Kevin Millwood may not be an Oriole next season, but he went out on top, shutting down the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 in a series-clinching victory on Wednesday night.
Millwood (4-16) stifled the best team in the league through seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while walking three and fanning seven. I know the man hasn't lived up to most fans' expectations, but Millwood ate innings for an O's team that needed starting help in 2010, and never really complained about the lack of run support throughout the season. I can't say that I'll miss him, but I appreciate the help and hope Kevin excels next year (more than likely in the National League).
As usual, the O's offense went silent with Millwood on the mound Wednesday night. The two teams traded zeroes until Felix Pie slapped a three-run triple in the seventh inning to put the O's on the board. Millwood battled through the bottom of the inning before giving way to the bullpen...Jim Johnson allowed a hit in the eighth, but Koji Uehara retired the side in the ninth to pick up his 11th save, assuring Millwood a win in his O's finale...
The Birds (63-95) have finished the road series on a high note, taking two of three from the Rays and guaranteeing they won't lose 100 games in 2010. The O's take on Detroit for four games at Camden Yards for the final series of the season...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound Thursday night.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
O's Can't Stop Rays From Celebrating
Brad Bergesen and the Birds fell to the Tampa Bay Rays 5-0 on Tuesday night...the Rays clinched a playoff berth with the victory.
Bergesen (8-11) didn't have his best command against Tampa, allowing five runs off six hits and three walks over five innings. The bullpen no-hit the Rays through the final three frames, but the damage had been done...
Both teams collected six hits, but the Birds blanked in the run department. The O's were held scoreless against Tampa's ace David Price (19-6). Price allowed six hits, walked none and fanned eight over eight innings...
Kevin Millwood takes the mound Wednesday in the series finale...the Birds then head home for the final four games of the season against Detroit.
Bergesen (8-11) didn't have his best command against Tampa, allowing five runs off six hits and three walks over five innings. The bullpen no-hit the Rays through the final three frames, but the damage had been done...
Both teams collected six hits, but the Birds blanked in the run department. The O's were held scoreless against Tampa's ace David Price (19-6). Price allowed six hits, walked none and fanned eight over eight innings...
Kevin Millwood takes the mound Wednesday in the series finale...the Birds then head home for the final four games of the season against Detroit.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Matusz Topples Tampa
The Rays were hoping to pop some champagne with a victory; instead, the O's handed them a 4-0 loss in St. Petersburg on Monday night.
Brian Matusz looked like the Rookie of the Year we all expected to see in April...Matusz (9-12) blanked the Rays on three hits over seven innings, walking two, hitting a batter and striking out eight. Matusz has now won five straight contests...
The bullpen was almost as impressive: Jim Johnson pitched a 1-2-3 eighth before Koji Uehara came on to strike the side out in the ninth...
In a pitcher's duel, the Birds finally got on the board in the fifth...Cesar Izturis slapped a double and crossed home plate courtesy of Nick Markakis' RBI triple. The O's tacked on three more runs in the seventh, but the one run was all Matusz and the 'pen would need on Monday night...
With just six games left this season, the Orioles (62-94) would have to lose them all to hit 100 losses, an almost sure-thing before Buck Showalter took the helm. The Birds need to win just twice more to equal their win total from last season. Brad Bergesen will take the mound for the O's on Tuesday night...here's hoping the champagne stays corked for at least one more day!
Brian Matusz looked like the Rookie of the Year we all expected to see in April...Matusz (9-12) blanked the Rays on three hits over seven innings, walking two, hitting a batter and striking out eight. Matusz has now won five straight contests...
The bullpen was almost as impressive: Jim Johnson pitched a 1-2-3 eighth before Koji Uehara came on to strike the side out in the ninth...
In a pitcher's duel, the Birds finally got on the board in the fifth...Cesar Izturis slapped a double and crossed home plate courtesy of Nick Markakis' RBI triple. The O's tacked on three more runs in the seventh, but the one run was all Matusz and the 'pen would need on Monday night...
With just six games left this season, the Orioles (62-94) would have to lose them all to hit 100 losses, an almost sure-thing before Buck Showalter took the helm. The Birds need to win just twice more to equal their win total from last season. Brad Bergesen will take the mound for the O's on Tuesday night...here's hoping the champagne stays corked for at least one more day!
Blame Canada?
The Orioles were swept out of Toronto after a 5-2 loss to the Jays on Sunday afternoon.
With the loss, the O's went just 3-15 against the Blue Jays in 2010, and never won a game at Rogers Centre all season. The Birds hadn't beaten Toronto until a three-game sweep of the Jays earlier this month...
Rick VandenHurk got the start for the O's and took the loss. VandenHurk went just four innings and allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while fanning five. The bullpen didn't fare much better: Alfredo Simon came on in relief and hit Jose Bautista...Simon and Buck Showalter were both ejected on the play. Matt Albers allowed another two runs before David Hernandez held Toronto to just two hits over the final two frames.
The offense was unable to get much going against the Jays...the Birds managed seven hits (all singles), and Adam Jones collected three of them himself.
The O's have now dropped four straight and head to Tampa Bay to take on the Rays for a three-game set before returning home for the final series of the season. Brian Matusz takes the mound for the Birds on Monday night...
With the loss, the O's went just 3-15 against the Blue Jays in 2010, and never won a game at Rogers Centre all season. The Birds hadn't beaten Toronto until a three-game sweep of the Jays earlier this month...
Rick VandenHurk got the start for the O's and took the loss. VandenHurk went just four innings and allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while fanning five. The bullpen didn't fare much better: Alfredo Simon came on in relief and hit Jose Bautista...Simon and Buck Showalter were both ejected on the play. Matt Albers allowed another two runs before David Hernandez held Toronto to just two hits over the final two frames.
The offense was unable to get much going against the Jays...the Birds managed seven hits (all singles), and Adam Jones collected three of them himself.
The O's have now dropped four straight and head to Tampa Bay to take on the Rays for a three-game set before returning home for the final series of the season. Brian Matusz takes the mound for the Birds on Monday night...
Sunday, September 26, 2010
O's Fall to the Long Ball
The Orioles dropped another game in Toronto, falling to the Jays 5-4 in 11 innings on Saturday afternoon.
Toronto continued to hurt the Birds with the long ball, blasting four home runs, including a walk-off solo shot in the bottom of the eleventh.
Jeremy Guthrie allowed three solo homers over 6 1/3 innings and took the no-decision. Guthrie allowed four runs off seven hits while walking none and striking out six. The bullpen held the Jays scoreless until Mark Hendrickson allowed the walk-off homer to the first batter he faced...
The Birds got on the board first, scoring three times in the second (two of the runs came on bases loaded walks), but were shut down until Ty Wigginton launched a solo shot in the seventh. The O's went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine men on base.
The Orioles have one chance left to beat the Blue Jays in Toronto this season...Rick VandenHurk will make his first start in an O's uniform on Sunday afternoon.
Toronto continued to hurt the Birds with the long ball, blasting four home runs, including a walk-off solo shot in the bottom of the eleventh.
Jeremy Guthrie allowed three solo homers over 6 1/3 innings and took the no-decision. Guthrie allowed four runs off seven hits while walking none and striking out six. The bullpen held the Jays scoreless until Mark Hendrickson allowed the walk-off homer to the first batter he faced...
The Birds got on the board first, scoring three times in the second (two of the runs came on bases loaded walks), but were shut down until Ty Wigginton launched a solo shot in the seventh. The O's went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine men on base.
The Orioles have one chance left to beat the Blue Jays in Toronto this season...Rick VandenHurk will make his first start in an O's uniform on Sunday afternoon.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
O's Still Winless in Toronto
The Birds had a chance to beat the Blue Jays for the first time in Toronto this season, but fell 6-4 at Rogers Centre on Friday night.
Chris Tillman pitched a good game, but took the loss. Tillman (1-5) allowed just four hits and a walk, but three of the hits were long balls and all five baserunners scored. Matt Albers allowed a run in the eighth to give the Jays an insurance run.
The Orioles out-hit Toronto 16-5 but squandered a number of opportunities against the Jays. The team went 5-for-16 with runners in scoring position and stranded 14 men on base in the loss.
The Birds have two more chances to take a game in Toronto this season...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound Saturday afternoon. With just nine games left to play, the O's (61-92) need to win four of them to eclipse last year's record...
Chris Tillman pitched a good game, but took the loss. Tillman (1-5) allowed just four hits and a walk, but three of the hits were long balls and all five baserunners scored. Matt Albers allowed a run in the eighth to give the Jays an insurance run.
The Orioles out-hit Toronto 16-5 but squandered a number of opportunities against the Jays. The team went 5-for-16 with runners in scoring position and stranded 14 men on base in the loss.
The Birds have two more chances to take a game in Toronto this season...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound Saturday afternoon. With just nine games left to play, the O's (61-92) need to win four of them to eclipse last year's record...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
O's Miss Out On Fenway Sweep
Kevin Millwood gave up a few home runs, and the O's offense went quietly in a 6-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night.
Millwood (3-16) gave up two long balls to put the Birds in a hole they couldn't climb out of...Millwood's 30 taters allowed are second-worst in the AL. His final line: five innings, seven hits, six runs, a walk and five strikeouts. Millwood was brought on to eat innings and mentor a young staff, and while he has certainly been a work-horse, his record leaves much to be desired. His first inning ERA is the worst in baseball (nearly 12.00) and his 16 losses are the worst on a squad full of rookies. Let's not even talk about the 16 losses...and don't even try to bring up the fact that Millwood has some of the worst run support in baseball. If you give up six runs a game, you're going to lose more often than not...
Once again, though, the Birds just couldn't score with Millwood on the mound. Ty Wigginton slapped an RBI double in the bottom of the fourth to plate Nick Markakis and give the O's a 1-0 lead. The Sox answered right back, as David Ortiz smashed a three-run shot in the bottom of the inning to give Boston a lead they would never relinquish.
Still, the Orioles won the series at Fenway and went 9-9 against the Red Sox this season. They are playing great baseball under Buck Showalter, and have held their own against the East over the past two months. The O's take Thursday off before taking on the Blue Jays in Toronto for a three-game set. Before last week's home sweep, the Birds had gone 0-12 against the Jays in 2010. The O's still have yet to beat the Jays in Toronto, and they send Chris Tillman to the mound on Friday night to attempt to reverse that trend...
Millwood (3-16) gave up two long balls to put the Birds in a hole they couldn't climb out of...Millwood's 30 taters allowed are second-worst in the AL. His final line: five innings, seven hits, six runs, a walk and five strikeouts. Millwood was brought on to eat innings and mentor a young staff, and while he has certainly been a work-horse, his record leaves much to be desired. His first inning ERA is the worst in baseball (nearly 12.00) and his 16 losses are the worst on a squad full of rookies. Let's not even talk about the 16 losses...and don't even try to bring up the fact that Millwood has some of the worst run support in baseball. If you give up six runs a game, you're going to lose more often than not...
Once again, though, the Birds just couldn't score with Millwood on the mound. Ty Wigginton slapped an RBI double in the bottom of the fourth to plate Nick Markakis and give the O's a 1-0 lead. The Sox answered right back, as David Ortiz smashed a three-run shot in the bottom of the inning to give Boston a lead they would never relinquish.
Still, the Orioles won the series at Fenway and went 9-9 against the Red Sox this season. They are playing great baseball under Buck Showalter, and have held their own against the East over the past two months. The O's take Thursday off before taking on the Blue Jays in Toronto for a three-game set. Before last week's home sweep, the Birds had gone 0-12 against the Jays in 2010. The O's still have yet to beat the Jays in Toronto, and they send Chris Tillman to the mound on Friday night to attempt to reverse that trend...
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Early Pitching Duel Turns Into Late Rout For O's
The Orioles scored nine unanswered runs in a 9-1 rout of the Boston Red Sox Tuesday night at Fenway Park.
Brad Bergesen and Clay Buchholtz were locked in a tight 1-1 ballgame until the Birds broke through in the seventh inning off Boston's bullpen. Ty Wigginton launched a three-run shot just past Pesky's Pole in right field to give the O's the lead...Wigginton has now knocked in the game-winning runs in three straight games.
The Birds scored again in the eighth before exploding for four runs off Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth. The Orioles scored nine runs through the final four frames, and have guaranteed a winning trip in Boston for the first time since 2004.
The Birds go for the sweep on Wednesday night, with Kevin Millwood taking the mound. A win would also give the Orioles a 10-8 season series victory over Boston, something they haven't done since 2004...Let's Go, O's!
Brad Bergesen and Clay Buchholtz were locked in a tight 1-1 ballgame until the Birds broke through in the seventh inning off Boston's bullpen. Ty Wigginton launched a three-run shot just past Pesky's Pole in right field to give the O's the lead...Wigginton has now knocked in the game-winning runs in three straight games.
The Birds scored again in the eighth before exploding for four runs off Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth. The Orioles scored nine runs through the final four frames, and have guaranteed a winning trip in Boston for the first time since 2004.
The Birds go for the sweep on Wednesday night, with Kevin Millwood taking the mound. A win would also give the Orioles a 10-8 season series victory over Boston, something they haven't done since 2004...Let's Go, O's!
Monday, September 20, 2010
O's Over Sox at Fenway
The Orioles took down the Boston Red Sox 4-2 on Monday night at Fenway Park.
The Birds are now 8-8 against Boston this season, their best record against any divisional foe.
After the O's took a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Dice-K, Brian Matusz struggled through the bottom of the frame, allowing the Red Sox to tie the game. Matusz settled down and went five innings, allowing just one run on three hits and three walks while fanning four.
The bullpen held Boston scoreless through the final four frames, allowing just two hits...David Hernandez blew the save but took the win, and Koji Uehara picked up his 10th save in 12 tries, striking out two in the ninth.
Offensively, there wasn't much fireworks to speak of. The O's had eight hits (Nick Markakis' 43rd double this season was the lone extra-base hit) and went just 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position. But the Birds played smart baseball, using sac flies, timely hits, and an error to score just enough runs to win the game. Luke Scott went 2-for-2 with a walk and two RBIs to lead the O's.
Brad Bergesen, fresh off a complete game victory over Toronto, takes the mound for the Orioles Tuesday night...a victory would guarantee a season-split with Boston and virtually eliminate the Sox from post-season play...Let's Go O's!
The Birds are now 8-8 against Boston this season, their best record against any divisional foe.
After the O's took a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Dice-K, Brian Matusz struggled through the bottom of the frame, allowing the Red Sox to tie the game. Matusz settled down and went five innings, allowing just one run on three hits and three walks while fanning four.
The bullpen held Boston scoreless through the final four frames, allowing just two hits...David Hernandez blew the save but took the win, and Koji Uehara picked up his 10th save in 12 tries, striking out two in the ninth.
Offensively, there wasn't much fireworks to speak of. The O's had eight hits (Nick Markakis' 43rd double this season was the lone extra-base hit) and went just 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position. But the Birds played smart baseball, using sac flies, timely hits, and an error to score just enough runs to win the game. Luke Scott went 2-for-2 with a walk and two RBIs to lead the O's.
Brad Bergesen, fresh off a complete game victory over Toronto, takes the mound for the Orioles Tuesday night...a victory would guarantee a season-split with Boston and virtually eliminate the Sox from post-season play...Let's Go O's!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
O's Avoid Sweep In Extra-Inning Thriller
Just an hour after the Ravens lost to the Bengals in Cincinnati, the Orioles provided some much-needed relief for Baltimore sports fans with a 4-3 win over the Yankees in 11 innings at Camden Yards.
Down 3-2 in the ninth inning, Luke Scott went deep off New York's closer Mariano Rivera to tie the game and send it into extras. It was just the second homer Rivera has allowed this season.
Koji Uehara was sent out to the mound in the tenth, and expelled some demons by striking out the side. Overall, the bullpen was magnificent after Chris Tillman's shaky start...more on that later.
Scott led off the 11th with a double to left field, and Ty Wigginton followed with a game-winning, walk-off hit to center to give the Birds the victory.
Chris Tillman allowed three runs over just 3 2/3 innings, allowing just three hits but walking six. The bullpen came up huge in this game, shutting down the Yankees over the final 7 1/3 frames...
The O's lost the series to New York, but went 4-2 on the homestand. The Birds now begin a nine-game road trip starting Monday night in Boston. Brian Matusz takes the mound...Let's Go O's!
Down 3-2 in the ninth inning, Luke Scott went deep off New York's closer Mariano Rivera to tie the game and send it into extras. It was just the second homer Rivera has allowed this season.
Koji Uehara was sent out to the mound in the tenth, and expelled some demons by striking out the side. Overall, the bullpen was magnificent after Chris Tillman's shaky start...more on that later.
Scott led off the 11th with a double to left field, and Ty Wigginton followed with a game-winning, walk-off hit to center to give the Birds the victory.
Chris Tillman allowed three runs over just 3 2/3 innings, allowing just three hits but walking six. The bullpen came up huge in this game, shutting down the Yankees over the final 7 1/3 frames...
The O's lost the series to New York, but went 4-2 on the homestand. The Birds now begin a nine-game road trip starting Monday night in Boston. Brian Matusz takes the mound...Let's Go O's!
Guthrie, O's Get Crushed
Jeremy Guthrie wasn't able to stop CC Sabathia from becoming the Major's first 20-game winner on Saturday night, as the Yankees rolled over the O's 11-3 in front of a sell-out crowd at Camden yards.
Guthrie allowed six runs on seven hits over just five innings of work, his shortest outing since early July. He walked two and struck out five and was saddled with his 14th loss of the season. The bullpen didn't fare much better, allowing another five runs of six hits over the final four frames...Rick VandenHurk, who will start against Boston next week in place of Jake Arrieta, gave up a three-run bomb in the ninth to give the Yankees a blow-out victory.
The offense was mainly non-existent, besides Robert Andino. Andino fell a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored. The rest of the O's managed just six hits (all singles) and the team went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.
The Birds send Chris Tillman to the mound on Sunday afternoon in an attempt to avert the sweep...
Guthrie allowed six runs on seven hits over just five innings of work, his shortest outing since early July. He walked two and struck out five and was saddled with his 14th loss of the season. The bullpen didn't fare much better, allowing another five runs of six hits over the final four frames...Rick VandenHurk, who will start against Boston next week in place of Jake Arrieta, gave up a three-run bomb in the ninth to give the Yankees a blow-out victory.
The offense was mainly non-existent, besides Robert Andino. Andino fell a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored. The rest of the O's managed just six hits (all singles) and the team went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.
The Birds send Chris Tillman to the mound on Sunday afternoon in an attempt to avert the sweep...
Friday, September 17, 2010
Koji Can't Get it Done Against Yankees
The O's were one strike away from a victory over the Yankees on Friday night at Camden Yards, but Koji Uehara gave up a mammoth home run to give New York the lead, and eventually the 4-3 win.
It's deja vu all over again...Uehara has just two blown saves this season, both coming against the Yankees on home runs with two outs and New York down to their final strike...
Last week, it was Nick Swisher that blasted a two-run walk-off shot against Uehara to deny the Birds a sweep in New York. On Friday night, A-Rod crushed a 2-2 pitch with two men on to erase the O's 3-1 lead and send Uehara to his knees on the mound...
While I certainly didn't like the outcome, I liked the fact that Showalter threw Koji out there with the game on the line and a chance at redemption against the Yanks...he was one strike away from doing just that and giving the O's a big win against their AL East rivals.
Sadly, Kevin Millwood was unable to pick up his fourth win this season after going seven strong innings, allowing just one run (a solo shot by A-Rod in the second inning) on five hits, four walks and six strikeouts...
Offensively, the Birds didn't get too much going against A.J. Burnett, but it looked like it was going to be enough...Nick Markakis put the O's on the board with a sac fly in the third, and Adam Jones went deep the next inning to give the Birds a 2-1 lead. Robert Andino connected for his first homer of the season in the seventh, and the O's took a 3-1 lead into the fateful ninth inning.
The loss snapped the Birds' win streak at three, and coupled with Tampa Bay's loss, propelled the Yankees into first place in the division. The Orioles can still play spoiler though, with two games left against New York this season. Jeremy Guthrie takes on CC Sabathia on Saturday night...
It's deja vu all over again...Uehara has just two blown saves this season, both coming against the Yankees on home runs with two outs and New York down to their final strike...
Last week, it was Nick Swisher that blasted a two-run walk-off shot against Uehara to deny the Birds a sweep in New York. On Friday night, A-Rod crushed a 2-2 pitch with two men on to erase the O's 3-1 lead and send Uehara to his knees on the mound...
While I certainly didn't like the outcome, I liked the fact that Showalter threw Koji out there with the game on the line and a chance at redemption against the Yanks...he was one strike away from doing just that and giving the O's a big win against their AL East rivals.
Sadly, Kevin Millwood was unable to pick up his fourth win this season after going seven strong innings, allowing just one run (a solo shot by A-Rod in the second inning) on five hits, four walks and six strikeouts...
Offensively, the Birds didn't get too much going against A.J. Burnett, but it looked like it was going to be enough...Nick Markakis put the O's on the board with a sac fly in the third, and Adam Jones went deep the next inning to give the Birds a 2-1 lead. Robert Andino connected for his first homer of the season in the seventh, and the O's took a 3-1 lead into the fateful ninth inning.
The loss snapped the Birds' win streak at three, and coupled with Tampa Bay's loss, propelled the Yankees into first place in the division. The Orioles can still play spoiler though, with two games left against New York this season. Jeremy Guthrie takes on CC Sabathia on Saturday night...
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Birds Sweep Toronto Out Of Baltimore
How about them O's?
After starting the season 0-for-12 against Toronto, Buck's Birds swept the Jays out of Baltimore with a 3-1 win on Wednesday night.
O's starter Brad Bergesen allowed a solo homer in the first inning before settling down and pitching a complete game against the Jays. Bergesen allowed seven hits, no walks, and struck out three in a truly masterful performance...he needed just 95 pitches and finished the game in under two hours.
A day removed from scoring 11 runs off Toronto's pitching, the O's were held mainly at bay Wednesday night. After Toronto went ahead 1-0 in the top of the first, the Birds answered right back...Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis both singled and then pulled off a double-steal before Roberts came home on Luke Scott's ground-out. The O's were held off the scoreboard again until the fourth inning, where they scored what turned out to be the final, and winning, runs of the ballgame.
After an off-day Thursday, the Birds host the Yankees (88-58) for a three-game set...like I said before, it doesn't get any easier for the Orioles (58-88) in September. So far though, the team has gone 9-5 this month and are the last club the struggling Yankees want to see on the road. Kevin Millwood looks to keep it going against A.J. Burnett on Friday night at the Yard...
After starting the season 0-for-12 against Toronto, Buck's Birds swept the Jays out of Baltimore with a 3-1 win on Wednesday night.
O's starter Brad Bergesen allowed a solo homer in the first inning before settling down and pitching a complete game against the Jays. Bergesen allowed seven hits, no walks, and struck out three in a truly masterful performance...he needed just 95 pitches and finished the game in under two hours.
A day removed from scoring 11 runs off Toronto's pitching, the O's were held mainly at bay Wednesday night. After Toronto went ahead 1-0 in the top of the first, the Birds answered right back...Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis both singled and then pulled off a double-steal before Roberts came home on Luke Scott's ground-out. The O's were held off the scoreboard again until the fourth inning, where they scored what turned out to be the final, and winning, runs of the ballgame.
After an off-day Thursday, the Birds host the Yankees (88-58) for a three-game set...like I said before, it doesn't get any easier for the Orioles (58-88) in September. So far though, the team has gone 9-5 this month and are the last club the struggling Yankees want to see on the road. Kevin Millwood looks to keep it going against A.J. Burnett on Friday night at the Yard...
O's Spank Jays
Buck Showalter's T-shirt Tuesday proved to be the most exciting game I've attended this season, as the Birds crushed the Toronto Blue Jays 11-3 at Camden Yards.
Seated 14 rows back behind home plate, thanks to a wonderful friend from work, my buddies and I watched as the Orioles mashed 16 hits (five for extra bases) and took down Toronto for the second straight game.
Jake Arrieta looked incredible in what may have been his final start of the season...Arrieta (6-6) went six scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and a walk while fanning five. After the bullpen spoiled the shutout in the eighth inning, Alfredo Simon retired the Jays in order in the ninth to seal the victory.
The Birds were only up 3-0 when Arrieta departed, but matched a season-best with six runs in the seventh inning, and went on to plate two more in the bottom of the eighth. Nick Markakis finally reached double-digits in long balls, smacking his 10th homer of the season in the fifth. Robert Andino basically put the game away with a three-run double in the seventh, and Adam Jones went deep in the eighth...
The O's look for the sweep on Wednesday night...Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the Birds.
Seated 14 rows back behind home plate, thanks to a wonderful friend from work, my buddies and I watched as the Orioles mashed 16 hits (five for extra bases) and took down Toronto for the second straight game.
Jake Arrieta looked incredible in what may have been his final start of the season...Arrieta (6-6) went six scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and a walk while fanning five. After the bullpen spoiled the shutout in the eighth inning, Alfredo Simon retired the Jays in order in the ninth to seal the victory.
The Birds were only up 3-0 when Arrieta departed, but matched a season-best with six runs in the seventh inning, and went on to plate two more in the bottom of the eighth. Nick Markakis finally reached double-digits in long balls, smacking his 10th homer of the season in the fifth. Robert Andino basically put the game away with a three-run double in the seventh, and Adam Jones went deep in the eighth...
The O's look for the sweep on Wednesday night...Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the Birds.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
O's Finally Take Down Toronto
It took a while, but the Birds beat the visiting Blue Jays 4-3 in 11 innings on Monday night.
The O's had been winless against the Blue Jays this season, going 0-12 before finally snapping the streak...
I'm going to be completely honest with my faithful readers (both of you), I did not see this game...at all. I was hosting a double birthday party/ Ravens game, and had my hands full...this was the first game all season that I missed.
I can give a quick recap: Brian Roberts led-off the game with a home run, Brian Matusz was pulled after one inning after being hit by a come-backer, and Luke Scott won the game in the 11th with an RBI single.
I certainly apologize for the lack of coverage, but I'm not going to write about a game I didn't watch. It may be football season, but I will continue to watch and cheer for my O's until their season ends in early October...
I'm actually going to the game on Tuesday (I need to pick up a Buck Showalter shirt!) so I will obviously have some insight after the game. Jake Arrieta takes the mound for the O's...
The O's had been winless against the Blue Jays this season, going 0-12 before finally snapping the streak...
I'm going to be completely honest with my faithful readers (both of you), I did not see this game...at all. I was hosting a double birthday party/ Ravens game, and had my hands full...this was the first game all season that I missed.
I can give a quick recap: Brian Roberts led-off the game with a home run, Brian Matusz was pulled after one inning after being hit by a come-backer, and Luke Scott won the game in the 11th with an RBI single.
I certainly apologize for the lack of coverage, but I'm not going to write about a game I didn't watch. It may be football season, but I will continue to watch and cheer for my O's until their season ends in early October...
I'm actually going to the game on Tuesday (I need to pick up a Buck Showalter shirt!) so I will obviously have some insight after the game. Jake Arrieta takes the mound for the O's...
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Tigers Tear Apart O's 'Pen
The O's squandered Chris Tillman's outing, falling 6-2 to the Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
Tillman allowed just one run off one hit, though he walked six batters...he left with two on in the seventh inning, and Michael Gonzalez induced a grounder to keep the Birds up 2-1.
Gonzalez fell apart in the eighth, as did the rest of the bullpen. Gonzalez, David Hernandez and Alfredo Simon let Detroit score five times to put the game out of reach and deny the Birds a road sweep...
The Birds managed to go 4-2 against the Yankees and Tigers, winning a second consecutive road series. The Orioles were just two outs away from sweeping New York, and came almost as close in Detroit before taking the loss.
The O's head home to face the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night...the Birds have yet to beat the Jays this season, going 0-12. Brian Matusz looks to reverse that trend...
Tillman allowed just one run off one hit, though he walked six batters...he left with two on in the seventh inning, and Michael Gonzalez induced a grounder to keep the Birds up 2-1.
Gonzalez fell apart in the eighth, as did the rest of the bullpen. Gonzalez, David Hernandez and Alfredo Simon let Detroit score five times to put the game out of reach and deny the Birds a road sweep...
The Birds managed to go 4-2 against the Yankees and Tigers, winning a second consecutive road series. The Orioles were just two outs away from sweeping New York, and came almost as close in Detroit before taking the loss.
The O's head home to face the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night...the Birds have yet to beat the Jays this season, going 0-12. Brian Matusz looks to reverse that trend...
Guthrie Shuts Down Tigers
The O's won again on Saturday night, taking down the Tigers 5-3 at Comerica Park.
Jeremy Guthrie cruised through seven innings, holding Detroit scoreless on five hits and a walk while fanning four. Matt Albers came on to start the eighth with the Birds up 4-0, and allowed three runs on four hits to put the Tigers within striking distance, but Koji Uehara pitched a 1-2-3 ninth with two strikeouts to seal the Birds' second straight win over the Tigers.
The O's banged-out 16 hits but were held off the board until a four-run sixth...Adam Jones and Felix Pie led-off the inning with back-to-back doubles, and Cesar Izturis connected for a two-run triple. Every starter had at least one hit except for Ty Wigginton (who picked up an RBI with a sac fly in the sixth).
The Birds are now guaranteed a winning series against Detroit, and have put together another winning road trip. The O's send Chris Tillman to the mound on Sunday afternoon...
Jeremy Guthrie cruised through seven innings, holding Detroit scoreless on five hits and a walk while fanning four. Matt Albers came on to start the eighth with the Birds up 4-0, and allowed three runs on four hits to put the Tigers within striking distance, but Koji Uehara pitched a 1-2-3 ninth with two strikeouts to seal the Birds' second straight win over the Tigers.
The O's banged-out 16 hits but were held off the board until a four-run sixth...Adam Jones and Felix Pie led-off the inning with back-to-back doubles, and Cesar Izturis connected for a two-run triple. Every starter had at least one hit except for Ty Wigginton (who picked up an RBI with a sac fly in the sixth).
The Birds are now guaranteed a winning series against Detroit, and have put together another winning road trip. The O's send Chris Tillman to the mound on Sunday afternoon...
Saturday, September 11, 2010
O's Tame Tigers in Detroit
The Tigers out-hit the O's, but the Orioles outscored Detroit in a 6-3 victory on Friday night.
Kevin Millwood pitched a good game, going six innings and allowing just three runs (two earned). Millwood allowed a run in the first inning but then held Detroit scoreless until the sixth...Matt Wieters dropped a foul pop-up off the bat of Johnny Damon, who then walked on a full count. The next batter up crushed a two-run shot to knot the score at three and deny Millwood a "W".
The O's bullpen kept putting up zeroes...David Hernandez gave up a lead-off triple in the seventh inning, but struck out two batters and stranded the runner on third base. It was great to see Hernandez back on the mound, and he was rewarded with the win. Jim Johnson allowed a hit in a scoreless eighth, and Koji Uehara pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up his eighth save in nine tries.
Jake Fox launched a two-run homer in the fifth to give the O's a short-lived 3-1 lead. The Birds went on to score twice in the eighth inning and added an insurance run in the ninth to give Uehara a comfortable lead to work with...Matt Wieters made up for his defensive miscue with a sacrifice fly in the eighth that put the O's ahead for good.
The Birds are now 3-1 on the six-game road trip, and need just one win to take the series and ensure another winning road trip. The Orioles (54-87) have 21 games remaining this season, and need to win nine of them to avoid a 100-loss year...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound on Saturday night.
Kevin Millwood pitched a good game, going six innings and allowing just three runs (two earned). Millwood allowed a run in the first inning but then held Detroit scoreless until the sixth...Matt Wieters dropped a foul pop-up off the bat of Johnny Damon, who then walked on a full count. The next batter up crushed a two-run shot to knot the score at three and deny Millwood a "W".
The O's bullpen kept putting up zeroes...David Hernandez gave up a lead-off triple in the seventh inning, but struck out two batters and stranded the runner on third base. It was great to see Hernandez back on the mound, and he was rewarded with the win. Jim Johnson allowed a hit in a scoreless eighth, and Koji Uehara pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up his eighth save in nine tries.
Jake Fox launched a two-run homer in the fifth to give the O's a short-lived 3-1 lead. The Birds went on to score twice in the eighth inning and added an insurance run in the ninth to give Uehara a comfortable lead to work with...Matt Wieters made up for his defensive miscue with a sacrifice fly in the eighth that put the O's ahead for good.
The Birds are now 3-1 on the six-game road trip, and need just one win to take the series and ensure another winning road trip. The Orioles (54-87) have 21 games remaining this season, and need to win nine of them to avoid a 100-loss year...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound on Saturday night.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
O' So Close...
The O's were two outs away from their first sweep of the Yankees in New York since 1986. They'll have to wait until next season to reach that goal, as the Yankees won 3-2 after a walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth.
Koji Uehara blew his first save in eight tries, allowing a two-run bomb to Nick Swisher to give the Yanks the win and deny the O's the sweep. Brad Bergesen was incredible, allowing just one run over 6 1/3 innings, but took the no-decision after Koji took the loss and his first blown save of the season.
Matt Wieters provided all the O's offense with a two-run blast in the fifth inning...Wieters was given the green light with a 3-0 count and sent the predicted fastball into the left field stands to give the Birds a 2-1 lead they would hold onto until the fateful ninth.
It would have been nice to sweep the Yankees in New York. Honestly, it would have been more than nice; it would have been unbelievable. But taking two of three from the best team in all of baseball, in September, is still a thrill. I hope the players feel it as much as the fans, because this past month has been one of the best months to be an O's fan in the past decade...
In a brutal nine-game stretch against AL rivals, the Orioles went 5-4 and showed that they are the team to beat this year if you want to make it to the playoffs. I don't think I've ever been prouder of this team since I started this blog three years ago...
The O's take Thursday off before beginning a three-game series against the Tigers in Detroit. Kevin Millwood takes the mound Friday night...hopefully he's learned something from the young Orioles' rotation...
Koji Uehara blew his first save in eight tries, allowing a two-run bomb to Nick Swisher to give the Yanks the win and deny the O's the sweep. Brad Bergesen was incredible, allowing just one run over 6 1/3 innings, but took the no-decision after Koji took the loss and his first blown save of the season.
Matt Wieters provided all the O's offense with a two-run blast in the fifth inning...Wieters was given the green light with a 3-0 count and sent the predicted fastball into the left field stands to give the Birds a 2-1 lead they would hold onto until the fateful ninth.
It would have been nice to sweep the Yankees in New York. Honestly, it would have been more than nice; it would have been unbelievable. But taking two of three from the best team in all of baseball, in September, is still a thrill. I hope the players feel it as much as the fans, because this past month has been one of the best months to be an O's fan in the past decade...
In a brutal nine-game stretch against AL rivals, the Orioles went 5-4 and showed that they are the team to beat this year if you want to make it to the playoffs. I don't think I've ever been prouder of this team since I started this blog three years ago...
The O's take Thursday off before beginning a three-game series against the Tigers in Detroit. Kevin Millwood takes the mound Friday night...hopefully he's learned something from the young Orioles' rotation...
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
O's Hand Sabathia a Loss at Yankee Stadium
The Birds tagged CC Sabathia for three runs before he recorded a single out, and went on to beat New York 6-2 on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.
The O's have now won four straight games against the best teams in all of baseball, Tampa Bay and New York, and have a chance to sweep the Yankees on their home field for the first time in nearly 25 years. Dating back to their sweep of the Angels, the Orioles have now won five straight road games, a season high.
O's starter Jake Arrieta kept New York's offense off-balance all night, and took the win after allowing just two runs off eight hits and one walk over 6 1/3 innings, while fanning three. Arrieta was pulled with one out and runners on the corners in the seventh inning, setting the stage for Matt Alber's stellar relief appearance. Albers escaped the jam unscathed, going 1 2/3 innings before giving way to Mark Hendrickson in the ninth. The two relievers didn't allow a single hit or base on balls through the final frames...
The O's got to Sabathia early, scoring all the runs they would need in the first inning. Ty Wigginton put the Birds on the board with a bloop single that loaded the bases for Adam Jones, who ripped a two-run single to give the Orioles a 3-0 lead before Sabathia recorded an out. Nolan Reimold extended the lead with a mammoth two-run bomb in the third inning, and Nick Markakis' RBI single in the seventh sent Sabathia to the showers with no chance of picking up his 20th win of the season. Sabathia had gone 21 straight games without a loss at Yankee Stadium, but the Birds snapped his streak and stopped him from becoming the first 20-game winner in the Majors this season...
The O's go for the historic sweep of the Yankees in New York on Wednesday afternoon...if the Birds can pull it off, they will have won a season-best five straight games. Since Buck Showalter took over, the Orioles have the second-best record in all of baseball (the Yankees are third-best after Tuesday's loss!). Brad Bergesen takes the mound later this afternoon...
The O's have now won four straight games against the best teams in all of baseball, Tampa Bay and New York, and have a chance to sweep the Yankees on their home field for the first time in nearly 25 years. Dating back to their sweep of the Angels, the Orioles have now won five straight road games, a season high.
O's starter Jake Arrieta kept New York's offense off-balance all night, and took the win after allowing just two runs off eight hits and one walk over 6 1/3 innings, while fanning three. Arrieta was pulled with one out and runners on the corners in the seventh inning, setting the stage for Matt Alber's stellar relief appearance. Albers escaped the jam unscathed, going 1 2/3 innings before giving way to Mark Hendrickson in the ninth. The two relievers didn't allow a single hit or base on balls through the final frames...
The O's got to Sabathia early, scoring all the runs they would need in the first inning. Ty Wigginton put the Birds on the board with a bloop single that loaded the bases for Adam Jones, who ripped a two-run single to give the Orioles a 3-0 lead before Sabathia recorded an out. Nolan Reimold extended the lead with a mammoth two-run bomb in the third inning, and Nick Markakis' RBI single in the seventh sent Sabathia to the showers with no chance of picking up his 20th win of the season. Sabathia had gone 21 straight games without a loss at Yankee Stadium, but the Birds snapped his streak and stopped him from becoming the first 20-game winner in the Majors this season...
The O's go for the historic sweep of the Yankees in New York on Wednesday afternoon...if the Birds can pull it off, they will have won a season-best five straight games. Since Buck Showalter took over, the Orioles have the second-best record in all of baseball (the Yankees are third-best after Tuesday's loss!). Brad Bergesen takes the mound later this afternoon...
Monday, September 6, 2010
After Series Win Over Rays, O's Sink Yanks
After an 8-7 victory over Tampa at home on Sunday afternoon, the Orioles took down the Yankees in New York with a 4-3 win on Monday.
The O's have now won three straight over the best two teams in baseball...the Yankees (86-52) own the best record in the Majors, while Tampa Bay lurks just a few games behind and lead in the race for the Wild Card. The Orioles (52-86) own one of the worst records in baseball, but have managed to compete with these playoff-bound teams as if they belong in the hunt for October...
The starting pitching has held it's own, with Chris Tillman keeping the game within reach on Sunday and Brian Matusz holding down New York's potent offense on Labor Day. The bullpen has continued to impress, and Koji Uehara has been nearly unstoppable as the O's closer. Uehara has now appeared in three straight games and is a perfect 7-for-7 in save situations since Buck Showalter has taken over...
The Birds can make it four straight, and guarantee a series victory, with a win over the Yankees on Tuesday night. Jake Arrieta takes the mound for the Birds...he'll take on CC Sabathia, who hasn't lost to Baltimore since Opening Day of 2009.
The O's have now won three straight over the best two teams in baseball...the Yankees (86-52) own the best record in the Majors, while Tampa Bay lurks just a few games behind and lead in the race for the Wild Card. The Orioles (52-86) own one of the worst records in baseball, but have managed to compete with these playoff-bound teams as if they belong in the hunt for October...
The starting pitching has held it's own, with Chris Tillman keeping the game within reach on Sunday and Brian Matusz holding down New York's potent offense on Labor Day. The bullpen has continued to impress, and Koji Uehara has been nearly unstoppable as the O's closer. Uehara has now appeared in three straight games and is a perfect 7-for-7 in save situations since Buck Showalter has taken over...
The Birds can make it four straight, and guarantee a series victory, with a win over the Yankees on Tuesday night. Jake Arrieta takes the mound for the Birds...he'll take on CC Sabathia, who hasn't lost to Baltimore since Opening Day of 2009.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Guthrie Gives Showalter Win #900
The O's won their 50th game of the season on Saturday night, evening the series with an 8-4 victory over the Rays at Camden Yards.
Jeremy Guthrie turned in yet another stellar performance, allowing just two runs off six hits over seven innings, while walking one and fanning seven. Guthrie gave up a solo homer to the very first batter he faced, but settled down and managed to pick up his team-leading ninth win.
Michael Gonzalez struck out all three batters he faced in a scoreless eighth, and Koji Uehara closed out the game, though he allowed back-to-back solo shots with two down in the ninth...Uehara has emerged as the team's closer, so it shouldn't be too shocking that he gave up a few runs when the game wasn't on the line. At least, that's what I'm hoping...Uehara hadn't allowed a home run all season before Saturday's outing.
Meanwhile, the Birds' bats came to life against Rays' starter James Shields. The O's knocked Shields out early, scoring seven runs through the first five innings. Nick Markakis blasted a two-run shot in the bottom of the first to give the O's a lead they would never lose. The Birds banged-out 15 hits and had three multi-run innings.
With the win, Buck Showalter became just the 64th manager in history to record 900 career wins. The Birds hope to add to that total on Sunday afternoon...Chris Tillman was called-up from Norfolk and will start for the Orioles.
Jeremy Guthrie turned in yet another stellar performance, allowing just two runs off six hits over seven innings, while walking one and fanning seven. Guthrie gave up a solo homer to the very first batter he faced, but settled down and managed to pick up his team-leading ninth win.
Michael Gonzalez struck out all three batters he faced in a scoreless eighth, and Koji Uehara closed out the game, though he allowed back-to-back solo shots with two down in the ninth...Uehara has emerged as the team's closer, so it shouldn't be too shocking that he gave up a few runs when the game wasn't on the line. At least, that's what I'm hoping...Uehara hadn't allowed a home run all season before Saturday's outing.
Meanwhile, the Birds' bats came to life against Rays' starter James Shields. The O's knocked Shields out early, scoring seven runs through the first five innings. Nick Markakis blasted a two-run shot in the bottom of the first to give the O's a lead they would never lose. The Birds banged-out 15 hits and had three multi-run innings.
With the win, Buck Showalter became just the 64th manager in history to record 900 career wins. The Birds hope to add to that total on Sunday afternoon...Chris Tillman was called-up from Norfolk and will start for the Orioles.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Birds Drop Three Straight Under Buck
For the first time since Buck Showalter took over as manager, the O's lost three straight games, falling 4-1 to the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
Rays' starter Matt Garza, "...shoved it down the Orioles' throats," as the Birds managed just a run on a sacrifice fly against him. Garza had told the media earlier that he was ready to face the Birds' bats, and he backed it up over 5 2/3 innings.
O's starter Kevin Millwood was tagged with his fifteenth loss of the season, as he allowed four runs on seven hits and five walks over 5 2/3 frames. The bullpen allowed just two hits from then on, but the damage had been done.
Offensively, the O's managed just seven hits and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
Jeremy Guthrie is tasked to stop the slide on Saturday night...the O's (49-86) need one win to reach 50 on the season, while Showalter needs just one victory to reach 900 for his career...
Rays' starter Matt Garza, "...shoved it down the Orioles' throats," as the Birds managed just a run on a sacrifice fly against him. Garza had told the media earlier that he was ready to face the Birds' bats, and he backed it up over 5 2/3 innings.
O's starter Kevin Millwood was tagged with his fifteenth loss of the season, as he allowed four runs on seven hits and five walks over 5 2/3 frames. The bullpen allowed just two hits from then on, but the damage had been done.
Offensively, the O's managed just seven hits and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
Jeremy Guthrie is tasked to stop the slide on Saturday night...the O's (49-86) need one win to reach 50 on the season, while Showalter needs just one victory to reach 900 for his career...
Friday, September 3, 2010
Sox Take Series as O's Regress
We all knew September would be rough...but these past two games have really hurt. The O's brought the winning run to the plate in the ninth inning, but failed to even make contact with the ball, falling to the visiting Boston Red Sox 6-4 on Thursday night.
The game looked to be over in the second inning, when starter Brad Bergesen allowed five runs off five hits and allowed the Sox to take a huge early lead. Only two runs were earned, as Ty Wigginton's error at first base extended the inning and eventually cost the O's the game. Bergesen rebounded, going 5 1/3 innings without allowing another run to cross the plate, but the deficit proved to be too much to overcome.
The Birds put up four runs in the sixth inning, capped by Matt Wieters' two-run double. Four of the eight hits the O's collected went for extra bases...Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts both doubled, and Wieters had two for the game.
The damage was done though, as the O's were unable to capitalize in the bottom of the ninth...with two on and none out, Corey Patterson bunted to advance both runners. The O's had two in scoring position with one out, but Cesar Izturis and Josh Bell both struck out to end the game.
Next up: the Tampa Bay Rays come to Baltimore for a three-game set starting Friday night. Kevin Millwood takes the mound for the O's...
The game looked to be over in the second inning, when starter Brad Bergesen allowed five runs off five hits and allowed the Sox to take a huge early lead. Only two runs were earned, as Ty Wigginton's error at first base extended the inning and eventually cost the O's the game. Bergesen rebounded, going 5 1/3 innings without allowing another run to cross the plate, but the deficit proved to be too much to overcome.
The Birds put up four runs in the sixth inning, capped by Matt Wieters' two-run double. Four of the eight hits the O's collected went for extra bases...Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts both doubled, and Wieters had two for the game.
The damage was done though, as the O's were unable to capitalize in the bottom of the ninth...with two on and none out, Corey Patterson bunted to advance both runners. The O's had two in scoring position with one out, but Cesar Izturis and Josh Bell both struck out to end the game.
Next up: the Tampa Bay Rays come to Baltimore for a three-game set starting Friday night. Kevin Millwood takes the mound for the O's...
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Sox Pound 'Pen as O's Fall to Lester
The curse continues...Jon Lester remains unbeaten against the Orioles, as the Boston Red Sox pounded out six runs in the seventh inning to beat the O's 9-6 Wednesday night at Camden Yards.
The Birds came out swinging, scoring four runs in the first inning to take a commanding 4-1 lead. The O's added another run in the second, going up 5-2 against Boston's Lester, who came in to the game with a perfect 12-0 record against Baltimore. It finally looked as if Lester would lose to the O's...
Starter Jake Arrieta wasn't perfect, but kept the damage manageable after allowing three runs off six hits over five innings of work, walking none and fanning five. The O's bullpen, such a strong group over the past month, fell apart in the seventh inning. Mark Hendrickson allowed a two-run bomb that tied the game...Alfredo Simon gave up an RBI double before surrendering a back-breaking three-run blast two batters later to put Boston up 9-5.
The loss ended the Orioles' win streak at four games...they have reached four straight victories five times (three times under Buck Showalter) this season, but have yet to win five straight contests. The O's and Boston are now even at 7-7 this season, with four games left to play...that's still a vast improvement over last season, when Boston went 16-2 over Baltimore.
Brad Bergesen takes the mound Thursday night in the rubber-match of the series...Go O's!
The Birds came out swinging, scoring four runs in the first inning to take a commanding 4-1 lead. The O's added another run in the second, going up 5-2 against Boston's Lester, who came in to the game with a perfect 12-0 record against Baltimore. It finally looked as if Lester would lose to the O's...
Starter Jake Arrieta wasn't perfect, but kept the damage manageable after allowing three runs off six hits over five innings of work, walking none and fanning five. The O's bullpen, such a strong group over the past month, fell apart in the seventh inning. Mark Hendrickson allowed a two-run bomb that tied the game...Alfredo Simon gave up an RBI double before surrendering a back-breaking three-run blast two batters later to put Boston up 9-5.
The loss ended the Orioles' win streak at four games...they have reached four straight victories five times (three times under Buck Showalter) this season, but have yet to win five straight contests. The O's and Boston are now even at 7-7 this season, with four games left to play...that's still a vast improvement over last season, when Boston went 16-2 over Baltimore.
Brad Bergesen takes the mound Thursday night in the rubber-match of the series...Go O's!
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