Orioles starting pitcher prospect Kevin Gausman, who walked one batter in his first six starts, walked a season-high three batters amid rainy conditions Saturday for Double-A Bowie. Gausman allowed just one run on three hits, while striking out seven in 4 2/3 innings.
"For the conditions I felt pretty good," Gausman said. "I had a good grip on the ball and I never like to make excuses. I was kind of just jerking some pitches. I didn't throw very many changeups at all tonight. I was mostly throwing my slider as my secondary pitch. Early in the game I threw a few changeups and I didn't really have the feel I usually have for it so I went more to the slider. I was feeling really comfortable with it. That is huge for me in my development and I'm excited about that part of it."
Gausman is 1-4 with a 3.35 ERA and .255 opponents' batting average through seven starts. He has 39 strikeouts and three home runs allowed in 40 1/3 innings. Gausman is trying to stay focused in anticipation of a potential call-up in 2013.
"That is something they've been known to do (call-up pitchers from the minors)," he said. "It's exciting for every starter and really every pitcher in the organization. You feel like you have a chance. If you pitch well, you will move up. I think there is more incentive when you feel like you have a chance. That makes you want to pitch better. If you pitch well, people will take notice."