Taking a look at a losing streak, plus Cossins on Hyde

The Orioles' losing streak has reached five games, and they've earned it. They've gone from 12-8 (.600) to 12-13 (.480). They are still winning at a much greater percentage than the team that lost 108 games last year.

But during the losing streak, the Orioles have been outscored 33-17. In three of the last four games they have scored two runs or fewer. They've scored three runs in each of the last two games. The same group of players that was carrying the offense can't do it every night. And manager Brandon Hyde said after the game that some of those hitters may be pressing and asking too much of themselves since center fielder Austin Hays and shortstop José Iglesias went to the injured list.

Last night was yet another short outing from a starter, as right-hander Asher Wojciechowski gave up three runs on seven hits over 3 2/3 innings. In the last seven games, the rotation ERA is 7.04, and five times in that span the starting pitcher has thrown four innings or less.

That is just a bad stat for the club. The starters keep failing to cover enough innings. Yes, rosters and bullpens have expanded this year with 28 on the roster, but the Orioles need some starter innings.

Just as a comparison, Nathan Eovaldi, who began last night's game for Boston with a 5.93 ERA, has three quality starts on the year. Two have come against the Orioles, but that is one more quality start than the Baltimore staff has in 25 games.

Santander in the first: Not only is right fielder Anthony Santander carrying the O's offense and making great catches in the outfield, but he's got a first-inning streak with the bat that is very impressive.

His last seven first-inning plate appearances have gone this way: Solo homer, walk, solo homer, single, two-run homer, double and single. That is 6-for-6 with a double, three homers, four RBIs and a walk.

Yikes, that is something.

During his 15-game hitting streak, Santander is batting .355 (22-for-62) with seven doubles, a triple, seven homers and 18 RBIs. For Santander, 20 of his 30 hits on the year have gone for extra bases. He leads the club with eight multi-RBI games and has five such games in his last 12 outings.

Cossins on the O's: He is in his second year as the Orioles' major league staff coordinator/catching instructor. We're talking about Tim Cossins, a trusted lieutenant and close friend to O's manager Brandon Hyde. They have been friends since their teenage days. And they previously worked together with both the Marlins and Cubs.

In this entry yesterday, Cossins, via a Zoom interview, talked with reporters about some defensive progress the coaching staff has seen from the catchers. Pedro Severino and Chance Sisco have been getting the bulk of the time, with Bryan Holaday making two starts.

Cossins also provided his take on other topics. Yes, the team has endured a losing streak currently, but a few days ago they were playing .600 ball at 12-8. What has Cossins seen as improvement for the team since the 2019 season?

"I think it's a combination of guys coming in and performing and having some success," he said. "I don't feel a major difference in the vibe. The vibe is similar and that has stayed consistent. But guys are performing and just taking the next step in their development as major league players. Those things added, I think we're seeing the benefit of that. I think it's just the next step for everyone involved."

Cossins has seen Hyde manage a lot of games on the farm and now in his second year as a big league skipper.

"I've seen a lot of growth in terms of his ability to handle all the things that were coming at him for the first time last year," Cossins said. "I've seen a lot of different abilities to manage those things. In terms of managing the game, I've seen him manage games for a long time, albeit at the minor league level, and I've watched him throughout his career in the major leagues.

"So, it doesn't surprise me. What is unique and fun to see is his ability to have some performance that shows up maybe a little more consistently than last year. So, we can now see some of the moves paying off a little bit. I have seen some more comfort and more natural moves and things starting to line up a little bit."

Asked if Hyde is more comfortable making managing moves this year and/or is more comfortable with and knowledgeable of what specific players can do for the team, Cossins replied:

"I would say it's a little bit of both, a combination of both. Going through it the second time and having the prep time of the offseason to reflect back on what was last year kind of a whirlwind for everybody involved, he's never going to be unprepared. He is very reflective. He is going to always look back for things that we can all do better, and he did that all offseason. We were in a good spot coming into spring training and it was really starting to show up before we took off. In spring we were in a good spot there. And our ability to pick up where we left off in spring (in summer camp) is a testament to what and how he's doing things right now."