The O's came close to back-to-back victories against Kansas City, but Alfredo Simon fell apart with two outs in the ninth, and the Orioles lost to the Royals 7-5 on Friday night.
Jake Arrieta became the latest starter to exit a game early...Arrieta allowed three runs in the first inning before settling down, but his pitch count and lack of control led to an early departure. Arrieta walked five and allowed six hits in 4 1/3 innings. The bullpen held on and let the O's offense slowly chip away...
The Birds scored a few runs early, and waited until the eighth inning to tie and then take control of the game. It looked as if the O's would come from behind yet again, but things unraveled quickly in the bottom of the ninth...
Closer Alfredo Simon recorded two quick ground-outs before running into trouble. After a walk and a single put runners on the corners, it was clear Simon was uncomfortable on the mound. With rain falling, Simon took time-out to clear the mud caking up in his cleats. Moments later, Alex Gordon cleared the bases with a walk-off three-run blast that barely cleared the right-field fence...this one hurt, but it was only Simon's third blown save in 18 chances.
I was hoping the extra-inning victory on Thursday night would give the O's some momentum in this series, and it looked like it had...sadly, the momentum has switched back to Kansas City for Saturday's contest. The Royals send Zack Greinke to the mound to face-off against Brad Bergesen...
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Extra-Inning Victory Ends Huge Day for Orioles
What a day for Orioles' fans...
Early Thursday afternoon, it was announced that Buck Showalter would be the new manager for the O's...he'll be in the dugout Tuesday when the Birds return to Camden Yards.
Just a few hours later, Miguel Tejada was traded to the San Diego Padres.
And late Thursday night, the O's beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 in 11 innings.
Honestly, the Orioles' organization completely exhausted me today...
Back to the game...
The O's went ahead 3-0 and seemed destined for a win on this monumental day in franchise history. Brian Matusz took a no-hitter into the fourth inning but quickly fell apart...Matusz left after 3 1/3 innings and was charged with five runs off two hits and four walks...Matusz is now tied with Jeremy Guthrie with the most losses (11) of the season for an O's pitcher.
The bullpen held the Royals scoreless through the final frames, with David Hernandez (5-7) picking up the win and Alfredo Simon earning his 15th save. Hernandez now leads the O's in wins...
I'll say this much for the Birds...they certainly battled back in this one. Down 5-3, the O's tacked on a run in the sixth and tied the game with a solo homer from Corey Patterson in the eighth. Ty Wigginton's sac fly in the 11th plated Brian Roberts and gave the O's the 6-5 lead...still, the O's went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position while stranding 11 men on base...good thing they were playing Kansas City.
The Birds try to make it two straight on Friday night. The consensus in the clubhouse seems to be to play hard for Juan Samuel, and send him back to third base coach on a high note. Jake Arrieta takes the mound for the O's...
Early Thursday afternoon, it was announced that Buck Showalter would be the new manager for the O's...he'll be in the dugout Tuesday when the Birds return to Camden Yards.
Just a few hours later, Miguel Tejada was traded to the San Diego Padres.
And late Thursday night, the O's beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 in 11 innings.
Honestly, the Orioles' organization completely exhausted me today...
Back to the game...
The O's went ahead 3-0 and seemed destined for a win on this monumental day in franchise history. Brian Matusz took a no-hitter into the fourth inning but quickly fell apart...Matusz left after 3 1/3 innings and was charged with five runs off two hits and four walks...Matusz is now tied with Jeremy Guthrie with the most losses (11) of the season for an O's pitcher.
The bullpen held the Royals scoreless through the final frames, with David Hernandez (5-7) picking up the win and Alfredo Simon earning his 15th save. Hernandez now leads the O's in wins...
I'll say this much for the Birds...they certainly battled back in this one. Down 5-3, the O's tacked on a run in the sixth and tied the game with a solo homer from Corey Patterson in the eighth. Ty Wigginton's sac fly in the 11th plated Brian Roberts and gave the O's the 6-5 lead...still, the O's went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position while stranding 11 men on base...good thing they were playing Kansas City.
The Birds try to make it two straight on Friday night. The consensus in the clubhouse seems to be to play hard for Juan Samuel, and send him back to third base coach on a high note. Jake Arrieta takes the mound for the O's...
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
O's Drop 12th Straight Game to Jays
It's almost unbelievable...the Birds have yet to beat the Blue Jays this season, and were swept out of Toronto after a 5-o defeat on Wednesday night.
For once, an O's starter went deep into a game, but it wasn't enough for this squad...Jeremy Guthrie went seven strong innings but was tagged with the loss, though he allowed just one unearned run. Guthrie allowed just six hits and a walk, but was betrayed by his defense in the second inning, when Corey Patterson misplayed a single that allowed a runner to score from first base.
It wasn't just the defense that turned on Guthrie...
The Orioles managed just three hits throughout the game...Brian Roberts led-off with a single, Jake Fox singled in the seventh, and Ty Wigginton slapped a double in the ninth to account for all of the O's offensive highlights.
Meanwhile, the bullpen collapsed through the final two frames, with Koji Uehara and Will Ohman allowing four runs to put the game well out of reach for the Birds.
If it's not one thing with this team, it's the other. Guthrie came through with one of his best starts of the season, but an error eventually saddled him with yet another loss. The bullpen was ineffective, and the offense was non-existent...
The Birds now head to Kansas City to take on the Royals for a four-game set. At least they have a CHANCE of winning this series...Brian Matusz takes the mound for the O's on Thursday night.
For once, an O's starter went deep into a game, but it wasn't enough for this squad...Jeremy Guthrie went seven strong innings but was tagged with the loss, though he allowed just one unearned run. Guthrie allowed just six hits and a walk, but was betrayed by his defense in the second inning, when Corey Patterson misplayed a single that allowed a runner to score from first base.
It wasn't just the defense that turned on Guthrie...
The Orioles managed just three hits throughout the game...Brian Roberts led-off with a single, Jake Fox singled in the seventh, and Ty Wigginton slapped a double in the ninth to account for all of the O's offensive highlights.
Meanwhile, the bullpen collapsed through the final two frames, with Koji Uehara and Will Ohman allowing four runs to put the game well out of reach for the Birds.
If it's not one thing with this team, it's the other. Guthrie came through with one of his best starts of the season, but an error eventually saddled him with yet another loss. The bullpen was ineffective, and the offense was non-existent...
The Birds now head to Kansas City to take on the Royals for a four-game set. At least they have a CHANCE of winning this series...Brian Matusz takes the mound for the O's on Thursday night.
Millwood Hit Hard as O's Drop Fourth Straight
The O's dropped their 11th straight game to Toronto this season, falling to the Blue Jays 8-2 on Tuesday night.
Kevin Millwood became the latest starter to get knocked out early, as he lasted just 5 1/3 innings and left with the Birds trailing 6-0. Millwood (2-10) is now the third O's starter to hit the 10-loss mark, joining Jeremy Guthrie (4-10) and Brian Matusz (3-11) as the O's "biggest losers." If Brad Bergesen (3-9) isn't sent down to Norfolk, he'll have a chance to join the exclusive club next week...
The Birds were kept off the board until the eighth inning, and went just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. After the O's managed to score twice in the top of the inning, Toronto answered right back with two runs in the bottom half to erase any hope of an Orioles' comeback...
Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound Wednesday night, as he and the Birds attempt to beat a Toronto club that has owned the team all year long...good-luck, Guth.
Kevin Millwood became the latest starter to get knocked out early, as he lasted just 5 1/3 innings and left with the Birds trailing 6-0. Millwood (2-10) is now the third O's starter to hit the 10-loss mark, joining Jeremy Guthrie (4-10) and Brian Matusz (3-11) as the O's "biggest losers." If Brad Bergesen (3-9) isn't sent down to Norfolk, he'll have a chance to join the exclusive club next week...
The Birds were kept off the board until the eighth inning, and went just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. After the O's managed to score twice in the top of the inning, Toronto answered right back with two runs in the bottom half to erase any hope of an Orioles' comeback...
Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound Wednesday night, as he and the Birds attempt to beat a Toronto club that has owned the team all year long...good-luck, Guth.
Monday, July 26, 2010
O's Lose Long-Ball Battle in Toronto
Both the Orioles and the Blue Jays blasted three homers each, but it was Toronto that came out on top, beating the O's 9-5 on Monday night.
Brad Bergesen lasted just five innings, and allowed all three of Toronto's homers. Bergesen was charged with eight runs off ten hits...seven of the ten hits went for extra bases (add four doubles to the three dingers). Simply put, Bergesen was hit...hard.
With the team trailing 8-0 in the sixth, the O's offense suddenly came to life...Matt Wieters smacked a two-run shot to put the Birds on the board, and Luke Scott followed in the seventh with another two-run blast. Scott now leads the team with 17 round-trippers. Wieters went deep again in the eighth (the first muli-homer game of his career), but that was all the O's could manage as they dropped their tenth straight to Toronto this season.
After the game, I heard a strange and disturbing stat: this was the 20th straight Monday night game that the Orioles have lost, setting a new MLB record...and I thought Sunday's were bad last season! The Birds are 0-8 this season on Monday's...
The O's send Kevin Millwood to the mound Tuesday night...hopefully the team can manage to take down Toronto for the first time in 2010. Tuesday will mark the 100th game for the Birds (31-68) this season.
Brad Bergesen lasted just five innings, and allowed all three of Toronto's homers. Bergesen was charged with eight runs off ten hits...seven of the ten hits went for extra bases (add four doubles to the three dingers). Simply put, Bergesen was hit...hard.
With the team trailing 8-0 in the sixth, the O's offense suddenly came to life...Matt Wieters smacked a two-run shot to put the Birds on the board, and Luke Scott followed in the seventh with another two-run blast. Scott now leads the team with 17 round-trippers. Wieters went deep again in the eighth (the first muli-homer game of his career), but that was all the O's could manage as they dropped their tenth straight to Toronto this season.
After the game, I heard a strange and disturbing stat: this was the 20th straight Monday night game that the Orioles have lost, setting a new MLB record...and I thought Sunday's were bad last season! The Birds are 0-8 this season on Monday's...
The O's send Kevin Millwood to the mound Tuesday night...hopefully the team can manage to take down Toronto for the first time in 2010. Tuesday will mark the 100th game for the Birds (31-68) this season.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
O's Drop Another One
The Birds finished off what could have been a promising homestand with yet another loss, falling to the Twins 10-4 on Sunday afternoon.
Don't let the final score fool you...this one was over early. Jake Arrieta became the latest starter to get roughed-up in the early innings, and the over-worked bullpen couldn't keep the Twins off the board in the later innings, either.
The Orioles struck first, scoring in the bottom of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. That lead was short-lived, as the Twins scored four runs off a grand slam in the third and continued tacking on runs through the next three frames. Jake Arrieta gave up five runs on seven hits and four walks through four innings, and Mark Hendrickson was unable to stop the bleeding, yielding another four runs off eight hits through three frames. Overall, the Twins smacked 19 hits off O's pitchers, with three homers, a double and a triple...
Once again, the O's offense was nowhere to be found. After manufacturing a run in the first, the Birds didn't score again until the ninth inning, down 10-1. The O's had 10 hits, with five coming in the ninth, where they scored three times in a game that was all but over. Luke Scott remains the lone bright spot offensively: Scott went 2-for-3 with two doubles and a walk, and now boasts a higher batting average (.296) than Nick Markakis (.294).
The Birds finished the homestand with a 2-8 record, and now head to Toronto to begin a seven-game road trip. Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the O's on Monday night...
Don't let the final score fool you...this one was over early. Jake Arrieta became the latest starter to get roughed-up in the early innings, and the over-worked bullpen couldn't keep the Twins off the board in the later innings, either.
The Orioles struck first, scoring in the bottom of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. That lead was short-lived, as the Twins scored four runs off a grand slam in the third and continued tacking on runs through the next three frames. Jake Arrieta gave up five runs on seven hits and four walks through four innings, and Mark Hendrickson was unable to stop the bleeding, yielding another four runs off eight hits through three frames. Overall, the Twins smacked 19 hits off O's pitchers, with three homers, a double and a triple...
Once again, the O's offense was nowhere to be found. After manufacturing a run in the first, the Birds didn't score again until the ninth inning, down 10-1. The O's had 10 hits, with five coming in the ninth, where they scored three times in a game that was all but over. Luke Scott remains the lone bright spot offensively: Scott went 2-for-3 with two doubles and a walk, and now boasts a higher batting average (.296) than Nick Markakis (.294).
The Birds finished the homestand with a 2-8 record, and now head to Toronto to begin a seven-game road trip. Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the O's on Monday night...
Scott Provides All the Offense as O's Fall
The Birds couldn't get it done against the Twins on Saturday night, falling to the visiting Minnesota Twins 7-2.
Luke Scott provided all of the O's offense with a two-run bomb in the fourth inning, giving the Birds a brief 2-1 lead. The Twins stormed back with two more runs in the fifth, and went on to score another four times off the O's bullpen...
Brian Matusz struggled early, walking the bases loaded in the first inning, but escaped the jam allowing just one run. Matusz lasted five innings, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks while fanning five...he now leads the team with 11 losses this season.
The Twins pretty much teed-off on the O's pitching, scoring seven runs off 14 hits and five walks...the Birds managed just six hits (Scott had two of them) and went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
The Birds finish up the 10-game homestand later this afternoon...a win would give them a split of the series against Minnesota and a 3-7 record on the homestand. The O's send Jake Arrieta to the mound...
Luke Scott provided all of the O's offense with a two-run bomb in the fourth inning, giving the Birds a brief 2-1 lead. The Twins stormed back with two more runs in the fifth, and went on to score another four times off the O's bullpen...
Brian Matusz struggled early, walking the bases loaded in the first inning, but escaped the jam allowing just one run. Matusz lasted five innings, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks while fanning five...he now leads the team with 11 losses this season.
The Twins pretty much teed-off on the O's pitching, scoring seven runs off 14 hits and five walks...the Birds managed just six hits (Scott had two of them) and went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
The Birds finish up the 10-game homestand later this afternoon...a win would give them a split of the series against Minnesota and a 3-7 record on the homestand. The O's send Jake Arrieta to the mound...
Friday, July 23, 2010
Guthrie Gets a Win on B-Rob's Return
The Birds welcomed back Brian Roberts with a big win on Friday night, as they took down the Twins 3-2 at Camden Yards.
Jeremy Guthrie looked stellar for the second consecutive start, and gave up just two runs on six hits over seven innings. Guthrie matched his season high with six strikeouts (he struck out six in his last outing as well) and did not issue a walk. The bullpen held on to the one-run lead in the eighth, and Alfredo Simon picked up his 14th save of the season to even the series with Minnesota.
It was good to see Roberts leading-off in the first inning...though he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, just his presence on the field made me feel better about this O's team. Roberts was smiling throughout the game, and it was just obvious he was happy to be on the field with the rest of the worst team in baseball...hopefully, he can help turn things around.
After the O's took a 1-0 lead in the first, both teams were held scoreless until Guthrie gave up a two-run shot in the top of the sixth inning. Luke Scott answered right back with a two-run blast of his own in the bottom half of the inning, and the Birds kept the Twins off the board through the final frames.
The O's try to turn this win into a streak on Saturday night...Brian Matusz is slated to take the mound for the Birds.
Jeremy Guthrie looked stellar for the second consecutive start, and gave up just two runs on six hits over seven innings. Guthrie matched his season high with six strikeouts (he struck out six in his last outing as well) and did not issue a walk. The bullpen held on to the one-run lead in the eighth, and Alfredo Simon picked up his 14th save of the season to even the series with Minnesota.
It was good to see Roberts leading-off in the first inning...though he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, just his presence on the field made me feel better about this O's team. Roberts was smiling throughout the game, and it was just obvious he was happy to be on the field with the rest of the worst team in baseball...hopefully, he can help turn things around.
After the O's took a 1-0 lead in the first, both teams were held scoreless until Guthrie gave up a two-run shot in the top of the sixth inning. Luke Scott answered right back with a two-run blast of his own in the bottom half of the inning, and the Birds kept the Twins off the board through the final frames.
The O's try to turn this win into a streak on Saturday night...Brian Matusz is slated to take the mound for the Birds.
Only The Bats Went Down Quietly...
What a crazy game...three ejections in the seventh inning...a fan was arrested in the eighth...and the Orioles were shut out, 5-0 by Carl Pavano and his Minnesota Twins at Camden Yards.
Kevin Millwood returned to the Orioles' starting rotation on Thursday night, and promptly got welcomed back by the Twins, as Minnesota scored three runs in the first inning off a bases-loaded double. Millwood (2-9) settled down the rest of the way, but was charged with five runs and yet another loss after departing in the seventh inning.
Ahh...the seventh inning. That's when things got exciting for O's fans (sadly, when your team is the worst in all of baseball, you have to find entertainment in places other than the standings).
Ty Wigginton was the first Oriole to be ejected...after Millwood gave up a lead-off single, an attempted steal turned into an easy pick-off...Wigginton's tag on the runner at first base was ruled too late, or even non-existent,and Wiggy went off! After being tossed by the ump, and restrained by skipper Juan Samuel, play resumed...
The next batter singled off Millwood, scoring the "should have been out by a mile" runner, and pitching coach Rick Kranitz clapped loudly from the dugout...a little too loudly, considering he was the second Oriole to be ejected in a five-minute time span.
Juan Samuel had seen enough, and stormed out of the dugout, cursing and flailing his arms like a madman...Samuel was tossed, reminiscent of Earl Weaver as he threw and kicked at his cap...
Three up, three down.
In all the commotion, it was easy to miss out on the fact that Millwood was replaced by Michael Gonzalez, the O's closer in April who hadn't pitched since the first week of the season. Gonzo pitched out of trouble, had good velocity, and is certainly welcomed back with open arms to an over-worked bullpen.
The eighth inning brought even more excitement for the home crowd...a fan streaked onto the field, and after jumping the outfield fence, came back for an encore. Watching on TV, I couldn't see the on-field shenanigans, but was hoping there would be stories of a tasing in the paper today...apparently the fan was cornered by police and taken into custody.
After all the excitement though, the reality is this: the Orioles lost again. And not only did the team lose at home again, the Birds suffered a complete-game shutout. That's never pretty. The O's and Twins still have three games to go in this series, but the first game, though memorable in many ways, should be forgotten...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the Birds on Friday night.
Kevin Millwood returned to the Orioles' starting rotation on Thursday night, and promptly got welcomed back by the Twins, as Minnesota scored three runs in the first inning off a bases-loaded double. Millwood (2-9) settled down the rest of the way, but was charged with five runs and yet another loss after departing in the seventh inning.
Ahh...the seventh inning. That's when things got exciting for O's fans (sadly, when your team is the worst in all of baseball, you have to find entertainment in places other than the standings).
Ty Wigginton was the first Oriole to be ejected...after Millwood gave up a lead-off single, an attempted steal turned into an easy pick-off...Wigginton's tag on the runner at first base was ruled too late, or even non-existent,and Wiggy went off! After being tossed by the ump, and restrained by skipper Juan Samuel, play resumed...
The next batter singled off Millwood, scoring the "should have been out by a mile" runner, and pitching coach Rick Kranitz clapped loudly from the dugout...a little too loudly, considering he was the second Oriole to be ejected in a five-minute time span.
Juan Samuel had seen enough, and stormed out of the dugout, cursing and flailing his arms like a madman...Samuel was tossed, reminiscent of Earl Weaver as he threw and kicked at his cap...
Three up, three down.
In all the commotion, it was easy to miss out on the fact that Millwood was replaced by Michael Gonzalez, the O's closer in April who hadn't pitched since the first week of the season. Gonzo pitched out of trouble, had good velocity, and is certainly welcomed back with open arms to an over-worked bullpen.
The eighth inning brought even more excitement for the home crowd...a fan streaked onto the field, and after jumping the outfield fence, came back for an encore. Watching on TV, I couldn't see the on-field shenanigans, but was hoping there would be stories of a tasing in the paper today...apparently the fan was cornered by police and taken into custody.
After all the excitement though, the reality is this: the Orioles lost again. And not only did the team lose at home again, the Birds suffered a complete-game shutout. That's never pretty. The O's and Twins still have three games to go in this series, but the first game, though memorable in many ways, should be forgotten...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the Birds on Friday night.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
O's Rally Falls Just Short
The O's missed out on a chance to win a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, falling 5-4 on Wednesday afternoon at Camden Yards.
After the Orioles took the game late Tuesday night, it looked like the momentum would be in Baltimore's favor.
But the Rays beat up on Brad Bergesen early, taking a 4-0 lead into the fourth inning. The O's battled back, and scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth and another run in the fifth to tie the game. Time for a little O's magic...
Jason Berken came on to relieve Bergesen and walked in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning, which would prove to be the game winner. The run was charged to Bergesen (3-8), who continues to struggle this season after a spectacular rookie year.
Offensively, the Birds showed some power on Wednesday afternoon: Ty Wigginton smacked his team-leading 16th homer in the fourth and slapped a double down the line in the eighth inning. The O's collected nine hits; five of them went for extra-bases. Yet the Birds went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base.
After starting the 10-game homestand 1-5, the Orioles have a chance to even things out with the Minnesota Twins coming to town for a four-game set. Kevin Millwood, fresh off the DL, gets the nod on Thursday night.
After the Orioles took the game late Tuesday night, it looked like the momentum would be in Baltimore's favor.
But the Rays beat up on Brad Bergesen early, taking a 4-0 lead into the fourth inning. The O's battled back, and scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth and another run in the fifth to tie the game. Time for a little O's magic...
Jason Berken came on to relieve Bergesen and walked in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning, which would prove to be the game winner. The run was charged to Bergesen (3-8), who continues to struggle this season after a spectacular rookie year.
Offensively, the Birds showed some power on Wednesday afternoon: Ty Wigginton smacked his team-leading 16th homer in the fourth and slapped a double down the line in the eighth inning. The O's collected nine hits; five of them went for extra-bases. Yet the Birds went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base.
After starting the 10-game homestand 1-5, the Orioles have a chance to even things out with the Minnesota Twins coming to town for a four-game set. Kevin Millwood, fresh off the DL, gets the nod on Thursday night.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Birds' Bats Break Through in Extra-Inning Thriller
The Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays battled back and forth for nearly five hours on Tuesday night, but it was the O's that ended up on top with an 11-10 victory in 13 innings at Camden Yards.
The Birds jumped out to an early 3-0 lead with three consecutive solo home runs in the second inning...after Luke Scott got things started, Ty Wigginton and Adam Jones followed with blasts that put the O's on the board and brought the crowd to its feet. It was the first time the Orioles had hit back-to-back-to-back homers since 1995. Scott connected for another round-tripper in the third inning.
Tampa Bay hit solo home runs off starter Jake Arrieta in both the third and fourth innings, and with the O's ahead 4-2, all six runs had come from solo shots...Tampa Bay added another run on the eighth inning on yet another solo homer. Strangely enough, all seven long balls hit on Tuesday night came with the bases empty...
The two teams battled back and forth over the later innings...the O's lost the early lead in the sixth inning but continued to keep the game close with timely hitting. Down 9-7 heading into the ninth, Miguel Tejada connected for his second two-run double of the night, knotting the game at nine and sending it into extra innings.
After the Rays scored a run in the top of the 12th, the Orioles answered right back with a run to keep the game alive. Koji Uehara shut down Tampa in the 13th and picked up his first win after the Birds methodically took down Lance Cormier (remember him?) in the bottom of the inning...
Cesar Izturis led-off with a walk, and Felix Pie advanced him to second with a sacrifice bunt. Julio Lugo, who had entered the game in the ninth as a pinch-runner for Tejada, slapped a single to right field to score Izturis and give the O's a dramatic come-from-behind victory.
With the win, the Birds are now 30-63 for the season and have won their first game of the second half. After playing until almost midnight, both teams will take the field early Wednesday afternoon for the series finale. Brad Bergesen gets the start for the O's...
The Birds jumped out to an early 3-0 lead with three consecutive solo home runs in the second inning...after Luke Scott got things started, Ty Wigginton and Adam Jones followed with blasts that put the O's on the board and brought the crowd to its feet. It was the first time the Orioles had hit back-to-back-to-back homers since 1995. Scott connected for another round-tripper in the third inning.
Tampa Bay hit solo home runs off starter Jake Arrieta in both the third and fourth innings, and with the O's ahead 4-2, all six runs had come from solo shots...Tampa Bay added another run on the eighth inning on yet another solo homer. Strangely enough, all seven long balls hit on Tuesday night came with the bases empty...
The two teams battled back and forth over the later innings...the O's lost the early lead in the sixth inning but continued to keep the game close with timely hitting. Down 9-7 heading into the ninth, Miguel Tejada connected for his second two-run double of the night, knotting the game at nine and sending it into extra innings.
After the Rays scored a run in the top of the 12th, the Orioles answered right back with a run to keep the game alive. Koji Uehara shut down Tampa in the 13th and picked up his first win after the Birds methodically took down Lance Cormier (remember him?) in the bottom of the inning...
Cesar Izturis led-off with a walk, and Felix Pie advanced him to second with a sacrifice bunt. Julio Lugo, who had entered the game in the ninth as a pinch-runner for Tejada, slapped a single to right field to score Izturis and give the O's a dramatic come-from-behind victory.
With the win, the Birds are now 30-63 for the season and have won their first game of the second half. After playing until almost midnight, both teams will take the field early Wednesday afternoon for the series finale. Brad Bergesen gets the start for the O's...
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tillman Tagged for Eight Runs in Loss
The Orioles dropped their fourth straight game, falling 8-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays Monday night at Camden Yards.
O's starter Chris Tillman took the loss, after lasting just 2 1/3 innings and giving up all eight runs on seven hits, four walks and a hit batter. The bullpen allowed just two hits and two walks over the final six frames, but Tampa's seven-run third inning proved to be the difference in the ballgame.
What happened to the O's offense? The team has come back from the break looking just like they did during the early months of the season. The Birds had seven hits but managed just one run for the second straight game. It's almost an unbelievable statistic: over the last two games (both blowout losses) the O's have collected 19 hits but have scored just two runs...
After heading into the break on an impressive four-game winning streak, the O's have now dropped four straight at home. The Orioles scored 23 runs in the four games against Texas, but have scored just six runs in the last four contests.
And the Birds (29-63) still own the worst record in all of baseball...
The O's send Jake Arrieta to the mound on Tuesday night to try and right the ship...here's hoping the team can pick up win number 30.
O's starter Chris Tillman took the loss, after lasting just 2 1/3 innings and giving up all eight runs on seven hits, four walks and a hit batter. The bullpen allowed just two hits and two walks over the final six frames, but Tampa's seven-run third inning proved to be the difference in the ballgame.
What happened to the O's offense? The team has come back from the break looking just like they did during the early months of the season. The Birds had seven hits but managed just one run for the second straight game. It's almost an unbelievable statistic: over the last two games (both blowout losses) the O's have collected 19 hits but have scored just two runs...
After heading into the break on an impressive four-game winning streak, the O's have now dropped four straight at home. The Orioles scored 23 runs in the four games against Texas, but have scored just six runs in the last four contests.
And the Birds (29-63) still own the worst record in all of baseball...
The O's send Jake Arrieta to the mound on Tuesday night to try and right the ship...here's hoping the team can pick up win number 30.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Matusz, Birds Blown Away
The O's were swept by Toronto for the third time this season after the visiting Blue Jays crushed them 10-1 on Sunday afternoon.
The Orioles went ahead 1-0 in the first inning before Toronto stormed back with ten unanswered runs. O's starter Brian Matusz lasted just 1 2/3 innings and was charged with six runs off five hits, two walks and a hit batter. It was Matusz's shortest outing of his young career; his tenth loss of the season now ties him with fellow starter Jeremy Guthrie (3-10) for the most losses in the A.L.
What a season this has been...the Birds probably won't have a starter with 20 wins, but there's a chance the team could have three 20-game losers (Kevin Millwood (2-8) should return from the DL this week)!
Once again, the offense managed some hits (12 compared to Toronto's 15) but were unable to produce any runs...the Birds stranded 11 men on base and went just 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position. Unbelievable.
On the plus-side, Nick Markakis slapped two doubles and now leads the Majors with 31.
The Orioles take on the Tampa Bay Rays for a three-game set beginning Monday night...Chris Tillman is slated to take the mound for the Birds.
The Orioles went ahead 1-0 in the first inning before Toronto stormed back with ten unanswered runs. O's starter Brian Matusz lasted just 1 2/3 innings and was charged with six runs off five hits, two walks and a hit batter. It was Matusz's shortest outing of his young career; his tenth loss of the season now ties him with fellow starter Jeremy Guthrie (3-10) for the most losses in the A.L.
What a season this has been...the Birds probably won't have a starter with 20 wins, but there's a chance the team could have three 20-game losers (Kevin Millwood (2-8) should return from the DL this week)!
Once again, the offense managed some hits (12 compared to Toronto's 15) but were unable to produce any runs...the Birds stranded 11 men on base and went just 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position. Unbelievable.
On the plus-side, Nick Markakis slapped two doubles and now leads the Majors with 31.
The Orioles take on the Tampa Bay Rays for a three-game set beginning Monday night...Chris Tillman is slated to take the mound for the Birds.
Berken Blows Guthrie's Chance
The Birds blew a chance to beat the visiting Toronto Blue Jays for the first time this season, falling 3-2 on Saturday night.
Jeremy Guthrie gave up a lead-off home run to begin the game, but went 6 2/3 strong innings and left with the O's clinging to a 2-1 lead.
Jason Berken, the best pitcher out of the 'pen all season long, gave up a two-run shot in the eighth inning to give the Jays a 3-2 lead.
The offense had plenty of chances to win this one late...
The Birds had runners on the corners with just one out and Nick Markakis at the plate...Markakis grounded into a double play to end the threat.
In the bottom of the ninth, the hitters showed patience at the plate and managed to load the bases on three free passes...with two outs, number nine hitter Cesar Izturis grounded out to end the game. Izturis remained in due to the fact he singled in both Orioles' runs with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. Izturis couldn't get it done a second time though, and the Birds dropped another game.
Brian Matusz takes the mound Sunday afternoon in the series finale. The O's are in danger of being swept in three straight series against Toronto...
Jeremy Guthrie gave up a lead-off home run to begin the game, but went 6 2/3 strong innings and left with the O's clinging to a 2-1 lead.
Jason Berken, the best pitcher out of the 'pen all season long, gave up a two-run shot in the eighth inning to give the Jays a 3-2 lead.
The offense had plenty of chances to win this one late...
The Birds had runners on the corners with just one out and Nick Markakis at the plate...Markakis grounded into a double play to end the threat.
In the bottom of the ninth, the hitters showed patience at the plate and managed to load the bases on three free passes...with two outs, number nine hitter Cesar Izturis grounded out to end the game. Izturis remained in due to the fact he singled in both Orioles' runs with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. Izturis couldn't get it done a second time though, and the Birds dropped another game.
Brian Matusz takes the mound Sunday afternoon in the series finale. The O's are in danger of being swept in three straight series against Toronto...
Saturday, July 17, 2010
O's Start Second Half with a Loss
The O's saw their four-game win streak come to an end, as they fell to the visiting Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 on Friday night.
It was nice to see baseball played again after having a few days off; it would have been much nicer to see the Birds win five straight for the first time this season.
Starter Brad Bergesen wasn't at his best, and let the Jays take an early lead and build on it. The Jays scored single runs in the first through third innings, and tagged Bergesen for a fourth run in the sixth.
The Orioles had multiple chances to score throughout the game, particularly in the later frames. The Birds scored twice in the fifth but left runners at second and third to end the inning. Overall, the O's went 3-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded six men on base. As a team, the birds managed just seven hits while striking out eight times (Adam Jones struck out three times).
The one positive? The bullpen impressed again...four relievers combined to pitch the final three frames, allowing just one hit and one base on balls.
The Birds have now dropped seven straight games against Toronto this season...they'll go for win number one on Saturday night...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the O's.
It was nice to see baseball played again after having a few days off; it would have been much nicer to see the Birds win five straight for the first time this season.
Starter Brad Bergesen wasn't at his best, and let the Jays take an early lead and build on it. The Jays scored single runs in the first through third innings, and tagged Bergesen for a fourth run in the sixth.
The Orioles had multiple chances to score throughout the game, particularly in the later frames. The Birds scored twice in the fifth but left runners at second and third to end the inning. Overall, the O's went 3-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded six men on base. As a team, the birds managed just seven hits while striking out eight times (Adam Jones struck out three times).
The one positive? The bullpen impressed again...four relievers combined to pitch the final three frames, allowing just one hit and one base on balls.
The Birds have now dropped seven straight games against Toronto this season...they'll go for win number one on Saturday night...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the O's.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Birds Soar Into Break On A High Note
The O's are flying high after completing a four-game sweep of the Texas Rangers on Sunday afternoon...the Birds won 4-1 and set a few important milestones in the process.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER!
I haven't actually researched these stats myself, so don't get nuts on me if this is not accurate, but this was the first four-game road series the team has swept since 1995, and the first four-game sweep in Arlington since 1976. Thank-you Orioles.com.END OF LEGAL DISCLAIMER!
This fact I know for sure...the O's won it's first series on the road all season long, and did it in glorious fashion with a four-game sweep of the first-place Texas Rangers. The team battled back from big deficits, won in extra innings, beat a Cy Young winner on his big homecoming debut and basically just looked like a team that could overcome any obstacle and would not quit.
Yup...the Orioles...worst team in all of baseball. Did that look like the same team you've been watching all season?
Let's face the facts.
Dave Trembley had to go. This team has been playing with heart since Juan Samuel took the reigns. In the past three weeks the Birds have had two four-game winning streaks. They were able to manage just two three-game winning streaks before that over the first three months! Granted, one of the streaks came at home and mostly at the expense of the Washington Nationals...but all four of those wins were come-from-behind victories! And to see the Birds sweep Texas in four games in Arlington was unbelievable...this is the same organization that trounced the O's 30-3 just two years ago (coincidentally, the same day Trembley was announced as the manager).
Sorry...let me settle down here. Jake Arrieta (3-2) took the win Sunday afternoon after yet another stellar performance. Arrieta went 6 1/3 innings and allowed just one run (a first inning solo homer) on six hits while walking two and fanning three. Again, the bullpen held on, with Jason Berken continuing to look like the reliever of the year and Alfredo Simon picking up yet another save.
Yeah...I may be guilty of drinking the orange Kool-Aid...but what I have seen in the past month is what I had expected from this team all season long. I've said it many times before: I'd much rather see the O's struggle in the first half and finish the season strong than the other way around. We are all used to watching the O's fall apart through the last three months of the season; wouldn't it be better to deal with the early season struggles and watch a competitive team dominate in the second half?
Of course, that may not happen either. The Orioles (29-59) are 30 games under .500 and are still the worst team in the league. The past few weeks have been encouraging, and with the added confidence that can only come from winning, this team could be hard to beat in the second half. Juan Samuel has stepped-up and put some life into his players, yet may be gone in the next few days.
With no O's games to blog about, I'd like to delve into that topic Monday night...should Juan Samuel be replaced if Buck Showalter accepts the job? Obviously Buck has the prior experience Andy MacPhail desires, but Samuel has taken a team with no hope and transformed it into a team that believes it can win no matter what the odds or circumstances. Honestly, when can you remember more comeback victories then in the past few weeks? Samuel led the O's to a 14-20 record in 34 games...that's pretty much half of the O's wins all season coming under Samuel's watch. Again, the games weren't blowouts...the Orioles played as a team and showed they are a Major League club with talent. Of course, these young Birds could use a manager with some winning experience, and the Orioles would be lucky to have Buck Showalter come to Baltimore.
That's it for now...I'll post again on the managerial topic and once more on Wiggy's performance before the Orioles start the better half of the season...
Yup...the Orioles...worst team in all of baseball. Did that look like the same team you've been watching all season?
Let's face the facts.
Dave Trembley had to go. This team has been playing with heart since Juan Samuel took the reigns. In the past three weeks the Birds have had two four-game winning streaks. They were able to manage just two three-game winning streaks before that over the first three months! Granted, one of the streaks came at home and mostly at the expense of the Washington Nationals...but all four of those wins were come-from-behind victories! And to see the Birds sweep Texas in four games in Arlington was unbelievable...this is the same organization that trounced the O's 30-3 just two years ago (coincidentally, the same day Trembley was announced as the manager).
Sorry...let me settle down here. Jake Arrieta (3-2) took the win Sunday afternoon after yet another stellar performance. Arrieta went 6 1/3 innings and allowed just one run (a first inning solo homer) on six hits while walking two and fanning three. Again, the bullpen held on, with Jason Berken continuing to look like the reliever of the year and Alfredo Simon picking up yet another save.
Yeah...I may be guilty of drinking the orange Kool-Aid...but what I have seen in the past month is what I had expected from this team all season long. I've said it many times before: I'd much rather see the O's struggle in the first half and finish the season strong than the other way around. We are all used to watching the O's fall apart through the last three months of the season; wouldn't it be better to deal with the early season struggles and watch a competitive team dominate in the second half?
Of course, that may not happen either. The Orioles (29-59) are 30 games under .500 and are still the worst team in the league. The past few weeks have been encouraging, and with the added confidence that can only come from winning, this team could be hard to beat in the second half. Juan Samuel has stepped-up and put some life into his players, yet may be gone in the next few days.
With no O's games to blog about, I'd like to delve into that topic Monday night...should Juan Samuel be replaced if Buck Showalter accepts the job? Obviously Buck has the prior experience Andy MacPhail desires, but Samuel has taken a team with no hope and transformed it into a team that believes it can win no matter what the odds or circumstances. Honestly, when can you remember more comeback victories then in the past few weeks? Samuel led the O's to a 14-20 record in 34 games...that's pretty much half of the O's wins all season coming under Samuel's watch. Again, the games weren't blowouts...the Orioles played as a team and showed they are a Major League club with talent. Of course, these young Birds could use a manager with some winning experience, and the Orioles would be lucky to have Buck Showalter come to Baltimore.
That's it for now...I'll post again on the managerial topic and once more on Wiggy's performance before the Orioles start the better half of the season...
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Cliff Lee Who?
Just kidding...we all still know who Cliff Lee is. But Chris Tillman and the O's offense stole his thunder on Saturday night, as the Birds beat Texas for the third straight game, 6-1.
In Lee's debut as a Texas Ranger, Tillman out-pitched his mound counterpart. Tillman took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and took the win, allowing one unearned run through 7 1/3 solid frames, walking one and fanning three.
The Birds welcomed Lee to Texas with home runs in three consecutive innings...Nick Markakis went deep in the fourth, Cesar Izturis blasted a solo shot (his first round-tripper of the season) in the fifth and Adam Jones hit a two-run bomb in the sixth inning to give the O's a 5-0 lead. Jones' 14th homer ties him with Ty Wigginton for most on the club this season...
Believe it or not, this marks the first time the Birds have won a road series all season! The two teams go at it again Sunday afternoon...Jake Arrieta takes the mound for the Orioles, who have a chance to sweep Texas before heading into the All-Star Break.
In Lee's debut as a Texas Ranger, Tillman out-pitched his mound counterpart. Tillman took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and took the win, allowing one unearned run through 7 1/3 solid frames, walking one and fanning three.
The Birds welcomed Lee to Texas with home runs in three consecutive innings...Nick Markakis went deep in the fourth, Cesar Izturis blasted a solo shot (his first round-tripper of the season) in the fifth and Adam Jones hit a two-run bomb in the sixth inning to give the O's a 5-0 lead. Jones' 14th homer ties him with Ty Wigginton for most on the club this season...
Believe it or not, this marks the first time the Birds have won a road series all season! The two teams go at it again Sunday afternoon...Jake Arrieta takes the mound for the Orioles, who have a chance to sweep Texas before heading into the All-Star Break.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Best. Comeback. Ever?
O.K. Maybe it wasn't the greatest comeback of all-time, (remember the Red Sox game last July?) but it was, in a word, amazing. The O's took down the Texas Rangers 7-6 in 10 innings on Saturday morning.
The Birds were down by four runs in the ninth inning, and loaded the bases against Texas' All-Star closer Neftali Feliz. With two outs and down to his last strike, Corey Patterson launched a grand slam to tie the game. After Jason Berken held the Rangers scoreless in the bottom of the frame, Jake Fox slapped a solo shot to lead-off the tenth inning and give the Birds their first lead of the game.
Alfredo Simon got the Rangers 1-2-3 in the bottom of the tenth to pick up the save, while Berken took the win. Brian Matusz, who was tagged for four runs through three innings, was spared the loss thanks to the comeback kids. The bullpen was spectacular again; Texas' final two runs in the eighth inning were unearned due to a pair of defensive errors by the O's.
After basically giving the Rangers those two runs before heading into the ninth inning, it would have been easy for the Orioles to lay down and die. But for the second straight game, the O's wouldn't quit and managed to pull out the win. I've gotta say, I am impressed...two straight against the first-place Rangers is tough to do for any team, especially come-from-behind victories.
I'm hoping some fans didn't miss out on watching this miraculous comeback...the game was delayed for 2 hours, 29 minutes due to rain, and thanks to the O's late-inning heroics, the final out came around 2:30 on Saturday morning. For those who stayed up, it was well worth it!
The Birds look to make it three straight on Saturday night, but it won't be easy. Chris Tillman, back from Triple-A Norfolk, is slated to take the mound for the O's. He'll get to face newly-acquired Cy Young winner Cliff Lee...welcome back to the Majors, Chris!
The Birds were down by four runs in the ninth inning, and loaded the bases against Texas' All-Star closer Neftali Feliz. With two outs and down to his last strike, Corey Patterson launched a grand slam to tie the game. After Jason Berken held the Rangers scoreless in the bottom of the frame, Jake Fox slapped a solo shot to lead-off the tenth inning and give the Birds their first lead of the game.
Alfredo Simon got the Rangers 1-2-3 in the bottom of the tenth to pick up the save, while Berken took the win. Brian Matusz, who was tagged for four runs through three innings, was spared the loss thanks to the comeback kids. The bullpen was spectacular again; Texas' final two runs in the eighth inning were unearned due to a pair of defensive errors by the O's.
After basically giving the Rangers those two runs before heading into the ninth inning, it would have been easy for the Orioles to lay down and die. But for the second straight game, the O's wouldn't quit and managed to pull out the win. I've gotta say, I am impressed...two straight against the first-place Rangers is tough to do for any team, especially come-from-behind victories.
I'm hoping some fans didn't miss out on watching this miraculous comeback...the game was delayed for 2 hours, 29 minutes due to rain, and thanks to the O's late-inning heroics, the final out came around 2:30 on Saturday morning. For those who stayed up, it was well worth it!
The Birds look to make it three straight on Saturday night, but it won't be easy. Chris Tillman, back from Triple-A Norfolk, is slated to take the mound for the O's. He'll get to face newly-acquired Cy Young winner Cliff Lee...welcome back to the Majors, Chris!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Birds Battle Back to Win in Texas
The Orioles overcame three errors and a four-run deficit to beat the Texas Rangers 6-4 on Thursday night.
Jeremy Guthrie was sloppy, allowing four runs and five walks over 4 2/3 innings, but the bullpen backed him up with 4 1/3 scoreless frames.
The offense slowly chipped away, and scored six unanswered runs in the final five innings. Scott Moore put the Birds on the board with a solo shot in the fifth, and Felix Pie launched a solo homer in the seventh.
Texas slowly unraveled in the top of the eight inning...Nick Markakis led-off and reached first on a fielding error before stealing second. Ty Wigginton singled to put runners on the corners before Adam Jones was plunked by a pitch on an 0-2 count to load the bases. The game was tied after Pie was hit by a pitch, and back-up catcher Craig Tatum drove in the go-ahead run with a walk. Julio Lugo singled with one out to give the Birds a 6-4 lead...
Let's recap: two hits (both singles), a walk, an error and two batters hit by a pitch...sounds like the Birds got lucky, huh? I've seen it happen to us too many times before, so it was nice to see the "baseball gods" smile down on the O's for a change...
While the offense chipped away, the bullpen was impressive, allowing just two hits and a walk through the final frames...David Hernandez (4-7) took the win, though he allowed both hits in relief. Alfredo Simon picked up his 11th save in 13 attempts.
The Birds look to make it two straight on Friday night...Brian Matusz takes the mound for the O's.
Jeremy Guthrie was sloppy, allowing four runs and five walks over 4 2/3 innings, but the bullpen backed him up with 4 1/3 scoreless frames.
The offense slowly chipped away, and scored six unanswered runs in the final five innings. Scott Moore put the Birds on the board with a solo shot in the fifth, and Felix Pie launched a solo homer in the seventh.
Texas slowly unraveled in the top of the eight inning...Nick Markakis led-off and reached first on a fielding error before stealing second. Ty Wigginton singled to put runners on the corners before Adam Jones was plunked by a pitch on an 0-2 count to load the bases. The game was tied after Pie was hit by a pitch, and back-up catcher Craig Tatum drove in the go-ahead run with a walk. Julio Lugo singled with one out to give the Birds a 6-4 lead...
Let's recap: two hits (both singles), a walk, an error and two batters hit by a pitch...sounds like the Birds got lucky, huh? I've seen it happen to us too many times before, so it was nice to see the "baseball gods" smile down on the O's for a change...
While the offense chipped away, the bullpen was impressive, allowing just two hits and a walk through the final frames...David Hernandez (4-7) took the win, though he allowed both hits in relief. Alfredo Simon picked up his 11th save in 13 attempts.
The Birds look to make it two straight on Friday night...Brian Matusz takes the mound for the O's.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
After My Vacation, It Seems O's Really Need A Break
Well, it's good to be back...
I've gotta say I had a better week than the O's.
Obviously I don't plan on recapping every game since Saturday, so here's a quick run-down:
Saturday night: O's lose to Red Sox 9-3. Jake Fox hits his first home run as an Oriole.
Sunday afternoon: Orioles over Boston 6-1. Great ballgame on Independence Day! Brian Matusz went seven strong, giving up two hits while walking three and fanning eight to pick up the win.
Monday afternoon: O's lose a shoot-out in Detroit 12-9. Kevin Millwood gave up five runs in just an inning of work and is later placed on the 15-day DL.
Tuesday evening: O's bullpen blows lead in ninth and then game in 11th...Birds lose 7-5.
Wednesday night: Orioles never had a lead and lost 4-2. Birds swept out of Detroit.
Next up: O's take on Texas for a four-game series before the All-Star Break.
I'll be back on my normal posting schedule from now on...
I've gotta say I had a better week than the O's.
Obviously I don't plan on recapping every game since Saturday, so here's a quick run-down:
Saturday night: O's lose to Red Sox 9-3. Jake Fox hits his first home run as an Oriole.
Sunday afternoon: Orioles over Boston 6-1. Great ballgame on Independence Day! Brian Matusz went seven strong, giving up two hits while walking three and fanning eight to pick up the win.
Monday afternoon: O's lose a shoot-out in Detroit 12-9. Kevin Millwood gave up five runs in just an inning of work and is later placed on the 15-day DL.
Tuesday evening: O's bullpen blows lead in ninth and then game in 11th...Birds lose 7-5.
Wednesday night: Orioles never had a lead and lost 4-2. Birds swept out of Detroit.
Next up: O's take on Texas for a four-game series before the All-Star Break.
I'll be back on my normal posting schedule from now on...
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Bergesen's Solid Start Wasted in Loss to Sox
The Birds came oh-so-close to taking out the Red Sox at Fenway Park, but fell 3-2 on Friday night.
O's starter Brad Bergesen was magnificent, going 7 2/3 innings and allowing just three runs off five hits while walking none and fanning seven. Bergesen left with two outs in the eighth after allowing a double to Marco Scutaro...Will Ohman came on in relief and allowed a bloop single that gave the Sox a 3-2 lead and eventually the win.
Two of the five hits the Sox collected off Bergesen were solo home runs off the bat of J.D. Drew...Drew homered in the second inning to give Boston a 1-0 lead, and again in the fifth to knot the game at 2 (of course, replays showed that Drew's first "home run" never actually cleared the fence, but the O's never challenged the call).
Nick Markakis hit his fourth homer of the season in the fourth inning to put the O's on the board, and Corey Patterson's RBI single in the fifth gave the Birds a brief lead before the Sox came back to tie and eventually win the game.
Most fans (myself included) are wondering why Bergesen was pulled in favor of Ohman...Bergesen was at 100 pitches and had completely dominated Boston's lineup (with Drew as the lone exception). Juan Samuel reasoned that with two leftys coming to bat, Ohman was the best fit. Of course, Terry Francona countered with a righty off the bench, and moments later the Sox took the lead...
It was definitely a hard loss for Bergesen and the Birds, but it was quite a game to watch. The Orioles send Jeremy Guthrie to the mound on Saturday night...hopefully he can even the series...Go O's!
O's starter Brad Bergesen was magnificent, going 7 2/3 innings and allowing just three runs off five hits while walking none and fanning seven. Bergesen left with two outs in the eighth after allowing a double to Marco Scutaro...Will Ohman came on in relief and allowed a bloop single that gave the Sox a 3-2 lead and eventually the win.
Two of the five hits the Sox collected off Bergesen were solo home runs off the bat of J.D. Drew...Drew homered in the second inning to give Boston a 1-0 lead, and again in the fifth to knot the game at 2 (of course, replays showed that Drew's first "home run" never actually cleared the fence, but the O's never challenged the call).
Nick Markakis hit his fourth homer of the season in the fourth inning to put the O's on the board, and Corey Patterson's RBI single in the fifth gave the Birds a brief lead before the Sox came back to tie and eventually win the game.
Most fans (myself included) are wondering why Bergesen was pulled in favor of Ohman...Bergesen was at 100 pitches and had completely dominated Boston's lineup (with Drew as the lone exception). Juan Samuel reasoned that with two leftys coming to bat, Ohman was the best fit. Of course, Terry Francona countered with a righty off the bench, and moments later the Sox took the lead...
It was definitely a hard loss for Bergesen and the Birds, but it was quite a game to watch. The Orioles send Jeremy Guthrie to the mound on Saturday night...hopefully he can even the series...Go O's!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Birds Leave Baltimore on a Sour Note
I was pretty excited for this game...Josh Bell was called up to play shortstop, Jake Arrieta was on the mound, and the O's were in position to win two consecutive series for the first time this season...
It didn't happen.
The Birds scored first, but fell to the Oakland A's 8-1 on Thursday night.
Bell went 1-for-4 and was charged with a throwing error.
Arrieta (2-2) took the loss.
On the bright side, the Orioles had a winning homestand, going 5-4 against the Marlins, Nationals and Athletics...
Now the Birds need to try to win away from home...they face Boston and Tim Wakefield Friday night to begin a 10-game road trip...Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the O's.
It didn't happen.
The Birds scored first, but fell to the Oakland A's 8-1 on Thursday night.
Bell went 1-for-4 and was charged with a throwing error.
Arrieta (2-2) took the loss.
On the bright side, the Orioles had a winning homestand, going 5-4 against the Marlins, Nationals and Athletics...
Now the Birds need to try to win away from home...they face Boston and Tim Wakefield Friday night to begin a 10-game road trip...Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the O's.
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