old is batting .275 and is one shy of reaching the 30-home run mark. He is tied for third-most among all players in homers since the All-Star Break (12), and has recorded an RBI in 31 out of 32 games since July 12. He leads the Orioles with 71 runs driven in this season.

“Trey’s been obviously a huge run producer all year,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “He’s having an All-Star type of year and hits the ball really hard. When he stays on the ball and goes the other way, he’s one of the better hitters.”

Mancini will have five more opportunities this year to extend his hitting streak at Fenway Park. The Orioles will play the two games remaining in this weekend series, and wrap up the regular season with a three-game series in Boston, Sept. 27-29.