Rustanger

Vladdy, the 3-1 and 3-2 pitches were balls. It should be first and second one out.

I understand JS's strategy. Have Varland face the Orioles 2, 3 and 4 batters and have Hoffman not have to face them. However, that's an all or nothing strategy. I would rather Hoffman implode in the 8th and have Varland ready to bail him out then Seabold. JS could have gone to Varland sooner once Hoffman's familiar walk, hits, HBP started happening. If Varland followed Hoffman there would have been a quicker hook.

No lead is safe with Hoffman. He should have pitched the 7th and then you at least have Roger's or Varland to bail him out. Pathetic. Yes, Varland faced the best Orioles hitters, but what does it matter if Hoffman can't get the other Orioles hitters out. Overthinking by JS.

I mean if Springer doesn't swing at ball 4 three times and walks to load the bases with one out, and Vladdy hits a grounder like he did, game over anyway. Maybe Vladdy changes his approach with one out versus two. Who knows?

I don't know if the outcome would have been any different with Springer walking, loading the bases if Vladdy keeps hitting the ball on the ground. It would have been a double play instead of the third out. We will never know.

When is the last time Hoffman had a 3 up 3 down inning? Anyone, anyone...