The O's tied a season-high with five homers on Wednesday night, beating the Oakland A's 9-6 at Camden Yards.
(It's hard to believe, but the Birds hit five homers against the Red Sox on May 1st...)
Just like the previous wins over the past week, it wasn't easy...the Orioles had to come from behind yet again...
The O's went up 3-0 thanks to Adam Jones. Jones blasted a two-run shot in the second inning and followed that with an RBI double in the third.
The Birds played sloppy defense in the fourth...two errors in the inning helped the A's put up six runs and take a commanding 6-3 lead.
The bullpen was spectacular yet again, shutting down Oakland for the rest of the game (five relievers through four innings surrendered just two hits, one walk and no runs), and the offense sprung to life to give the O's yet another come-from-behind victory.
Jones, Ty Wigginton and Miguel Tejada all smacked two-run blasts, while Corey Patterson and Luke Scott each had solo shots. After Wigginton tied the game, Scott went deep to give the Birds a 7-6 lead in the seventh inning that they would never relinquish...
The bad news: Scott injured his hamstring rounding first base (not thinking the ball was gone, Scott hustled around first), and will probably be out until after the All-Star Break...
The O's finish the homestand Thursday night...Jake Arrieta takes the mound...let's see if the Birds can take two straight series! Go O's!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
O's Win Streak Comes to an End
You can't win them all, right?
The O's snapped a season-high four-game win streak on Tuesday night, falling 4-2 to the visiting Oakland A's.
Brian Matusz had yet another quality start, but was saddled with the loss. After starting the season with two straight wins, Matusz has lost nine straight, though he has pitched far better than his record shows.
The Birds went down early but were in the game until the end. Koji Uehara came on to pitch the ninth inning with the O's trailing 3-2, and allowed Oakland to push another run across the plate.
The Orioles were held to just five hits, but at least the power swings are still there...four of the five hits were doubles. The team showed patience at the plate as well, drawing seven walks, but was unable to get that big hit when it counted...the O's went just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base.
As I stated before, the day off on Monday may have been a bad thing for the team...normally the Birds need to rest up, but the momentum was all theirs and it would have been nice to see them extend the winning streak to five.
Still, Wednesday is another day...the O's send Kevin Millwood to the mound, looking for his third straight victory.
The O's snapped a season-high four-game win streak on Tuesday night, falling 4-2 to the visiting Oakland A's.
Brian Matusz had yet another quality start, but was saddled with the loss. After starting the season with two straight wins, Matusz has lost nine straight, though he has pitched far better than his record shows.
The Birds went down early but were in the game until the end. Koji Uehara came on to pitch the ninth inning with the O's trailing 3-2, and allowed Oakland to push another run across the plate.
The Orioles were held to just five hits, but at least the power swings are still there...four of the five hits were doubles. The team showed patience at the plate as well, drawing seven walks, but was unable to get that big hit when it counted...the O's went just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base.
As I stated before, the day off on Monday may have been a bad thing for the team...normally the Birds need to rest up, but the momentum was all theirs and it would have been nice to see them extend the winning streak to five.
Still, Wednesday is another day...the O's send Kevin Millwood to the mound, looking for his third straight victory.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Orioles Magic is Officially Back in Baltimore...
Dare I say it?
After the Birds won their fourth straight game on Sunday afternoon, sweeping the Nationals with a 4-3, come-from-behind victory, I feel pretty confident that the magic is back. At least for now...
Honestly...who in their right mind could have predicted this? The Birds hadn't won four straight games all season. The winning streak includes one lopsided victory (Thursday night's 11-4 thrashing of the Florida Marlins) but each contest against Washington was decided by one run.
And the Orioles trailed in each and every game...in order: down 3-0, down 6-0, down 5-0 and then down 3-0 again on Sunday. But the O's played as a team...the starters were not spectacular but never let the game get TOO out of hand, the bullpen was magnificent and the offense stepped-up and started scoring runs.
Let's just say I've been in a better mood this week than I have been all season.
Sadly, the Orioles have Monday off. This is the first time all season I have been upset that the team was not playing the next day...it's usually been a time for them to rest, lick their wounds and try to forget about the previous series.
Not this week...hopefully the O's can keep the momentum going...Brian Matusz leads the Birds against the visiting Oakland A's Tuesday night. Go O's!
After the Birds won their fourth straight game on Sunday afternoon, sweeping the Nationals with a 4-3, come-from-behind victory, I feel pretty confident that the magic is back. At least for now...
Honestly...who in their right mind could have predicted this? The Birds hadn't won four straight games all season. The winning streak includes one lopsided victory (Thursday night's 11-4 thrashing of the Florida Marlins) but each contest against Washington was decided by one run.
And the Orioles trailed in each and every game...in order: down 3-0, down 6-0, down 5-0 and then down 3-0 again on Sunday. But the O's played as a team...the starters were not spectacular but never let the game get TOO out of hand, the bullpen was magnificent and the offense stepped-up and started scoring runs.
Let's just say I've been in a better mood this week than I have been all season.
Sadly, the Orioles have Monday off. This is the first time all season I have been upset that the team was not playing the next day...it's usually been a time for them to rest, lick their wounds and try to forget about the previous series.
Not this week...hopefully the O's can keep the momentum going...Brian Matusz leads the Birds against the visiting Oakland A's Tuesday night. Go O's!
Birds Battle Back, Win Third Straight
The O's rallied from a five-run deficit to defeat the Washington Nationals 6-5 on Saturday night.
You read that right...
A day after rallying from six runs down to win by a run, the Birds pulled off another improbable comeback to win their third straight game.
I don't want to get too crazy, but this looks like an entirely different team over the last few games. Throughout this entire miserable season, if the O's went down early they typically stayed down. I know this is the Nationals, not the Yankees, but the comebacks have been amazing to watch.
The offense has come to life, and the players are getting hits when it counts. The Birds are finally hitting for some power as well. For the most part, even the calls have been going the O's way...
The starting pitching has been lacking, but the bullpen has been absolutely incredible as of late. Four relievers combined to allow just two base-runners (one hit, one walk) through the final five frames on Saturday...
The Birds wrap up Interleague play against the Nats on Sunday afternoon. Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound as the O's attempt to sweep the Nationals back to D.C. and win four straight for the first time all season...Go O's!
You read that right...
A day after rallying from six runs down to win by a run, the Birds pulled off another improbable comeback to win their third straight game.
I don't want to get too crazy, but this looks like an entirely different team over the last few games. Throughout this entire miserable season, if the O's went down early they typically stayed down. I know this is the Nationals, not the Yankees, but the comebacks have been amazing to watch.
The offense has come to life, and the players are getting hits when it counts. The Birds are finally hitting for some power as well. For the most part, even the calls have been going the O's way...
The starting pitching has been lacking, but the bullpen has been absolutely incredible as of late. Four relievers combined to allow just two base-runners (one hit, one walk) through the final five frames on Saturday...
The Birds wrap up Interleague play against the Nats on Sunday afternoon. Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound as the O's attempt to sweep the Nationals back to D.C. and win four straight for the first time all season...Go O's!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Back-to-Back Wins? O' Yeah!
The Birds came from behind to beat the Washington Nationals 7-6 on Friday night at Camden Yards. It was the first time that the O's posted consecutive victories since mid-May.
The Orioles were down 6-0 in the fourth inning, but battled back to tie the game in the eighth and walk off with a victory in the ninth. It was the biggest comeback for the O's this season...
Jake Arrieta got hit hard early on, but the bullpen combined for 4 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, allowing the offense to slowly creep back into the game.
Best managerial call of the game: Juan Samuel took slumping Garrett Atkins out in the eighth inning...Atkins was 0-for-3 and had grounded into a double-play with the bases loaded in the second inning. Pinch-hitter Scott Moore launched a two-run blast that put the O's within a run.
The Birds look to make it three straight Saturday afternoon...Brad Bergesen is expected to make the start. Go O's!
The Orioles were down 6-0 in the fourth inning, but battled back to tie the game in the eighth and walk off with a victory in the ninth. It was the biggest comeback for the O's this season...
Jake Arrieta got hit hard early on, but the bullpen combined for 4 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, allowing the offense to slowly creep back into the game.
Best managerial call of the game: Juan Samuel took slumping Garrett Atkins out in the eighth inning...Atkins was 0-for-3 and had grounded into a double-play with the bases loaded in the second inning. Pinch-hitter Scott Moore launched a two-run blast that put the O's within a run.
The Birds look to make it three straight Saturday afternoon...Brad Bergesen is expected to make the start. Go O's!
Millwood Wins Again Behind Offensive Outburst
Be honest...were you cheering for the O's on Thursday night? I know I was.
The Orioles busted out of a slump in a BIG way, crushing the visiting Florida Marlins 11-5 at Camden Yards.
After starter Kevin Millwood allowed two runs in the first inning and another one in the second, it looked as if the Birds were doomed and Millwood would lose yet again.
But this time, something happened.
Signs of life, a spark, something different...whatever it was (and I'm not calling it Orioles Magic this year) put a smile on my face and of any Oriole fan that has been dreading every game, yet watching and hoping and waiting...
The Orioles offense simply EXPLODED. Six straight hits (O's hadn't done that since 2008) in the third inning resulted in five runs, giving Millwood some breathing room. At one point, the O's went 5-for-5 with runners in scoring position...honestly, this game was unreal.
Millwood lasted just five innings and gave up four runs, but the offense never let up...Adam Jones went deep in the fifth inning (his second solo shot in as many games) and the Birds just kept tacking on runs...another run in the sixth, three in the seventh (Miguel Tejada's three-run blast gave him four RBIs for the game) and another run in the eighth...
The 17 hits tied a season-high from April, when the Birds took down the Boston Red Sox and we all still believed the best was yet to come...
Still, this was nice. The Birds won their 20th game of the year, the fans left happy, and Kevin Millwood finally got another win.
The O's take on the Washington Nationals over the weekend...Jake Arrieta tries to push the win streak to "2"...here's hoping the bats still have some heat left in them...
The Orioles busted out of a slump in a BIG way, crushing the visiting Florida Marlins 11-5 at Camden Yards.
After starter Kevin Millwood allowed two runs in the first inning and another one in the second, it looked as if the Birds were doomed and Millwood would lose yet again.
But this time, something happened.
Signs of life, a spark, something different...whatever it was (and I'm not calling it Orioles Magic this year) put a smile on my face and of any Oriole fan that has been dreading every game, yet watching and hoping and waiting...
The Orioles offense simply EXPLODED. Six straight hits (O's hadn't done that since 2008) in the third inning resulted in five runs, giving Millwood some breathing room. At one point, the O's went 5-for-5 with runners in scoring position...honestly, this game was unreal.
Millwood lasted just five innings and gave up four runs, but the offense never let up...Adam Jones went deep in the fifth inning (his second solo shot in as many games) and the Birds just kept tacking on runs...another run in the sixth, three in the seventh (Miguel Tejada's three-run blast gave him four RBIs for the game) and another run in the eighth...
The 17 hits tied a season-high from April, when the Birds took down the Boston Red Sox and we all still believed the best was yet to come...
Still, this was nice. The Birds won their 20th game of the year, the fans left happy, and Kevin Millwood finally got another win.
The O's take on the Washington Nationals over the weekend...Jake Arrieta tries to push the win streak to "2"...here's hoping the bats still have some heat left in them...
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Matusz Can't Hold on as O's Lose Another
For once, it looked like the O's were on the right track.
The Birds scored four runs in the second inning on Wednesday night, but eventually fell to the Florida Marlins 7-5 at Camden Yards.
The O's hit back-to-back solo shots to start the second, and added another two runs to take a commanding 4-0 lead...Adam Jones and Luke Scott both went deep, and Corey Patterson picked up two RBIs with a single (Patterson finished the game with three knocked in).
But lefty rookie Brian Matusz just couldn't get it done...immediately after the Birds staked him a comfortable lead, Matusz allowed two 2-run shots in the third inning to knot the game at four each, and allowed another two runs to cross the plate in the seventh to put Florida up for good.
Closer Alfredo Simon pitched the ninth (for some reason) and allowed the Marlins to score another insurance run, after the Birds had put one more on the board in the bottom of the eighth. The O's could have scored more, but a strange call involving Matt Wieters bunting with two on and none out ended with the "speedy" Luke Scott out at third base...
The O's try it again Thursday night...Kevin Millwood takes the mound as the Birds try to win game number 20 of the season before the All-Star Break.
The Birds scored four runs in the second inning on Wednesday night, but eventually fell to the Florida Marlins 7-5 at Camden Yards.
The O's hit back-to-back solo shots to start the second, and added another two runs to take a commanding 4-0 lead...Adam Jones and Luke Scott both went deep, and Corey Patterson picked up two RBIs with a single (Patterson finished the game with three knocked in).
But lefty rookie Brian Matusz just couldn't get it done...immediately after the Birds staked him a comfortable lead, Matusz allowed two 2-run shots in the third inning to knot the game at four each, and allowed another two runs to cross the plate in the seventh to put Florida up for good.
Closer Alfredo Simon pitched the ninth (for some reason) and allowed the Marlins to score another insurance run, after the Birds had put one more on the board in the bottom of the eighth. The O's could have scored more, but a strange call involving Matt Wieters bunting with two on and none out ended with the "speedy" Luke Scott out at third base...
The O's try it again Thursday night...Kevin Millwood takes the mound as the Birds try to win game number 20 of the season before the All-Star Break.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Another Disgusting Loss...
What a shame this season has been...just one disappointment after another.
The O's returned home to Camden Yards and promptly lost yet another game in stellar fashion, falling 10-4 to the Florida Marlins.
Jeremy Guthrie gave up four runs in the second inning but settled down and managed to pitch into the seventh. The early runs were too much for the O's to overcome, even though Matt Wieters brought the Birds to within a run in the bottom of the second inning with a three-run blast...
Other than that offensive glimmer, the Birds were kept in check (as usual) throughout the game. Luke Scott's sacrifice fly in the eighth inning was the only other run the team managed all game. The O's had 10 hits but went just 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position, while stranding six men on base...pretty much business as usual for the Orioles.
The O's lead the Majors with 51 losses, and still need one more victory to hit 20 wins on the season...the Birds send Brian Matusz to the mound on Wednesday night. Let's Go, O's...
The O's returned home to Camden Yards and promptly lost yet another game in stellar fashion, falling 10-4 to the Florida Marlins.
Jeremy Guthrie gave up four runs in the second inning but settled down and managed to pitch into the seventh. The early runs were too much for the O's to overcome, even though Matt Wieters brought the Birds to within a run in the bottom of the second inning with a three-run blast...
Other than that offensive glimmer, the Birds were kept in check (as usual) throughout the game. Luke Scott's sacrifice fly in the eighth inning was the only other run the team managed all game. The O's had 10 hits but went just 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position, while stranding six men on base...pretty much business as usual for the Orioles.
The O's lead the Majors with 51 losses, and still need one more victory to hit 20 wins on the season...the Birds send Brian Matusz to the mound on Wednesday night. Let's Go, O's...
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Millwood Records First Win; Arrieta Takes a Loss
I actually had a post written for Saturday night's game, but the "autosave" function betrayed me and I'd rather not write that post all over again...
Not that it wasn't stellar...and a long time coming.
Kevin Millwood picked up his first win in an Orioles uniform on Saturday night...the O's won 5-4.
The Orioles looked primed to keep the streak alive on Sunday afternoon, but fell to the San Diego Padres 9-4.
Jake Arrieta was unable to keep his win streak intact, and lost for the first time in the Majors...
Life is strange, isn't it? Especially when it involves the 2010 Baltimore Orioles.
Millwood, a veteran, allowed three runs in the first inning on Saturday (although all three crossed the plate due to a defensive miscue by the O's) but grinded out six innings and eventually took the win...it wasn't easy...Alfredo Simon allowed a run and had the tying run on third base before picking up his first save since returning from the DL.
Arrieta, a rookie, had won his first two contests in the Major Leagues. Kevin Millwood was cursed with the worst run support a starting pitcher could imagine, while Arrieta basked in the glow of run support from the offensively-challenged Orioles offense.
Sunday afternoon was no different...the Birds scored four runs in the first inning, staking Arrieta to a 4-0 lead. I've been uneasy to believe in the Orioles lately, but this game was in the bag...Adam Jones hustled to first base on what could have been the third out of the inning, but an error (later ruled a hit) allowed a run to score. Slumping Matt Wieters slapped a 3-run double and the O's were leading and raring to go...
Not so fast, Jack. The four runs scored would be the only runs the Birds put on the board all game, while Arrieta and the bullpen tried and failed to keep the Padres down...
Final score on Sunday...9-4 San Diego.
The O's scored four times in the first before allowing NINE unanswered runs to cross the plate...yet another game gone awry.
The worst part? Besides the fact the O's haven't won a road series all season long? The Birds have now hit the 50-loss mark before winning 20 games...
Say it ain't so...
Not that it wasn't stellar...and a long time coming.
Kevin Millwood picked up his first win in an Orioles uniform on Saturday night...the O's won 5-4.
The Orioles looked primed to keep the streak alive on Sunday afternoon, but fell to the San Diego Padres 9-4.
Jake Arrieta was unable to keep his win streak intact, and lost for the first time in the Majors...
Life is strange, isn't it? Especially when it involves the 2010 Baltimore Orioles.
Millwood, a veteran, allowed three runs in the first inning on Saturday (although all three crossed the plate due to a defensive miscue by the O's) but grinded out six innings and eventually took the win...it wasn't easy...Alfredo Simon allowed a run and had the tying run on third base before picking up his first save since returning from the DL.
Arrieta, a rookie, had won his first two contests in the Major Leagues. Kevin Millwood was cursed with the worst run support a starting pitcher could imagine, while Arrieta basked in the glow of run support from the offensively-challenged Orioles offense.
Sunday afternoon was no different...the Birds scored four runs in the first inning, staking Arrieta to a 4-0 lead. I've been uneasy to believe in the Orioles lately, but this game was in the bag...Adam Jones hustled to first base on what could have been the third out of the inning, but an error (later ruled a hit) allowed a run to score. Slumping Matt Wieters slapped a 3-run double and the O's were leading and raring to go...
Not so fast, Jack. The four runs scored would be the only runs the Birds put on the board all game, while Arrieta and the bullpen tried and failed to keep the Padres down...
Final score on Sunday...9-4 San Diego.
The O's scored four times in the first before allowing NINE unanswered runs to cross the plate...yet another game gone awry.
The worst part? Besides the fact the O's haven't won a road series all season long? The Birds have now hit the 50-loss mark before winning 20 games...
Say it ain't so...
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Padres Walk-off Over O's
In a season where nothing has gone right, the O's lost another game in typical heart-breaking fashion.
After taking the lead in the top of the ninth inning, David Hernandez came on to close the game out, but instead took the loss as the San Diego Padres scored twice and beat the O's 3-2.
The saddest part? I'm not even surprised anymore...I was actually shocked the O's scored a run in the ninth to take the lead. With the loss, the O's now have 12 blown saves, leading the A.L.
Brian Matusz pitched exceptionally, but the lack of run support cost him yet another win. Matusz went six strong innings, allowing just one run off six hits and a walk while striking out four.
The defense didn't help him out either...Adam Jones misplayed a fly ball in the sixth inning that led to the Padres' first run.
The Birds slapped eight hits (all singles) in the loss. After the game, it was commented that over the last four games, the O's have had 36 hits (that's a healthy average of nine hits per game) but 30 of them have been singles...it's tough to win games when you aren't hitting for extra bases.
Kevin Millwood goes for his first win of the season on Saturday night. Millwood (0-8) has pitched well against San Diego in his career, so maybe, just maybe, we'll see an Orioles victory...
After taking the lead in the top of the ninth inning, David Hernandez came on to close the game out, but instead took the loss as the San Diego Padres scored twice and beat the O's 3-2.
The saddest part? I'm not even surprised anymore...I was actually shocked the O's scored a run in the ninth to take the lead. With the loss, the O's now have 12 blown saves, leading the A.L.
Brian Matusz pitched exceptionally, but the lack of run support cost him yet another win. Matusz went six strong innings, allowing just one run off six hits and a walk while striking out four.
The defense didn't help him out either...Adam Jones misplayed a fly ball in the sixth inning that led to the Padres' first run.
The Birds slapped eight hits (all singles) in the loss. After the game, it was commented that over the last four games, the O's have had 36 hits (that's a healthy average of nine hits per game) but 30 of them have been singles...it's tough to win games when you aren't hitting for extra bases.
Kevin Millwood goes for his first win of the season on Saturday night. Millwood (0-8) has pitched well against San Diego in his career, so maybe, just maybe, we'll see an Orioles victory...
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
O's Fall to Huff, Giants
It's been the same old story throughout the season.
The Birds were in the ballgame against the Giants on Wednesday afternoon, but were unable to come through in the clutch and dropped yet another road series, falling 6-3.
Jeremy Guthrie pitched a good game, but surrendered back-to-back solo shots (one to former Oriole Aubrey Huff) in the sixth inning that broke a 2-2 tie and gave the Giants a lead they would never relinquish.
Offensively, it was more of the same...the O's have managed to plate a few runs throughout the series in San Francisco, but they continuously miss out on multiple opportunities to break open the game and take a commanding lead. The Birds went 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position, and failed to capitalize when runners were on with less than two outs. The O's stranded 13 men on base and managed to strikeout 15 times in Wednesday's matchup.
Another problem this year has been momentum...the O's just can't seem to string together wins. After Jake Arrieta's performance Tuesday night, the Birds should have been gunning right out of the gate...but they just haven't been able to keep the winning momentum alive. The O's have losing streaks of nine and ten games this season, but their longest win streak stands at three games, and they've managed that feat just twice this year.
The Orioles have a much-needed day off to regroup on Thursday before taking on the San Diego Padres for a three-game set. Brian Matusz is slated to take the mound Friday night...
The Birds were in the ballgame against the Giants on Wednesday afternoon, but were unable to come through in the clutch and dropped yet another road series, falling 6-3.
Jeremy Guthrie pitched a good game, but surrendered back-to-back solo shots (one to former Oriole Aubrey Huff) in the sixth inning that broke a 2-2 tie and gave the Giants a lead they would never relinquish.
Offensively, it was more of the same...the O's have managed to plate a few runs throughout the series in San Francisco, but they continuously miss out on multiple opportunities to break open the game and take a commanding lead. The Birds went 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position, and failed to capitalize when runners were on with less than two outs. The O's stranded 13 men on base and managed to strikeout 15 times in Wednesday's matchup.
Another problem this year has been momentum...the O's just can't seem to string together wins. After Jake Arrieta's performance Tuesday night, the Birds should have been gunning right out of the gate...but they just haven't been able to keep the winning momentum alive. The O's have losing streaks of nine and ten games this season, but their longest win streak stands at three games, and they've managed that feat just twice this year.
The Orioles have a much-needed day off to regroup on Thursday before taking on the San Diego Padres for a three-game set. Brian Matusz is slated to take the mound Friday night...
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Arrieta Does It Again
Thank God for Jake Arrieta.
The Birds finally won a game on Tuesday night, beating the San Francisco Giants 4-1 at AT&T Park.
Arrieta, making his second Major League start, pitched seven strong innings and allowed just one run off three hits while walking two and fanning three. Arrieta (2-0) has now beat the Yankees and Giants and is the only O's starter to record a win (two of them, at that) over the last 19 games...
David Hernandez picked up his second save of the season...both his saves have come in games Arrieta has started (this would be a strange coincidence if the O's had more than two wins in the last two weeks...).
The offense wasn't spectacular, but they did just enough to give Arrieta a cushion to work with, which turned out to be more than enough. Ty Wigginton knocked in two and Adam Jones slapped a solo shot to left field in the fourth inning. The Birds went just 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position, but were able to plate a few runs early to give Arrieta some breathing room...the Birds scored a run in the first, third, fourth and fifth innings.
After going deep Monday night, Matt Wieters went 0-for-4. Still, this is the first time in a while that the O's hit homers in consecutive road games...hopefully Wieters and Jones can keep it up.
It doesn't get any easier for the Birds...Jeremy Guthrie (3-7) goes up against Tim Lincecum (6-2) on Wednesday afternoon. The O's (18-47) desperately need to start a winning streak, and are now a bit closer to winning 20 games before dropping 50. Here's hoping...
The Birds finally won a game on Tuesday night, beating the San Francisco Giants 4-1 at AT&T Park.
Arrieta, making his second Major League start, pitched seven strong innings and allowed just one run off three hits while walking two and fanning three. Arrieta (2-0) has now beat the Yankees and Giants and is the only O's starter to record a win (two of them, at that) over the last 19 games...
David Hernandez picked up his second save of the season...both his saves have come in games Arrieta has started (this would be a strange coincidence if the O's had more than two wins in the last two weeks...).
The offense wasn't spectacular, but they did just enough to give Arrieta a cushion to work with, which turned out to be more than enough. Ty Wigginton knocked in two and Adam Jones slapped a solo shot to left field in the fourth inning. The Birds went just 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position, but were able to plate a few runs early to give Arrieta some breathing room...the Birds scored a run in the first, third, fourth and fifth innings.
After going deep Monday night, Matt Wieters went 0-for-4. Still, this is the first time in a while that the O's hit homers in consecutive road games...hopefully Wieters and Jones can keep it up.
It doesn't get any easier for the Birds...Jeremy Guthrie (3-7) goes up against Tim Lincecum (6-2) on Wednesday afternoon. The O's (18-47) desperately need to start a winning streak, and are now a bit closer to winning 20 games before dropping 50. Here's hoping...
Monday, June 14, 2010
Tillman's Terrible Start Dooms O's
The Orioles were blown out for the second consecutive game, falling 10-2 to the San Francisco Giants on Monday night.
Chris Tillman allowed a run in the first inning, but Matt Wieters drilled a solo shot in the second to tie the game. Tillman couldn't follow that blast with a zero, and allowed five runs to cross the plate in the bottom of the inning.
Another short outing for a starter spelled disaster for the offensively-challenged O's, who were down 6-1 heading into the third inning. The Birds have now been outscored 21-6 over the last two "games".
Besides Wieters' shot, the only other Oriole that showed power was Ty Wigginton...Wiggy had two doubles and knocked in the O's second run. Wigginton should have been credited with his 14th homer of the season, but a blown call cost him and he was given a double.
Speaking of blown calls, the umps were of no help to the Birds all game long...there were three blatant blown calls throughout the game: early on, the umps gave the Giants an inning-ending double-play although the runner was clearly safe at second base...the fielder didn't even have the ball in his hand before the runner slid into second base. In the ninth inning, Cesar Izturis was called out at first base after hustling down the line and beating the throw by a step. And of course, Wigginton's homer that was ruled a double but would have been a solo shot if challenged on a replay.
The O's are now 17-47, 30 games under .500, and have the exact same record as the 1988 O's that started the season 0-21. The Birds need three wins to win 20 games, and three losses to hit 50 losses for the season. I wonder which will happen first...
Jake Arrieta, the only O's starter to win a game in the past 18 contests, takes the mound for the Birds Tuesday night. Please, Jake, stop the bleeding...
Chris Tillman allowed a run in the first inning, but Matt Wieters drilled a solo shot in the second to tie the game. Tillman couldn't follow that blast with a zero, and allowed five runs to cross the plate in the bottom of the inning.
Another short outing for a starter spelled disaster for the offensively-challenged O's, who were down 6-1 heading into the third inning. The Birds have now been outscored 21-6 over the last two "games".
Besides Wieters' shot, the only other Oriole that showed power was Ty Wigginton...Wiggy had two doubles and knocked in the O's second run. Wigginton should have been credited with his 14th homer of the season, but a blown call cost him and he was given a double.
Speaking of blown calls, the umps were of no help to the Birds all game long...there were three blatant blown calls throughout the game: early on, the umps gave the Giants an inning-ending double-play although the runner was clearly safe at second base...the fielder didn't even have the ball in his hand before the runner slid into second base. In the ninth inning, Cesar Izturis was called out at first base after hustling down the line and beating the throw by a step. And of course, Wigginton's homer that was ruled a double but would have been a solo shot if challenged on a replay.
The O's are now 17-47, 30 games under .500, and have the exact same record as the 1988 O's that started the season 0-21. The Birds need three wins to win 20 games, and three losses to hit 50 losses for the season. I wonder which will happen first...
Jake Arrieta, the only O's starter to win a game in the past 18 contests, takes the mound for the Birds Tuesday night. Please, Jake, stop the bleeding...
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Orange Crush
The O's were spanked. Hard. It hurt.
The Orioles organization has basically ruined Kevin Millwood (0-8).
The "game" on Sunday was absolutely pathetic. Sure, the Orioles scored more than one run for the first time in the three-game series against the New York Mets.
But they still allowed the Mets to complete their first road sweep of the season, as they humiliated the Birds with an 11-4 victory on Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards.
Millwood, obviously pressing and struggling to find some way to win this season, allowed the Mets to take a 5-0 lead in the top of the first inning. All five runs came on two long balls, and although Millwood pitched into the sixth, he allowed three homers in the game and now leads the Majors with 19 home runs allowed this year.
Millwood's final line: 5 1/3 innings, 11 hits, eight runs (all earned), one walk and four strikeouts.
The Mets out-hit the O's for the first time this series, 18-11. But that tends to happen when you put 11 runs on the board...
Honestly, I don't know what else to say. I wonder why people aren't reading/commenting on this blog, but I noticed that there are no comments on the O's official website either...maybe everyone was watching the World Cup instead?
The Birds dropped to 17-46 on the season, and as much as I want to believe that things can only get better, I am starting to realize that this season was over before it even started...
The Orioles organization has basically ruined Kevin Millwood (0-8).
The "game" on Sunday was absolutely pathetic. Sure, the Orioles scored more than one run for the first time in the three-game series against the New York Mets.
But they still allowed the Mets to complete their first road sweep of the season, as they humiliated the Birds with an 11-4 victory on Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards.
Millwood, obviously pressing and struggling to find some way to win this season, allowed the Mets to take a 5-0 lead in the top of the first inning. All five runs came on two long balls, and although Millwood pitched into the sixth, he allowed three homers in the game and now leads the Majors with 19 home runs allowed this year.
Millwood's final line: 5 1/3 innings, 11 hits, eight runs (all earned), one walk and four strikeouts.
The Mets out-hit the O's for the first time this series, 18-11. But that tends to happen when you put 11 runs on the board...
Honestly, I don't know what else to say. I wonder why people aren't reading/commenting on this blog, but I noticed that there are no comments on the O's official website either...maybe everyone was watching the World Cup instead?
The Birds dropped to 17-46 on the season, and as much as I want to believe that things can only get better, I am starting to realize that this season was over before it even started...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Lack of offense hurts O's again
Another wasted performance by a starting pitcher...The O's dropped their second straight to the New York Mets on Saturday night, losing 3-1.
It was the first road series win for the Mets all season...big surprise it came against Baltimore.
My wife and I were at the game; it was the first game we had been to together this season. I was really hoping she would be the good-luck charm the O's needed.
These O's need more than just luck...it seems they just need to learn how to play good baseball.
Brian Matusz pitched a gem, but was saddled with another undeserved loss. Matusz went eight strong innings, walking none, fanning four, and allowing just three "earned" runs. I put "earned" in quotes for the simple fact that one of the Mets' runs should have never scored...
Matusz (2-7) gave up a lead-off homer to start the game, and another lead-off shot in the eighth inning. But the Mets scored their second run on a sure double-play ball that would have ended the sixth inning with the game knotted at one run a piece.
After Matusz put the O's in an early hole, Corey Patterson and Nick Markakis doubled in the bottom of the first to tie the game. But that was it for the Birds...they ended up out-hitting New York (again) 7-5, but were unable to come up with the big hit when it mattered.
The Birds went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, and left six men on base...
Next up...Kevin Millwood (0-7) tries for his first win of the season on Sunday afternoon. His mound counter-part, Mike Pelfrey, comes in with an 8-1 record and a 2.23 ERA. Good luck, Kevin.
Runs Hard To Come By
The Orioles did everything in their power to NOT score a run in Friday night's 5-1 loss to the New York Mets at Camden Yards.
The O's looked utterly clueless against knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, who admitted after the game that he threw just five fastballs while he was on the mound.
Down 4-0, the Birds looked primed to get back in the game in the fourth inning, when they sandwiched a walk between two singles to load the bases with none out. But Dickey retired the next three batters (Luke Scott, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters) on seven pitches...two strikeouts and a first-pitch-swinging pop-up.
The O's ended up stranding 10 men on base, and went just 3-for-17 with runners in scoring position. The lone run scored came on a wild pitch...
The sad fact is that the Orioles actually out-hit the Mets 11-10, and every starter besides Cesar Izturis collected at least one hit.
Brian Matusz takes the mound tonight for the Birds...if the rain holds up the wife and I will be there cheering on the O's!
The O's looked utterly clueless against knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, who admitted after the game that he threw just five fastballs while he was on the mound.
Down 4-0, the Birds looked primed to get back in the game in the fourth inning, when they sandwiched a walk between two singles to load the bases with none out. But Dickey retired the next three batters (Luke Scott, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters) on seven pitches...two strikeouts and a first-pitch-swinging pop-up.
The O's ended up stranding 10 men on base, and went just 3-for-17 with runners in scoring position. The lone run scored came on a wild pitch...
The sad fact is that the Orioles actually out-hit the Mets 11-10, and every starter besides Cesar Izturis collected at least one hit.
Brian Matusz takes the mound tonight for the Birds...if the rain holds up the wife and I will be there cheering on the O's!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Arrieta turns the Tides for the O's
Shocking. In a good way.
That's how I have to describe the O's win over the Yankees on Thursday night.
I wasn't sure how Jake Arrieta would perform in his major league debut against the New York Yankees. Honestly, I wasn't sure how his major league teammates would back him up...would it be a lack of offense, or a slew of defensive errors this time that would send the Yankees packing with another Baltimore sweep?
The Birds backed Arrieta with timely hitting and great defense. Dave Trembley would have been proud...
Even the bullpen stepped it up a notch after Arrieta departed after six innings...David Hernandez pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save.
It's hard to find anything good about the Orioles so far this season, but this game helped bring back a little bit of faith...the O's have now won 17 games...bring on the New York Mets!
That's how I have to describe the O's win over the Yankees on Thursday night.
I wasn't sure how Jake Arrieta would perform in his major league debut against the New York Yankees. Honestly, I wasn't sure how his major league teammates would back him up...would it be a lack of offense, or a slew of defensive errors this time that would send the Yankees packing with another Baltimore sweep?
The Birds backed Arrieta with timely hitting and great defense. Dave Trembley would have been proud...
Even the bullpen stepped it up a notch after Arrieta departed after six innings...David Hernandez pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save.
It's hard to find anything good about the Orioles so far this season, but this game helped bring back a little bit of faith...the O's have now won 17 games...bring on the New York Mets!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Errors costly as O's fall again
How many times do we have to go through this?
At least once more, I suppose.
The O's let an early lead slip away and eventually lost to the Yankees 4-2 on Wednesday night.
Chris Tillman pitched a great game but was denied his first win. Tillman actually started the fire with a throwing error in the fourth, but was able to douse his own flames and get out of the inning with the Birds up 2-1.
In the sixth inning, the O's unraveled. The Birds were charged with two errors (one was ruled a hit after the game, but that matters little at this point) and the Yankees saw two runs cross the plate, giving New York a 3-2 lead they would never relinquish.
Tillman (0-2) went six innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on eight hits, while walking three and striking out one. This was one of his better starts, and he deserved to come out on the winning side, in my opinion.
As for the offense, the Birds collected 10 hits, two for extra-bases, but went just 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 men on base...a definite no-no when facing the Yankees.
Still, the fact that Jake Arrieta makes his MLB debut Thursday night should compel any O's fan to watch and cheer, even as the Yankees try for their third consecutive sweep of the Birds.
I'm not sure why the team thought it best to have Arrieta debut against the Yanks, but at least it's at Camden Yards and not Yankee Stadium...
At least once more, I suppose.
The O's let an early lead slip away and eventually lost to the Yankees 4-2 on Wednesday night.
Chris Tillman pitched a great game but was denied his first win. Tillman actually started the fire with a throwing error in the fourth, but was able to douse his own flames and get out of the inning with the Birds up 2-1.
In the sixth inning, the O's unraveled. The Birds were charged with two errors (one was ruled a hit after the game, but that matters little at this point) and the Yankees saw two runs cross the plate, giving New York a 3-2 lead they would never relinquish.
Tillman (0-2) went six innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on eight hits, while walking three and striking out one. This was one of his better starts, and he deserved to come out on the winning side, in my opinion.
As for the offense, the Birds collected 10 hits, two for extra-bases, but went just 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 men on base...a definite no-no when facing the Yankees.
Still, the fact that Jake Arrieta makes his MLB debut Thursday night should compel any O's fan to watch and cheer, even as the Yankees try for their third consecutive sweep of the Birds.
I'm not sure why the team thought it best to have Arrieta debut against the Yanks, but at least it's at Camden Yards and not Yankee Stadium...
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Late rally not enough in loss to Yanks
The Birds actually put some runs on the board in a game that Kevin Millwood started, but it wasn't nearly enough as the O's fell to the Yankees 12-7 on Tuesday night.
Millwood (0-7) struggled early, and allowed six runs before being lifted after 5 2/3 innings. Millwood walked five, struck out six and allowed ten hits...two of the hits were bombs (a two-run shot in the first inning and a grand slam in the third).
Things didn't get any better after Millwood exited, as the Yankees scored six runs in the seventh inning to take a commanding 12-3 lead.
Both teams knocked out 15 hits, but as usual the O's offense lacked power and timely hitting. The Birds were without an extra-base hit until Adam Jones slapped a two-run homer in the eighth inning. Nick Markakis connected for a two-run double in the bottom of the ninth, but the deficit was too much to overcome.
The O's (16-42) are still the only team in baseball with less than 20 wins, and it doesn't get any easier with Yankee's ace C.C. Sabathia (3-0 vs. the Orioles this season) on the mound Wednesday night...
Millwood (0-7) struggled early, and allowed six runs before being lifted after 5 2/3 innings. Millwood walked five, struck out six and allowed ten hits...two of the hits were bombs (a two-run shot in the first inning and a grand slam in the third).
Things didn't get any better after Millwood exited, as the Yankees scored six runs in the seventh inning to take a commanding 12-3 lead.
Both teams knocked out 15 hits, but as usual the O's offense lacked power and timely hitting. The Birds were without an extra-base hit until Adam Jones slapped a two-run homer in the eighth inning. Nick Markakis connected for a two-run double in the bottom of the ninth, but the deficit was too much to overcome.
The O's (16-42) are still the only team in baseball with less than 20 wins, and it doesn't get any easier with Yankee's ace C.C. Sabathia (3-0 vs. the Orioles this season) on the mound Wednesday night...
Saturday, June 5, 2010
O's can't win one for the new Skipper
I was hoping to see the O's play an inspirational game on Friday night...
With Dave Trembley home in Florida, Juan Samuel was able to experience the thrill of managing the worst team in baseball.
It wasn't pretty.
The O's were shut down by the visiting Boston Red Sox 11-0, dropping their ninth straight game and falling to a horrific 15-40 record.
Clay Buchholz allowed five hits over nine innings...yup, a complete game shut-out. All five hits were singles...
Meanwhile, O's starter Chris Tillman allowed four runs off five hits in just 1 1/3 innings, and four relievers were unable to stop the bleeding...the Sox scored 11 runs on 16 hits (3 doubles and 3 homers). The O's struck out ten batters while walking four, but the Sox bunched hits together, scoring at least one run in six separate innings...
It doesn't get any easier.
O's killer Jon Lester (10-0 against Baltimore) takes the mound Saturday night. Jeremy Guthrie will try to keep the Birds from losing 10 straight for the first time this season...
With Dave Trembley home in Florida, Juan Samuel was able to experience the thrill of managing the worst team in baseball.
It wasn't pretty.
The O's were shut down by the visiting Boston Red Sox 11-0, dropping their ninth straight game and falling to a horrific 15-40 record.
Clay Buchholz allowed five hits over nine innings...yup, a complete game shut-out. All five hits were singles...
Meanwhile, O's starter Chris Tillman allowed four runs off five hits in just 1 1/3 innings, and four relievers were unable to stop the bleeding...the Sox scored 11 runs on 16 hits (3 doubles and 3 homers). The O's struck out ten batters while walking four, but the Sox bunched hits together, scoring at least one run in six separate innings...
It doesn't get any easier.
O's killer Jon Lester (10-0 against Baltimore) takes the mound Saturday night. Jeremy Guthrie will try to keep the Birds from losing 10 straight for the first time this season...
Friday, June 4, 2010
The End of an Era?
Let's hope so.
The Birds were swept again. Three straight to the Yankees. Get this: the Yankees scored more runs (18) than the O's had hits (17) in the series. Absolutely pathetic...especially after being swept in three games by Toronto. The losing streak has reached eight straight.
So this is it.
After weeks of speculation, it looks like Dave Trembley is gone.
I can't say I'm upset.
But what now? Are the Orioles (15-39) going to start winning games?
Look at that record. I've never seen anything like this.
We need a change, but what hope do we have at this point in the season?
The O's are the worst team in all of baseball...no one talks about the Baltimore Orioles without laughing.
Or in my case, cringing. If I hadn't been through this for over a decade, I might even cry.
But we are used to this by now in Baltimore. Defeat. Humiliation. Utter hopelessness.
It was going to be different this year. The O's were ready to compete!
So long, Dave Trembley...you tried.
And failed.
The Birds were swept again. Three straight to the Yankees. Get this: the Yankees scored more runs (18) than the O's had hits (17) in the series. Absolutely pathetic...especially after being swept in three games by Toronto. The losing streak has reached eight straight.
So this is it.
After weeks of speculation, it looks like Dave Trembley is gone.
I can't say I'm upset.
But what now? Are the Orioles (15-39) going to start winning games?
Look at that record. I've never seen anything like this.
We need a change, but what hope do we have at this point in the season?
The O's are the worst team in all of baseball...no one talks about the Baltimore Orioles without laughing.
Or in my case, cringing. If I hadn't been through this for over a decade, I might even cry.
But we are used to this by now in Baltimore. Defeat. Humiliation. Utter hopelessness.
It was going to be different this year. The O's were ready to compete!
So long, Dave Trembley...you tried.
And failed.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Matusz shines but O's fall
This is getting harder and harder every day...
The Orioles dropped their sixth straight on Tuesday night, falling to the Yankees 3-1.
Brian Matusz was incredible, and left in the seventh inning with two on and two out, with the score dead-locked at one run a piece...
David Hernandez came on in relief and was able to get A-Rod to ground out to third base...at least, that's what should have happened.
Instead, Miguel Tejada's throw to first fell well short of the bag, and two runs came in on the throwing error.
At this point in the season, does anything really surprise you anymore?!
Once again, the offense stalled: the Birds made yet another average starter look like Cy Young... Javier Vazquez came into the game with a 3-5 record and an ERA hovering near 7.00, but held the O's to one run off four hits through seven innings, walking one and fanning seven.
The Birds have been stuck at 15 wins for a week now, and look to Brad Bergesen Wednesday night in the Bronx to turn things around...
The Orioles dropped their sixth straight on Tuesday night, falling to the Yankees 3-1.
Brian Matusz was incredible, and left in the seventh inning with two on and two out, with the score dead-locked at one run a piece...
David Hernandez came on in relief and was able to get A-Rod to ground out to third base...at least, that's what should have happened.
Instead, Miguel Tejada's throw to first fell well short of the bag, and two runs came in on the throwing error.
At this point in the season, does anything really surprise you anymore?!
Once again, the offense stalled: the Birds made yet another average starter look like Cy Young... Javier Vazquez came into the game with a 3-5 record and an ERA hovering near 7.00, but held the O's to one run off four hits through seven innings, walking one and fanning seven.
The Birds have been stuck at 15 wins for a week now, and look to Brad Bergesen Wednesday night in the Bronx to turn things around...
Birds blown out of Toronto
Three games.
Three losses.
Hundreds of questions...
The O's were swept by the Toronto Blue Jays over the holiday weekend, and are now 0-6 against our "Neighbors to the North" this season.
The Birds were outscored 16-3 over the three-game set.
Toronto smashed nine home runs, while the O's managed just one extra-base hit: a double off the bat of #9 hitter Cesar Izturis on Saturday.
What a weekend.
I spent the days with my friends in Pennsylvania...there was no MASN on the TV. Instead, we checked the score on my iPhone during and after the game, and had many wonderful conversations on the future of the Orioles...
It doesn't look good.
The Birds have Monday off to regroup before heading to New York to take on the Yankees...
Three losses.
Hundreds of questions...
The O's were swept by the Toronto Blue Jays over the holiday weekend, and are now 0-6 against our "Neighbors to the North" this season.
The Birds were outscored 16-3 over the three-game set.
Toronto smashed nine home runs, while the O's managed just one extra-base hit: a double off the bat of #9 hitter Cesar Izturis on Saturday.
What a weekend.
I spent the days with my friends in Pennsylvania...there was no MASN on the TV. Instead, we checked the score on my iPhone during and after the game, and had many wonderful conversations on the future of the Orioles...
It doesn't look good.
The Birds have Monday off to regroup before heading to New York to take on the Yankees...
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