Oliver Drake improves pitch efficiency and finds better results

Orioles reliever Oliver Drake has probably reached that point in his career where he is looking to show the major league staff that he can be more than an occasional call-up player from Triple-A Norfolk.

After two years of some back and forth between the minors and majors, Drake is having a strong September for the Orioles. And his manager Buck Showalter is noticing.

Drake got his first major league win last night, pitching a 1-2-3 top of the 12th on just eight pitches. Over his last four games, he has thrown 5 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run. Opponent batters are just 1-for-18 against him in that span.

Showalter has wanted Drake to get quicker outs and improve on his pitch efficiency. Last night was the latest example that he may be making strides there. He has had two recent two-inning outings where he needed just 24 pitches each time to get six outs. Then he rolled through the 12th last night and he was going to pitch the 13th had the game continued on.

Showalter said solid fastball command has been the biggest key for Drake in that regard, but not the only one.

"I tell you what, I've seen a little different split from him," Showalter said this afternoon. "There is a big difference between split (finger fastball) and forkball. And last couple of outings, his off-speed pitch has looked more split-like than fork-like. It's been later (with its movement), it's been harder. He's gotten my attention the last two or three outings. He's got a good look on his face. And he gives you a weapon against left-handed hitters.

"He has really worked hard, he and Dom (Chiti), with command of his fastball. That has helped some. He's done well, I'm proud of him."

Last night, Drake picked up that first big league win in his 25th major league game. He got a couple of baseballs and the lineup card as mementoes.

As for his improved pitch efficiency, he said simply he's gotten better without pointing to anything specific.

"It is just being consistent, outing-to-outing," Drake said. "Just being able to have a consistent feel for all my pitches and being able to attack the zone. Last night, I just looked to attack, get ahead and get our offense back out there. Yeah, definitely each outing been going out there and feeling good each time."

He said he's been getting a lot of help from the bullpen veterans.

"These guys are awesome. Every time you come up here they make you feel like you are part of the team and you know that they have your back and that they believe in you when you go out there," he said.

Drake is 1-0 with a 4.32 ERA in 12 games on the season. Over 16 2/3 innings, he has allowed just nine hits (for a .150 average against) with seven walks to 20 strikeouts.

He knows every time he pitches now has added significance. Not to just try and help the Orioles win to get into the playoffs, but to plant a seed to help his future role with the team.

"Every time you are up here you want to do well. You never know how it can help you out down the road. Right now I'm just excited to help the team win in a playoff race," Drake said.