The Baltimore Orioles weren’t projected to be a factor in 1996. Coming off a 54–108 season and pegged for a 73–89 finish this year, expectations were modest. This is a franchise still chasing the high of its 1992 World Series title, a peak followed by years of decline and transition. Yet through the opening week of the season, Baltimore sits at 5–0 — an unexpected, undefeated start that’s turned heads across the United League.
Offense Struggling to Contribute
A closer look reveals this run has come in spite of the Orioles’ offense. Baltimore ranks no better than seventh in the league in nearly every major batting category:
- Batting Average: .228 (7th in UL)
- On-Base Percentage: .283 (10th)
- Slugging: .371 (7th)
- OPS: .655 (7th)
- Runs Scored: 18 (9th)
The team has managed just 38 hits, with only 10 going for extra bases. Seven home runs spread across the lineup suggest at least some power, but the lack of sustained on-base ability means runs have been hard to manufacture.
The Real Story: Baltimore’s Bullpen
The reason Baltimore is winning lies firmly on the pitching side — specifically, the bullpen. While the starters have been solid (3.56 ERA, 5th in UL), the relievers have been elite, posting a 0.51 ERA that ranks second in the league. Late in games, the Orioles have simply shut opponents down.
Overall, Baltimore has allowed just 13 runs in five games, the second-fewest in the UL. Opponents are hitting only .219 against them, with a .250 BABIP suggesting the results aren’t just luck. Even with a high walk total (22, 11th in UL), the staff has stranded baserunners and avoided big innings.
The Early Wins
Baltimore’s record speaks to how fine the margins have been:
- Game 1 vs Washington: 3–2 win
- Game 2 vs Washington: 3–2 win
- Game 3 vs Washington: 2–1 win
- Game 4 vs Los Angeles: 4–3 win
- Game 5 vs Los Angeles: 6–5 win
Five wins, none by more than two runs, all powered by late-game resilience.
Outlook
For a team projected to finish 16 games under .500, a 5–0 start is a welcome story. But the offensive profile remains weak, and relying on a bullpen to carry the load for 162 games is a fragile formula. The Orioles deserve credit for their hot start, yet in a division loaded with better-balanced clubs, this is more likely a fleeting April narrative than a prelude to October baseball.
Baltimore fans should enjoy it while it lasts — stories like this are the small victories that make long seasons worthwhile.