Orioles third baseman Manny Machado hit two homers and stole two bases today in the O's 6-4 win over Toronto. The stolen bases were his 19th and 20th on the year and he became the fifth Oriole to have 20 homers and steals, and the second to eclipse 30 homers and 20 steals.
"It's an honor," Machado said. "Something I've worked hard for. First off I want to thank my coaches. (Wayne) Kirby, Bobby D. (Dickerson), Cooley (Scott Coolbaugh), J.R. (John Russell) and Buck (Showalter). They've helped me through the process.
"Kirby with baserunning. Bobby with defense and Einar (Diaz) and Cooley with my hitting. I have to give props to them for keeping me going every day. Getting me to realize what routine works for me. Want to thank them for making it possible, and it's an honor to put myself in that position."
Machado stole second and third today in the fourth to get to 20 steals.
"I was trying to get it over with. Not to worry about it. Just put myself in a good scoring position," he said.
Other Orioles to go 20/20 were Paul Blair in 1969, Don Baylor in 1975, Reggie Jackson in 1976, and Brady Anderson in 1992, 1996 and 1999. Machado joins Anderson in the 30/20 club, who had 50 homers and 21 steals in 1996.
Adding speed and the stolen bases just makes the Orioles' budding superstar third baseman an even more complete player.
"That was my mindset throughout the whole year and coming into spring. I wanted to come out here and show what I can do. Went out there and did everything they ask for - play every day and bring everything to this team to try and win. I've worked hard with the coaches and trainers to put myself in that situation," Machado said.
On a day with a very sparse crowd, Machado threw some props to the O's fans who did make it to Camden Yards and waited out the 3 hour, 25 minute delay.
"The people that were there were rooting for us and giving their all, I want to thank them on behalf of the Orioles and everyone in this clubhouse for staying out there and helping us win this game today," he said.
Meanwhile O's second baseman Jonathan Schoop provided an update on his right hand. He was hit by a pitch in the first inning, suffered a contusion and had to come out of the game.
"It's pretty stiff right now. We'll ice it and take treatment. I'll come in tomorrow early and see where we're at. If the swelling goes down a little bit and I'll get some ice treatments. Depends how I feel. Hope it doesn't get worse tomorrow," Schoop said about playing Friday.
Schoop had an X-ray and said that showed no structural issue with the hand.
"They did (take an X-ray) and everything came out negative," he said.
Right-hander Tyler Wilson made the start today, pitched a scoreless first on 23 pitches but then did not return after the long delay.
"Definitely a strange day," he said. "Moved the time up to noon to see if we could get it in without interruption. Rain is not a fun factor. I was disappointed I could not continue, but our bullpen did an unbelievable job."
As the delay went on, Wilson was trying to do all he could to stay in the game.
"Initially about every 15 to 20 minutes, we were throwing simulated innings in the visiting batting cage. I think about two hours in was when we decided it had been too long and we didn't want to go any farther, especially given the conditions," he said.
Wilson said he hoped to be available to pitch this weekend since he went just one inning today.
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