The Latest Breaking News from Spenser Watkins

WASHINGTON — The start to the third inning Tuesday was one that could have spiraled on Dean Kremer.

ARLINGTON, Texas — The gas gauge on the Orioles’ bullpen was already closer to empty than full entering Monday’s game against the Texas Rangers.

BALTIMORE — In the aftermath of Félix Bautista’s heroics a day earlier, when the new Orioles closer worked a five-out save, manager Brandon Hyde admitted the bullpen is undergoing a feeling-out period. That’s what happens when All-Star Jorge López, the previous closer, is shipped off at the trade deadline, leaving…

BALTIMORE — The Orioles have largely avoided these sorts of games, which is why they’re playing meaningful baseball in the middle of August for the first time in years. But with anemic offense coupling with a bullpen that has cracked two days in a row, their playoff aspirations took another…

BALTIMORE — When Brandon Hyde whipped the hat off his head, it was almost as if he needed to let the steam out more easily. The Orioles manager had been standing on the top step of the dugout, waiting for a verdict on a play at the plate.

CHICAGO — Before all this winning suddenly became commonplace, the Orioles hadn’t shown an ability to string victories together. They hadn’t completed a sweep of an opponent through June, until that series against the Texas Rangers last week served as a launching pad to so much more.

BALTIMORE — The signs were littered throughout the series — from the walk-off wins to the dominant pitching display in the finale. Another checklist item was marked off Wednesday night, however, when the Orioles closed out a 2-1 win against the Texas Rangers at Camden Yards.

CHICAGO — Despite the long strings of losses the Orioles have endured during his managerial tenure, Brandon Hyde has often praised his team’s ability to metaphorically get hit, then hit back.

BALTIMORE — There couldn’t have been a more ideal place in the batting order for the Orioles to find themselves in. There were so few chances to be had, but Baltimore had the right players at the plate for both opportunities.