David Hess, Orioles Off to Unlikely Hot Start in 2019

On Monday night, Orioles starting pitcher David Hess threw an absolute gem against Toronto to propel Baltimore to another victory. Hess, who pitched two scoreless innings of relief on Opening Day, had a no-hitter going against the Blue Jays through 6.1 innings before turning the game over to the bullpen. In just 82 pitches, Hess struck out eight batters and eventually picked up the win, though Baltimore’s pen blew the no-hit bid en route to a 6-5 victory.

Hess, in 8.1 scoreless innings so far this year, has allowed just one hit (.040 BAA) while striking out 10 batters.

With the win over Toronto and an impressive opening series in the Bronx, the Orioles are 3-1 to start the season. They’ve played very well in a few specific areas, including on defense, where no position player has made an error yet. The only error for the Orioles so far has come from relief pitcher Mychal Givens.

On offense, the heart of the batting order is carrying the load; outfielder and No. 4 hitter Trey Mancini continues to put on a show with a .500 BA (8-for-16) and a team-high two home runs, while No. 2 hitter Dwight Smith Jr. and No. 3 hitter Jonathan Villar are also doing their parts. Smith Jr., acquired via trade in early March, is 6-for-16 thus far and Villar is 5-for-16 in four games.

All three hitters have an OPS above .800 (Mancini, 1.408; Smith Jr., .849; Villar, .804).

Baltimore will continue their road trip on Tuesday and Wednesday with games in Toronto before opening up Camden Yards on Thursday, April 4th against the New York Yankees.