The Orioles final game of 2010 ended with a loss, as the Birds fell to the Tigers 4-2 on Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards.
Brad Bergesen (8-10) took the loss, though he pitched a solid game. Bergesen took a no-hitter into the fifth inning but ended up giving up three runs on four hits while walking none and fanning four over seven innings.
The O's took an early lead, scoring once in both the first and second innings, but it wasn't enough. Nick Markakis went 3-for-5 with an RBI and ended the season with a team-best .297 batting average.
With the loss, a season of disappointment finally came to an end, as the Orioles finished last in the AL East with a record of 66-96. The O's have had an incredible past two months though, and the future looks promising for this club under Buck Showalter.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Matusz Mows Down Tigers
My wife and I were in attendance as Brian Matusz and the O's 'pen struck out 13 batters in a 2-1 victory over Detroit on Saturday night.
In a quick contest (the game lasted just two hours) the Orioles won their fourth straight with dominant pitching, great defense and a few timely hits.
Matusz (10-12) lasted just six innings, but allowed only two hits (one a solo homer in the second) and two walks while fanning a career-best nine batters. Mike Gonzalez and Jim Johnson held the Tigers hitless over the next two frames, and Koji Uehara worked around a lead-off single in the ninth to pick up his 13th save in 15 tries.
Nick Markakis put the Birds on the board with a solo blast in the fourth. Markakis has just 12 homers this season, but has went deep in two straight games. Matt Wieters' sac fly in the fifth gave the O's the lead and eventually the win.
The Orioles have just one game left in 2010, and have a chance to sweep Detroit and win five straight games for the first time all year. The O's (66-95) are now 34-22 under Buck Showalter, and send Brad Bergesen to the mound on Sunday afternoon.
In a quick contest (the game lasted just two hours) the Orioles won their fourth straight with dominant pitching, great defense and a few timely hits.
Matusz (10-12) lasted just six innings, but allowed only two hits (one a solo homer in the second) and two walks while fanning a career-best nine batters. Mike Gonzalez and Jim Johnson held the Tigers hitless over the next two frames, and Koji Uehara worked around a lead-off single in the ninth to pick up his 13th save in 15 tries.
Nick Markakis put the Birds on the board with a solo blast in the fourth. Markakis has just 12 homers this season, but has went deep in two straight games. Matt Wieters' sac fly in the fifth gave the O's the lead and eventually the win.
The Orioles have just one game left in 2010, and have a chance to sweep Detroit and win five straight games for the first time all year. The O's (66-95) are now 34-22 under Buck Showalter, and send Brad Bergesen to the mound on Sunday afternoon.
O's Take Two From Tigers
The Birds took both games in a doubleheader against Detroit on Friday at Camden Yards. Chris Tillman led the O's to a 10-6 victory in the afternoon contest, and Jeremy Guthrie followed with a stellar performance in a 2-1 win later that evening.
Tillman (2-5) allowed just one run (a solo homer) off three hits over seven innings, striking out a career-best seven Tigers while walking two. Mark Hendrickson allowed Detroit to creep back into the game, but Matt Albers closed the door to give the Birds the win.
The Birds used a six-run fourth followed by a three-run fifth to take a commanding lead. Adam Jones went 3-for-4 with a double and four RBIs, and Felix Pie went 2-for-4 with a triple and three knocked in to lead the Orioles offensively.
Guthrie (11-14) took the mound and one-upped Tillman, going eight strong shut-out innings, allowing just two hits and a walk while fanning five. Koji Uehara gave up a solo shot in the ninth but struck out two batters and recorded his 12th save of the season.
Offensively, the O's banged out 13 hits but crossed the plate just twice, once on Nick Markakis' solo homer in the third.
The O's (64-95) have now gone 33-22 under Buck Showalter, and have won more games under Buck in two months than they had won over the first four months of the season. Showalter is the first manager since 1900 to accomplish that feat...
The Birds send Brian Matusz to the mound on Saturday night...Let's Go O's!
Tillman (2-5) allowed just one run (a solo homer) off three hits over seven innings, striking out a career-best seven Tigers while walking two. Mark Hendrickson allowed Detroit to creep back into the game, but Matt Albers closed the door to give the Birds the win.
The Birds used a six-run fourth followed by a three-run fifth to take a commanding lead. Adam Jones went 3-for-4 with a double and four RBIs, and Felix Pie went 2-for-4 with a triple and three knocked in to lead the Orioles offensively.
Guthrie (11-14) took the mound and one-upped Tillman, going eight strong shut-out innings, allowing just two hits and a walk while fanning five. Koji Uehara gave up a solo shot in the ninth but struck out two batters and recorded his 12th save of the season.
Offensively, the O's banged out 13 hits but crossed the plate just twice, once on Nick Markakis' solo homer in the third.
The O's (64-95) have now gone 33-22 under Buck Showalter, and have won more games under Buck in two months than they had won over the first four months of the season. Showalter is the first manager since 1900 to accomplish that feat...
The Birds send Brian Matusz to the mound on Saturday night...Let's Go O's!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Millwood Wins as O's Blank Rays
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.
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.
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...
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