East Texas’ Grayson Rodriguez Shuts Down the San Diego Padres

For the past month, Grayson Rodriguez has been one of the most dominating pitchers in Major League Baseball. Over his past five starts, the Central Heights, Texas native has a magnificent 2.35 ERA over 30+ innings pitched. He has struck out 26 batters in those games while walking only 9.

Monday, August 14, Rodriguez turned in his best performance of his rookie season. He went 7 innings, the longest outing of his Major League career, allowing 1 run on 3 hits, while striking out 6 in his start against the San Diego Padres.

Grayson left the game with a 4-1 lead and despite some shaky moments from closer Felix Bautista, the Baltimore Orioles were able to hold onto the lead and give Rodriguez his third win of the year.

The rookie from Nacogdoches County displayed outstanding command on all of his pitches. Grayson was able to mix in pin-point sliders, curves, and change-ups along with an occasional 100 mph fastball.

Rodriguez has been matched against some of baseball's best pitchers over the past month and he has risen to the call. Monday night, Grayson battled veteran Yu Darvish who also went 7 innings. A 3-run double by Gunnar Henderson in the top of the 5th inning was the difference in the 4-1 final.

The Orioles improved to 74-45 on the year and now lead the American League East by 3.5 games over the Tampa Bay Rays. Baltimore continues to be on a roll as they have won 7 out of their last 10 games.

Rodriguez is scheduled to pitch again on Sunday, August 20 against the Oakland Athletics as the Orioles continue their West Coast swing. 

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