Orioles' Davis appreciates fan support while working through historic skid

Amid a historic slump, Chris Davis says he's trusting the process in his quest for a hit.

"I feel like I'm seeing the ball a lot better," Davis told ESPN following Thursday's loss to the Oakland Athletics. "I mean, I lined out again and drew a walk a little bit later. Just continue to work."

The former All-Star and Silver Slugger has gone hitless in his first 32 at-bats of the 2019 campaign, extending a record-breaking 0-for-53 skid that dates back to Sept. 14 of last season.

However, the 33-year-old did put two balls in play during Thursday's game, one being a 105.1-mph lineout in the second inning and the other being a 97.2-mph groundout in the fourth. Similar batted balls have a 65 and 39 percent hit probability, respectively, according to Baseball Savant.

All the while, fans at Oriole Park at Camden Yards have, for the most part, been applauding their struggling first baseman.

"It's awesome," Davis said of the fan support. "I mean, I appreciate it so much. Really the last few nights, just the encouraging yells, shouts throughout the game. I know they're behind me. I know the people that boo aren't the majority, and I really appreciate the fans showing up and backing me."

The Orioles are surely hoping Davis will find his swing in short order, as the veteran has just begun the fourth season of his seven-year, $161-million contract and is still owed more than $90 million.

While Baltimore opened the season with back-to-back series victories against the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, the club is currently 1-7 in its last eight games and on a three-game losing streak.