Drake dominates again for Keys

For Oliver Drake, the streak is over. But the wins continue to come.

The Orioles prospect struck out nine and ran his scoreless streak to 27 1/3 innings before allowing a run in the ninth Friday as the Frederick Keys beat the Potomac Nationals, 4-1.

Drake's stretch of dominance, which included two innings at Triple-A Norfolk, finally came to an end when Justin Bloxom hit an RBI single to right. He ended up walking two en route to his fourth consecutive win.

"I'm real happy. I was able to execute all my pitches and stick to my game plan," he said. "I've been trying to get ahead early with my sinker and pound the zone, try to get a lot of ground balls early in the count."

Drake (8-3) wrapped up the game, a U.S. Naval Academy product, began his scoreless streak on June 23 with the Tides before returning to the Carolina League, where he tossed a three-hit shutout against Wilmington on June 27. He came back with 8 1/3 frames on July 1 at Kinston.

"It's just one of those things where I'm trying to go out and get three up and three down, stick with what's been working," he said.

The 24-year-old right-hander spent two seasons at Navy. After the Orioles selected him in the 43rd round of the 2008 Draft, he opted to leave the academy and begin his Minor League career. Had he stayed at Annapolis, the Maryland native would have needed to fulfill a five-year military commitment.

Instead, he's worked his way up through the Orioles' farm system, thanks to a sharp two-seamer/sinker he developed earlier this year. He has 85 strikeouts and has become a steady ground-ball pitcher, allowing only two homers in 102 2/3 innings.

"I definitely have been feeling comfortable with everything going into the past few starts," he said. "I've had a good feel the last few games. I feel comfortable being able to attack hitters and use my game plan."

On Friday, it was more of the same.

Drake induced a dozen ground balls and took a no-hitter into the fourth until Bloxom singled. He limited the Nats to three more hits the rest of the evening.

Frederick scored three runs in the second, with top prospect Manny Machado hitting his second Class A Advanced home run and first since his Carolina League debut on June 23.

In the ninth, Destin Hood's one-out double put the streak in jeopardy. Bloxom followed with a single to right.

"I got the first guy out and I got the next guy to do what I wanted, but he put it right up the line and got the double," Drake said. "And the same on the next guy -- it was 2-2 and I threw a pitch I was happy with. He just pounded it through the hole on the first base side."

Sean Gleason retired the final two batters to earn his 24th save, tying the single-season team record.

After a brief taste of Triple-A, Drake said he's trying not to worry about when he might get a chance to climb the ladder.

"It's always be nice to think about, but that's not something I can control," he said. "I have to go out there and pitch my game and try to have success. When they feel I'm ready, they'll make the decision to move me up.

"Whenever I get the chance, it'll be a great experience, something you've always dreamed out about, pitching in the Majors."

Although he appeared in just one game for Norfolk, he said it was a learning experience, especially after a forgettable stint earlier in the year with Double-A Bowie.

"I noticed a few things with the hitters' approaches, they were more disciplined with their approach and you gotta be able to get ahead," he said. "I tried to stick with what's been working for me, but it's a real confidence-boost going up there."