Is Kremer Sad About Missing the Chance in the Final Game? One Thing He Regrets He Couldn’t Do for His Fans

When a starting pitcher takes the mound, expectations are always high. For the Baltimore Orioles, Dean Kremer has often been one of those steady hands—someone who could give the team consistent innings and keep the bullpen fresh. But baseball is a game of momentum, and just as quickly as a pitcher can find his groove, that rhythm can collapse under the weight of a bad inning.

Kremer’s most recent start against the San Francisco Giants was one such collapse. Instead of inspiring confidence, his outing left fans unsettled and even disappointed. Not because Orioles supporters have unreasonable expectations, but because the team had been showing flashes of brilliance in recent weeks. For a fan base that has endured its share of struggles, each start carries emotional weight. And this time, Kremer’s inability to hold the line became more than just another stat line—it became a missed opportunity to give his loyal supporters something to cheer about.

This article will dive into the details of that outing, why it was so damaging, what it means for Kremer’s season and the Orioles’ playoff hopes, and most importantly, why Kremer’s regret goes beyond the numbers on the scoreboard.

The Start That Sparked Concern

Early Struggles Define the Game

The CBS Sports and RotoWire recap painted the picture clearly: Kremer lasted only three innings, giving up seven runs on nine hits with two walks and just one strikeout. Most alarming was his inability to escape the first inning unscathed—for the second straight start, he surrendered four runs before many fans had even settled into their seats.

A pitcher’s first inning often sets the tone for the rest of the game. For Kremer, his early mistakes forced him into high pitch counts immediately, with 39 pitches thrown in that disastrous first inning. The Orioles were suddenly playing catch-up, and from that moment, the night tilted heavily in the Giants’ favor.

The Emotional Fallout

Orioles Postcast host Luke Slabaugh captured the feeling best in his opening line: “Oh boy.” That exasperation echoed what fans felt as they watched Kremer unravel. Ryan Mountcastle’s offensive heroics—driving in four runs—were quickly overshadowed by the team’s defensive miscues and Kremer’s rough start.

For Orioles fans, this wasn’t just another loss. It was the fifth straight defeat, part of a stretch where they had dropped eight of their last nine games. Momentum was gone, energy was sapped, and patience was being tested.

Kremer’s Season in Context

From Promise to Problems

At one point in mid-August, Kremer appeared to be turning a corner. His command looked sharp, and his ERA seemed to be stabilizing. Orioles fans were starting to believe he could anchor the middle of the rotation during a critical playoff push.

But baseball is unforgiving. In his last two outings combined, Kremer has allowed 14 runs (13 earned) in just eight innings. His ERA ballooned to 4.52, while his WHIP sits at 1.27 over 155.1 innings pitched. That’s not disastrous, but it’s a sharp reminder that consistency remains his biggest challenge.

The Numbers Behind the Struggles

• Record: 9–10

• ERA: 4.52 (up significantly after recent outings)

• WHIP: 1.27

• Strikeouts/Walks: 128:40 over 27 appearances (26 starts)

• Recent starts: 14 runs allowed in just two games

Numbers don’t tell the full story, but they do highlight troubling patterns. The repeated first-inning collapses suggest hitters are locking in on his early pitches. Whether that’s a matter of predictability, mechanics, or fatigue, the Orioles coaching staff will need to diagnose the problem quickly.

The Burden of Letting Fans Down

More Than Just a Bad Start

Pitchers often talk about regret after rough outings. They regret missing locations, falling behind in counts, or not trusting certain pitches. But in Kremer’s case, there’s a deeper layer: the regret of letting down his fans.

Baseball players know that fans don’t just pay for tickets—they invest emotionally in the team. Orioles supporters have endured rebuilds, losing streaks, and false starts. Now that the team is competitive again, every misstep feels magnified. Kremer’s poor performance didn’t just hurt the standings—it dampened the enthusiasm of a fan base desperate for hope.

The Psychology of Regret in Sports

Sports psychology suggests that athletes often carry two forms of regret: internal (missed execution, bad decisions) and external (feeling they failed others). For Kremer, both were likely at play. His inability to escape the first inning weighed heavily on him, but the sight of fans leaving the stadium early or venting on social media may sting even more.

Kremer’s situation underscores a truth about professional athletes: they’re not immune to disappointment, and many genuinely care about how their performance affects their supporters.

Fatigue, Pressure, and the Human Element

Physical Fatigue

With more than 155 innings pitched already this season, Kremer’s workload is no small factor. Pitchers often hit a wall late in the season, especially those not accustomed to carrying such heavy loads. The Orioles’ decision to move to a six-man rotation, reintroducing Tyler Wells, reflects an awareness of this issue. It’s both a safeguard for Kremer’s arm and a strategic attempt to give him breathing room.

Mental Stress

The mental toll may be even greater. Every start becomes a test of resilience, and two consecutive blowups can rattle confidence. Kremer now faces the challenge of rediscovering his rhythm while also silencing doubts—both his own and those of the fans.

Facing the Dodgers Next

Adding to the pressure, Kremer’s next scheduled start comes against the Los Angeles Dodgers—one of baseball’s most relentless offenses. It’s a test that could either spark redemption or deepen concerns. For Orioles fans, this matchup feels like a pivotal moment in Kremer’s season.

Orioles’ Larger Struggles

Defensive Breakdowns

Kremer’s poor outing was compounded by sloppy defense, including three errors in the seventh inning that turned the game into a rout. These lapses speak to a broader issue: the Orioles’ struggles aren’t limited to the mound. A shaky defense undermines pitchers’ confidence, creating a cycle of frustration that’s hard to break.

Bullpen Issues

The bullpen, once a strength, has also faltered. In high-scoring losses like the one against the Giants, relievers failed to stop the bleeding. For fans, it creates the perception that the entire pitching staff is unraveling at once.

Momentum Lost

The five-game losing streak and overall skid (eight losses in nine games) illustrate how fragile momentum can be. Baseball is a marathon, but when losses pile up quickly, doubt creeps in—not just among fans but in the clubhouse.

The Fan Connection

Why This Matters So Much

Fans may forgive a loss here and there, but they rarely forget the feeling of being let down during key moments. Kremer’s latest start mattered not only because of the stats but because of timing. The Orioles needed a stopper—a pitcher who could halt the losing streak. Instead, they got another blowout, leaving fans disheartened.

Kremer’s Accountability

Kremer hasn’t hidden from criticism in the past, and it’s likely he feels the sting as much as anyone. Pitchers often talk about “owing it to the fans” to give their best. While no one expects perfection, fans do expect effort, composure, and the ability to battle even when things go wrong.

Kremer’s regret, then, is not simply about ERA or win-loss records—it’s about missing a chance to rise to the occasion for those who have supported him all season.

What Comes Next?

Redemption Opportunity

Every pitcher faces crossroads. Kremer’s next start against the Dodgers offers a chance at redemption. If he can reset, limit damage in the first inning, and pitch deeper into the game, he may not only regain his own confidence but also re-energize Orioles fans.

Strategic Adjustments

Coaches will likely encourage him to mix pitches earlier, attack the strike zone with more conviction, and avoid predictable patterns. First-inning struggles often come down to approach as much as execution.

Long-Term Outlook

Whether or not Kremer rebounds immediately, the Orioles must decide how much trust to place in him during the season’s final stretch. If they are to remain playoff contenders, every start carries weight. Kremer’s ability to overcome adversity may well determine his future role in Baltimore’s rotation.

Conclusion: A Shared Regret, A Shared Hope

Dean Kremer’s latest outing was more than just a rough night on the mound—it was a reminder of how closely tied athletes are to the emotions of their fans. His regret isn’t just statistical; it’s deeply personal, rooted in the knowledge that he missed a chance to deliver when his supporters needed him most.

Yet regret also fuels determination. For Kremer, the next start becomes an opportunity to write a new narrative. For Orioles fans, it’s a chance to see resilience in action. Baseball is, after all, a game of second chances—a sport where failure is common, but redemption is always possible.

As Baltimore looks to steady its course, Kremer’s journey reflects the essence of the game: the struggle, the connection, the heartbreak, and the hope. In the end, his story isn’t just about one bad outing. It’s about the enduring bond between a pitcher and the fans who believe in him, even when the scoreboard doesn’t.