"Just go out, play hard, be competitive": Zach Eflin speaks on historic form for Orioles following his 4th straight win
The Baltimore Orioles went from having an interest in Tarik Skubal to acquiring Zach Eflin as they approached this year's trade deadline. They might have hit the jackpot with Eflin's acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays. The pitcher has started his O's tenure with a bang, registering his fourth straight win on Thursday.
The 30-year-old right-handed hurler struck out eight hitters over six innings of one-run ball at Camden Yards against the Boston Red Sox, who ended up losing the game 5-1.
“I’m trying to go out and do my job every fifth day, stay in the game as long as I can,” Eflin said. “Those are things I’m focused on. I’m not necessarily focused on getting approval from everybody. Just go out, play hard, be competitive and see where it takes me.”
Zach Eflin has pitched 25.1 innings in his four starts (4-0), recording an ERA of 2.13 with 25 strikeouts.
To put the numbers in context, Eflin is only the second pitcher in O's history to start his tenure with four wins on a bounce. The only other pitcher in the club's history to have done so was Jack Harshman in ‘58 (three starts and one relief outing).
Moreover, his 2.13 ERA is the lowest among all Orioles pitchers (20 IP minimum) since Jason Hammel did in 2012 (1.73 ERA).
Cedric Mullins happy knowing they no longer have to face Zach Eflin
While turning up for the Tampa Bay Rays, Zach Eflin faced off several times against the Orioles. He has gone 3-2 in his five starts against the Orioles, holding a 3.00 ERA and 36 strikeouts.
Following Eflin's fourth straight win, Cedric Mullins praised the pitcher.
“He’s always been a competitor out there, even when he was with Tampa. He’s given us trouble in the past,” Mullins said. “It’s awesome to have him with us, doing his thing.”
Mullins contributed with a home run in Thursday's win.