ANAHEIM, Calif. — After the Orioles' 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night, manager Buck Showalter evoked former Orioles skipper Earl Weaver, who was alwas a fan of the three-run homer.
“I was thinking Earl would be real happy about the scenario tonight,” Showalter said. “Good pitching, good defense and a guy hits a three-run homer. I was hoping it would hold up. I’d like to have another one.”
While rookie right-hander Miguel Gonzalez stole the spotlight with seven innings of one-run, three-hit ball, outfielder Steve Pearce provided all the Orioles' offense, hitting a three-run homer off left-handerC.J. Wilson.
It was Pearce’s second homer off Wilson this season. He’s 3-for-6 with two homers and four RBIs.
Pearce, who was signed by the Orioles on June 2 from the New York Yankees for cash considerations, has been an immediate contributor, especially with his ability to play both corner outfield spots. He’s also hitting .308 (8-for-26) against left-handed pitching.
But as Showalter said, with Nick Markakis and Endy Chavez both due back after next week’s All-Star break, the outfield will suddenly become more crowded, so Pearce has to show he belongs.
“He knows he has to,” Pearce said. “[Bench coach John Russell] had him in Pittsburgh and he had some big hits for us. He understands the competition of some of the post All-Star moves, and he wants to leave a good impression.”
