Chris Davis Shines as Designated Pitcher

Photo Credit: Greg M. Cooper/USPW Photo

Little in Sunday's game between the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox went as expected. Poor starting pitching by both teams meant a bullpen-controlled game. Both bullpens got the job done. The problem was they both ran out of pitching. Beginning in the 16th inning, first baseman Chris Davis came in to pitch two innings for the Orioles, while outfielder Darnell McDonald came in the top of the 17th for the Red Sox. The game became the first major league baseball game since 1925 to have two position players come in and pitch.

Davis began the game as the Orioles' designated hitter. Today, hitting just wasn't his thing, as he went 0-8 from the plate with five strikeouts. When Davis was told he would be pitching, he was more than happy to oblige. After the game, he stated, "I was like 'Sweet! I get to try something different today -- because hitting ain't working.'" Making his major league pitching debut, Davis came out and struck out the first batter he faced. After the Orioles gained the lead in the top of the 17th, he got into a little bit of trouble having given up a single and a walk. However, he ended up striking out All-Star slugger Adrian Gonzalez and got McDonald to ground into a game-ending double play. Davis became the first position player to pick up a win as a pitcher, while striking out five times as a hitter. Clearly today Davis shined as a designated pitcher, rather than a hitter.

A side note from the game that is worth pointing out is that the Orioles just keep winning. Their methods may not be traditional, but they are getting the job done. The Orioles' record now stands at a major league-best 19-9. Impressive for a team that hoped merely to finish above .500. The youth movement and the entertaining managing work of Buck Showalter have taken Baltimore by storm. The Orioles are playing great baseball. Now, they just have to prove themselves over the course of a season.