Bundy better, but he’s bested
Righty rebounds from worst
2017 start, is hard-luck loser
The most important admirers that Dylan Bundy has won over are the fielders behind him, who know from his strong start to the season that the budding Orioles right-hander will work quickly, throw strikes and allow them to make plays behind him.
A big part of the 24-year-old’s evolution this season has been the former fireballer’s tactical way of pitching. When he’s nearing trouble, he’s found a way to get out of it, and he’s done that by not being afraid of drawing contact.
And going against one of the game’s top pitchers this season on Tuesday night in Minnesota Twins right-hander Ervin Santana, Bundy knew he’d have to limit the damage.
He did his part in the Orioles’ 2-0 loss at Camden Yards, and while Santana was better, throwing a 105-pitch two-hitter and sending the Orioles to their ninth loss in the past 12 contests, the game offered another glimpse of how much Bundy has grown.
First, he was able to rebound from his worst start of the season Thursday in Detroit, recording his ninth quality start in 10 outings this year while offering a gritty performance in which he went seven strong innings — matching his longest start of the season — while holding a dangerous lineup to two runs on six hits.
“The way he’s been throwing the ball, you expect him to get out of [trouble],” shortstop J.J. Hardy said. “He’s been throwing the ball really well. He’s been working quick and hitters aren’t taking a whole lot of good swings, so it’s really nice to play behind. The fact that they’re not taking good swings, so when they put the ball in play it’s kind of weak.”
Leaning on fastballs, sliders and curveballs, Bundy struck out seven, four on his slider.
He induced eight swinging strikes with that pitch. But he also was effective drawing strikes with his fastball and curve, with each of those resulting in nine called strikes.
Despite laboring through a 20-pitch second inning and a 26-pitch fifth, Bundy still managed to go seven innings for the fourth time this season.
“Dylan was really good,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “There’s a certain rhythm to the defense when you’re pitching like that.”
In the second inning, Bundy benefited from two nice plays from Welington Castillo, who made a sliding catch on Brian Dozier’s pop-up bunt behind the plate, then threw out speedster Byron Buxton attempting to steal second base.
“I try to get them to hit it to our guys so they can get us outs, I guess,” Bundy said. “I think luck plays a big part of it.”
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