It's been a pretty safe bet this season: when Kevin Millwood takes the mound, the O's offense is nowhere to be found.
That was all too true on Friday night in Toronto, where the Birds were shut down 5-0 by the Blue Jays.
Both teams collected eight hits, but the Jays' offense actually put runs on the board...the Birds eight hits all went for singles, and the team hasn't had an extra-base hit over the past two games.
The O's are now 15-34, and are a season-worst 19 games under .500. Millwood dropped to 0-5 in his first 11 starts...
The Birds now turn to Chris Tillman, making his first start at the big-league level this season.
I'm about to head out for a weekend bachelor party, so I won't be posting again until Monday...I'll be watching though...hopefully I'll be posting good news?! Enjoy the holiday weekend, and Let's Go O's!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Bullpen Blows Bergesen's Beauty
The O's let another win slip away...
The Birds dropped their second straight to the visiting Oakland A's, 7-5 on Thursday night.
Unlike Wednesday's game, this one had "win" written all over it.
After falling behind 2-0 in the second inning, the O's rallied behind starter Brad Bergesen to take a 3-2 lead in the sixth, and extended the lead to 5-2 in the seventh inning.
Bergesen was masterful after a rough start, and left in the eighth inning with the O's up 5-2. Up to that point, Bergesen had allowed just the two runs off four hits and three bases on balls. After allowing consecutive singles in the eighth, he was lifted for long-reliever Jason Berken.
Berken did his job, getting an out on four pitches and keeping the runners in place...
But Dave Trembley decided to go back to the bullpen to match lefty-vs.-lefty, and brought in Mark Hendrickson...
Bad move.
Hendrickson couldn't get it done, and neither could Cla Meredith, as the A's broke through with a five-run eighth inning, spoiling Bergesen's night and effectively sending the O's on the road with another losing streak.
It gets harder and harder to watch.
The game was in the bag, yet here I am blogging about yet another wasted opportunity.
Honestly, it's hard not to blame Dave Trembley for this one. I understand bringing Bergesen back out to start the eighth inning...he was dominating, but after an extended offensive inning for the O's, Bergesen tired, and after allowing two singles to start the inning, he was pulled (which was the right move).
But the bullpen moves continue to baffle me...why not let Berken finish the inning? Four pitches is not "long" relief...these "lefty/righty" match-ups have not worked at all this season, so why not go with the hot hand?!
It doesn't matter now. The O's went 1-2 against Oakland on the short homestand, and now head to Toronto with a 15-33 record, STILL the worst in all of baseball...
The Birds dropped their second straight to the visiting Oakland A's, 7-5 on Thursday night.
Unlike Wednesday's game, this one had "win" written all over it.
After falling behind 2-0 in the second inning, the O's rallied behind starter Brad Bergesen to take a 3-2 lead in the sixth, and extended the lead to 5-2 in the seventh inning.
Bergesen was masterful after a rough start, and left in the eighth inning with the O's up 5-2. Up to that point, Bergesen had allowed just the two runs off four hits and three bases on balls. After allowing consecutive singles in the eighth, he was lifted for long-reliever Jason Berken.
Berken did his job, getting an out on four pitches and keeping the runners in place...
But Dave Trembley decided to go back to the bullpen to match lefty-vs.-lefty, and brought in Mark Hendrickson...
Bad move.
Hendrickson couldn't get it done, and neither could Cla Meredith, as the A's broke through with a five-run eighth inning, spoiling Bergesen's night and effectively sending the O's on the road with another losing streak.
It gets harder and harder to watch.
The game was in the bag, yet here I am blogging about yet another wasted opportunity.
Honestly, it's hard not to blame Dave Trembley for this one. I understand bringing Bergesen back out to start the eighth inning...he was dominating, but after an extended offensive inning for the O's, Bergesen tired, and after allowing two singles to start the inning, he was pulled (which was the right move).
But the bullpen moves continue to baffle me...why not let Berken finish the inning? Four pitches is not "long" relief...these "lefty/righty" match-ups have not worked at all this season, so why not go with the hot hand?!
It doesn't matter now. The O's went 1-2 against Oakland on the short homestand, and now head to Toronto with a 15-33 record, STILL the worst in all of baseball...
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Atkins hits a long ball as O's fall
Garrett Atkins finally hit a home run as an Oriole.
Unfortunately, that's the best news available after the O's fell 6-1 to the A's on Wednesday night.
Starter Brian Matusz (2-5) had another forgettable performance, allowing four runs in the first inning before settling down and holding the A's to only two more runs through five frames.
Matusz started the season with two wins, but hasn't recorded a victory in his last seven starts. The young lefty has now given up four first-inning runs in two straight starts, both losses.
On the bright side, the bullpen held up and kept the game within reach...four innings of shutout ball, including rookie Frank Mata's first MLB appearance (1 1/3 innings, one hit, one walk).
The offense couldn't bail Matusz out, as the Birds collected just three hits all game...
Obviously, the big story is that Garrett Atkins finally hit a home run, ending a streak of 146 at-bats without a long-ball, one shy of the longest drought of his career. Atkins was slotted as DH due to Luke Scott's shoulder strain, meaning the O's still haven't had a homer from a first-baseman all season...
Atkins' shot in the third inning put the Birds on the board, but that was the lone run the O's scored on Wednesday...they now send Brad Bergesen to the mound Thursday night to attempt to win the home series before heading back on the road...
Unfortunately, that's the best news available after the O's fell 6-1 to the A's on Wednesday night.
Starter Brian Matusz (2-5) had another forgettable performance, allowing four runs in the first inning before settling down and holding the A's to only two more runs through five frames.
Matusz started the season with two wins, but hasn't recorded a victory in his last seven starts. The young lefty has now given up four first-inning runs in two straight starts, both losses.
On the bright side, the bullpen held up and kept the game within reach...four innings of shutout ball, including rookie Frank Mata's first MLB appearance (1 1/3 innings, one hit, one walk).
The offense couldn't bail Matusz out, as the Birds collected just three hits all game...
Obviously, the big story is that Garrett Atkins finally hit a home run, ending a streak of 146 at-bats without a long-ball, one shy of the longest drought of his career. Atkins was slotted as DH due to Luke Scott's shoulder strain, meaning the O's still haven't had a homer from a first-baseman all season...
Atkins' shot in the third inning put the Birds on the board, but that was the lone run the O's scored on Wednesday...they now send Brad Bergesen to the mound Thursday night to attempt to win the home series before heading back on the road...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
O's over A's
The Orioles gave fans something to cheer about after beating the Oakland Athletics 5-1 at Camden Yards on Tuesday night.
Jeremy Guthrie looked sharp, giving up just one run off six hits over six innings. Guthrie walked three and struck out two, and picked up his third win of the season.
The bullpen pitched three scoreless innings of one-hit ball, walking none and fanning three.
The defense was impressive, in particular Ty Wigginton's snare at first base and Miguel Tejada's leaping catch at the opposite corner.
And fundamentally, this was the best the O's have looked all season. The hitters worked the count. They took walks (six walks compared to seven hits). Two runs scored on sacrifice flies in the same inning...
I was shocked to hear after the game that the Birds had just five sac flies on the season, the lowest number in the Majors...that's not a typo! Incredible! Maybe the O's are learning how to manufacture some runs...
Nick Markakis went deep in the eighth inning, and Matt Wieters added an RBI double to pad the lead and help ensure the victory.
There were a lot of changes to the O's roster after the off-day on Monday...
Dave Trembley is still the O's skipper, at least for now.
Koji Uehara and Alfredo Simon were placed on the 15-day DL.
After picking up his first win of the season last week, starter David Hernandez was demoted to the bullpen...the move is expected to be permanent.
The Birds called up Alberto Castillo and Norfolk's closer Frank Mata to help bolster the bullpen.
Word on the street is that Chris Tillman will join the team this weekend, and will be the starter Saturday afternoon in Toronto.
That's it for now...let's hope the Birds can build on this win and start a streak...Brian Matusz takes the mound tomorrow night...Let's Go O's!
Jeremy Guthrie looked sharp, giving up just one run off six hits over six innings. Guthrie walked three and struck out two, and picked up his third win of the season.
The bullpen pitched three scoreless innings of one-hit ball, walking none and fanning three.
The defense was impressive, in particular Ty Wigginton's snare at first base and Miguel Tejada's leaping catch at the opposite corner.
And fundamentally, this was the best the O's have looked all season. The hitters worked the count. They took walks (six walks compared to seven hits). Two runs scored on sacrifice flies in the same inning...
I was shocked to hear after the game that the Birds had just five sac flies on the season, the lowest number in the Majors...that's not a typo! Incredible! Maybe the O's are learning how to manufacture some runs...
Nick Markakis went deep in the eighth inning, and Matt Wieters added an RBI double to pad the lead and help ensure the victory.
There were a lot of changes to the O's roster after the off-day on Monday...
Dave Trembley is still the O's skipper, at least for now.
Koji Uehara and Alfredo Simon were placed on the 15-day DL.
After picking up his first win of the season last week, starter David Hernandez was demoted to the bullpen...the move is expected to be permanent.
The Birds called up Alberto Castillo and Norfolk's closer Frank Mata to help bolster the bullpen.
Word on the street is that Chris Tillman will join the team this weekend, and will be the starter Saturday afternoon in Toronto.
That's it for now...let's hope the Birds can build on this win and start a streak...Brian Matusz takes the mound tomorrow night...Let's Go O's!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A Losing Rally
The Orioles hitters finally showed up when it mattered most...the ninth inning.
Unfortunately, the pitchers weren't on the same schedule, as the Birds fell to the Washington Nationals 4-3 on Sunday afternoon.
Kevin Millwood, still searching for his first win of the season, was given a 1-0 lead before allowing three runs in the bottom of the first inning (to be fair, it was a blown call, and later Adam Jones' poor read on a fly ball that allowed the runs to score, but the line reads differently).
Millwood, as he has done all season, hunkered down, and didn't allow another run to cross the plate while he was on the mound. He went 6 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits while walking one and striking out eight.
After the run in the first, the O's offense disappeared. The Birds were held to two hits through the first seven innings, before exploding in the ninth...
The Orioles tied the game, taking Millwood off the hook, and went into extras with momentum on their side...
After recording one out in the bottom of the tenth, closer Alfredo Simon left the game after straining his hamstring on a play at first base, and relief pitcher Cla Meredith warmed-up...
Meredith faced just one batter, throwing just four pitches.
The final pitch cleared the fence in left-center field, and the Birds were forced out of D.C. losers of two straight.
The O's lost four of five on the road trip, and return home to Camden Yards on yet another losing streak and with the worst record (14-31) in all of baseball...Jeremy Guthrie is slated to start against Dallas "Mr. Perfect" Braden on Tuesday night.
Unfortunately, the pitchers weren't on the same schedule, as the Birds fell to the Washington Nationals 4-3 on Sunday afternoon.
Kevin Millwood, still searching for his first win of the season, was given a 1-0 lead before allowing three runs in the bottom of the first inning (to be fair, it was a blown call, and later Adam Jones' poor read on a fly ball that allowed the runs to score, but the line reads differently).
Millwood, as he has done all season, hunkered down, and didn't allow another run to cross the plate while he was on the mound. He went 6 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits while walking one and striking out eight.
After the run in the first, the O's offense disappeared. The Birds were held to two hits through the first seven innings, before exploding in the ninth...
The Orioles tied the game, taking Millwood off the hook, and went into extras with momentum on their side...
After recording one out in the bottom of the tenth, closer Alfredo Simon left the game after straining his hamstring on a play at first base, and relief pitcher Cla Meredith warmed-up...
Meredith faced just one batter, throwing just four pitches.
The final pitch cleared the fence in left-center field, and the Birds were forced out of D.C. losers of two straight.
The O's lost four of five on the road trip, and return home to Camden Yards on yet another losing streak and with the worst record (14-31) in all of baseball...Jeremy Guthrie is slated to start against Dallas "Mr. Perfect" Braden on Tuesday night.
Ty not enough
Ty Wigginton knocked in four runs, and Adam Jones hit an inside-the-park homer, but the O's lost to the Nationals 7-6 on Saturday afternoon.
Wigginton smacked his team-leading 13th homer of the season, and the Birds provided plenty of offense for starter Brad Bergesen , but it just wasn't enough.
Bergesen struggled to get through five innings, allowing six runs off 11 hits. With the bullpen thinned due to poor outings from starters earlier in the week, Mark Hendrickson was called upon to finish out the game, and was tagged for the loss after allowing the eventual winning run to cross the plate in the bottom of the sixth.
If the O's score six runs, they allow seven.
If they score only two runs, the pitchers allow just three.
And so the story continues...
Kevin Millwood, winless due to a lack of run support, takes the mound for the O's in the series finale Sunday afternoon...let's hope he pitches a shut-out.
Wigginton smacked his team-leading 13th homer of the season, and the Birds provided plenty of offense for starter Brad Bergesen , but it just wasn't enough.
Bergesen struggled to get through five innings, allowing six runs off 11 hits. With the bullpen thinned due to poor outings from starters earlier in the week, Mark Hendrickson was called upon to finish out the game, and was tagged for the loss after allowing the eventual winning run to cross the plate in the bottom of the sixth.
If the O's score six runs, they allow seven.
If they score only two runs, the pitchers allow just three.
And so the story continues...
Kevin Millwood, winless due to a lack of run support, takes the mound for the O's in the series finale Sunday afternoon...let's hope he pitches a shut-out.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Hernandez picks up a win in D.C.
David Hernandez picked up his first win of the season, and the O's took Game 1 of the "Battle of the Beltways," taking down the Washington Nationals 5-3 on Friday night.
Hernandez (1-5) took a no-hitter into the fifth inning, but was pulled after walking two batters with one out in the sixth. Hernandez walked five over 5 1/3 innings, but allowed just one hit while striking out three. He was charged with one run, after reliever Matt Albers allowed an inherited runner to cross the plate. Albers gave up a 2-run homer in the seventh, but the rest of the 'pen shut Washington down over the final two frames...
The five free passes are cause for concern, as Hernandez needed 105 pitches to get through five innings. But given the fact he hadn't won a decision in his past 12 starts, I'll take this one. Like Dave Johnson said after the game, you can walk five batters if you aren't giving up any hits...
Adam Jones put the O's on the board early, pounding the first pitch he saw in the second inning over the wall for a quick 2-0 lead. Jones left with leg cramps, but is expected to play Saturday afternoon. Back-up catcher Craig Tatum went 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs. Matt Wieters is also expected back in the line-up tomorrow...Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the O's...
Hernandez (1-5) took a no-hitter into the fifth inning, but was pulled after walking two batters with one out in the sixth. Hernandez walked five over 5 1/3 innings, but allowed just one hit while striking out three. He was charged with one run, after reliever Matt Albers allowed an inherited runner to cross the plate. Albers gave up a 2-run homer in the seventh, but the rest of the 'pen shut Washington down over the final two frames...
The five free passes are cause for concern, as Hernandez needed 105 pitches to get through five innings. But given the fact he hadn't won a decision in his past 12 starts, I'll take this one. Like Dave Johnson said after the game, you can walk five batters if you aren't giving up any hits...
Adam Jones put the O's on the board early, pounding the first pitch he saw in the second inning over the wall for a quick 2-0 lead. Jones left with leg cramps, but is expected to play Saturday afternoon. Back-up catcher Craig Tatum went 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs. Matt Wieters is also expected back in the line-up tomorrow...Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the O's...
A Texas-sized O's-whoopin'
After two innings, it looked like a good, old-fashioned slug-fest was playing out at Texas Stadium...
After nine innings, it was all over...unfortunately for the Orioles, it was the Texas Rangers that did most of the slugging in a 13-7 win over the Birds on Thursday night.
The two teams combined for 20 runs off 35 hits...it must have been the humidity...
The Birds allowed season-highs in runs (13) and hits (20), and were swept in the 2-game series.
The Rangers knocked O's starter Brian Matusz out of the game early...Matusz gave up four runs in the first, two in the second and was charged with another run in the third. Overall, in Matusz's shortest stint ever, he allowed seven runs on eight hits over 2 1/3 innings of work. After starting the season 2-0, Matusz now sports a 2-4 record.
The Birds came back in the second inning to cut the deficit to 4-3, courtesy of a 2-run double off the bat of Corey Patterson and an RBI single from Ty Wigginton. It looked like the O's were right back in it...but then Matusz continued to struggle.
Matusz allowed a 3-run bomb in the first and another 2-run blast in the second before heading to the locker room. Texas added yet another 3-run shot in a 5-run eighth inning to end any chances of an Orioles' comeback.
Do the math...three home runs that put eight runs on the board...that's hard to beat.
Every O's starter collected at least one hit in Thursday's game, but weren't able to get the big hit when it counted. The Birds went 4-for-20 with runners in scoring position and stranded 15 men on base. They scored just once with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth inning, and Miguel Tejada popped-out with the bases loaded to end the game in the ninth...
As Dave Trembley says...the timely hitting just wasn't there.
Interleague play begins on Friday, and the O's take on the Washington Nationals in D.C. for a three-game stretch. David Hernandez is scheduled to take the mound Friday evening...
After nine innings, it was all over...unfortunately for the Orioles, it was the Texas Rangers that did most of the slugging in a 13-7 win over the Birds on Thursday night.
The two teams combined for 20 runs off 35 hits...it must have been the humidity...
The Birds allowed season-highs in runs (13) and hits (20), and were swept in the 2-game series.
The Rangers knocked O's starter Brian Matusz out of the game early...Matusz gave up four runs in the first, two in the second and was charged with another run in the third. Overall, in Matusz's shortest stint ever, he allowed seven runs on eight hits over 2 1/3 innings of work. After starting the season 2-0, Matusz now sports a 2-4 record.
The Birds came back in the second inning to cut the deficit to 4-3, courtesy of a 2-run double off the bat of Corey Patterson and an RBI single from Ty Wigginton. It looked like the O's were right back in it...but then Matusz continued to struggle.
Matusz allowed a 3-run bomb in the first and another 2-run blast in the second before heading to the locker room. Texas added yet another 3-run shot in a 5-run eighth inning to end any chances of an Orioles' comeback.
Do the math...three home runs that put eight runs on the board...that's hard to beat.
Every O's starter collected at least one hit in Thursday's game, but weren't able to get the big hit when it counted. The Birds went 4-for-20 with runners in scoring position and stranded 15 men on base. They scored just once with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth inning, and Miguel Tejada popped-out with the bases loaded to end the game in the ninth...
As Dave Trembley says...the timely hitting just wasn't there.
Interleague play begins on Friday, and the O's take on the Washington Nationals in D.C. for a three-game stretch. David Hernandez is scheduled to take the mound Friday evening...
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Texas walks off with the win
The scores have been exact, the outcomes exact opposites...
The Orioles fell 4-3 to the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night. This time, it was the Rangers that walked-off with the win in the bottom of the ninth inning.
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie pitched six innings of one-run ball, but the bullpen let the lead slip away in the later innings. I'm not sure why Guthrie was pulled after only 90 pitches, but after the game skipper Dave Trembley remarked that Guthrie had, "ran out of gas."
If so, he wasn't the only one.
The Birds offense stalled yet again, scoring just three runs off 11 hits. Cesar Izturis went 3-for-4 and picked up all three RBIs on the night.
The 'pen couldn't hold onto the lead, as six relievers combined to allow three runs (one earned) over the final 2 2/3 frames...
The best the O's can hope for now is a 2-game series split with Texas; Brian Matusz takes the mound for the Birds on Thursday night...
The Orioles fell 4-3 to the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night. This time, it was the Rangers that walked-off with the win in the bottom of the ninth inning.
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie pitched six innings of one-run ball, but the bullpen let the lead slip away in the later innings. I'm not sure why Guthrie was pulled after only 90 pitches, but after the game skipper Dave Trembley remarked that Guthrie had, "ran out of gas."
If so, he wasn't the only one.
The Birds offense stalled yet again, scoring just three runs off 11 hits. Cesar Izturis went 3-for-4 and picked up all three RBIs on the night.
The 'pen couldn't hold onto the lead, as six relievers combined to allow three runs (one earned) over the final 2 2/3 frames...
The best the O's can hope for now is a 2-game series split with Texas; Brian Matusz takes the mound for the Birds on Thursday night...
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
O's win a thriller in extras
The Birds closed out their eight-game homestand on a high note, coming back late in the game and winning it 4-3 in ten innings on Tuesday night.
Kevin Millwood went eight strong innings, allowing just three runs, but once again was denied his first "W" of the season. Millwood scattered ten hits (five in the fifth inning, when Kansas City plated all of its runs) and struck out seven while walking none.
His counter-part, Zack Greinke, was just as impressive. Greinke allowed just four hits over seven innings, striking out six while walking one batter. Two of the hits came off the bat of Luke Scott...
Scott went deep twice in the game, once in the fifth and again in the seventh inning...both were solo shots that put the O's on the board. Scott went 2-for-2 with two walks, and now has nine dingers on the season (six in the past two weeks). Corey Patterson added a solo shot in the eighth inning to tie the game at three.
A single, a walk and an error in the bottom of the tenth inning loaded the bases with just one out for the O's. Nick Markakis slapped a walk-off single to center field to win the game...
Alfredo Simon (1-1) picked up his first win of the season...Simon went the final 1 2/3 frames and allowed one hit while walking one and striking out one.
The Birds finished the homestand 4-4, and now travel to Texas to begin a five-game road trip. Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the O's on Wednesday night. Here's hoping the momentum carries over down South...
Kevin Millwood went eight strong innings, allowing just three runs, but once again was denied his first "W" of the season. Millwood scattered ten hits (five in the fifth inning, when Kansas City plated all of its runs) and struck out seven while walking none.
His counter-part, Zack Greinke, was just as impressive. Greinke allowed just four hits over seven innings, striking out six while walking one batter. Two of the hits came off the bat of Luke Scott...
Scott went deep twice in the game, once in the fifth and again in the seventh inning...both were solo shots that put the O's on the board. Scott went 2-for-2 with two walks, and now has nine dingers on the season (six in the past two weeks). Corey Patterson added a solo shot in the eighth inning to tie the game at three.
A single, a walk and an error in the bottom of the tenth inning loaded the bases with just one out for the O's. Nick Markakis slapped a walk-off single to center field to win the game...
Alfredo Simon (1-1) picked up his first win of the season...Simon went the final 1 2/3 frames and allowed one hit while walking one and striking out one.
The Birds finished the homestand 4-4, and now travel to Texas to begin a five-game road trip. Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the O's on Wednesday night. Here's hoping the momentum carries over down South...
Monday, May 17, 2010
Birds fall to Royals
The Orioles dropped their third straight game, falling to the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on a rainy Monday night in Baltimore.To make matters worse, I'm now 0-for-2 (and wet) at Camden Yards this season...the only bright spot: GREAT seats to watch my team lose!
The Birds squandered a decent start by Brad Bergesen, who took the loss and evened his record at 3-3. Bergesen went 6 2/3 innings, allowing four runs (three earned, with another coming off a balk) on ten hits. He walked two and struck out a pair.
Bergesen wasn't at his best, but once again, the O's offense paled in comparison. The Birds went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position, and stranded ten men on base...
Although every Oriole starter notched at least one hit (except Garrett Atkins), not one of the O's ten hits went for extra bases.
The Orioles made things interesting in the bottom of the ninth...they loaded the bases with one out, but Ty Wigginton struck out swinging before Miguel Tejada grounded out to end the threat, and the game. Seriously...I just knew the Birds would pull this one out at the end, but they choked (after telling the O's Bird this, he proceeded to choke me...not my finest moment!).After starting the homestand on a winning streak, the Birds have dropped three straight and need a win on Tuesday to finish with a 4-4 record on the trip. The O's send Kevin Millwood to the mound, still in search of his first win of the season...
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Offense stalls again
The O's couldn't get anything going offensively on Sunday afternoon, dropping the finale to the Indians 5-1.
Scheduled starter David Hernandez was a late scratch, due to shoulder discomfort, and was replaced by lefty Mark Hendrickson.
Hendrickson excelled in the bullpen last season after a few horrendous tries as a starter, but he held his own on Sunday. He lasted five innings, allowing three runs off seven hits, but was eventually tagged with the loss.
The Orioles actually collected nine hits off Cleveland's starter Jake Westbrook, but all but one were singles...with two outs in the ninth, Luke Scott drilled a solo shot to left field for the Birds only run. Westbrook struck out eight O's while issuing just one walk over nine innings.
After an explosive offensive outing Friday night (eight runs off 14 hits), the Birds managed just three runs over the last two ballgames...this story is getting old, fast.
Kansas City is in town for the final two games of the current eight-game homestand...the Birds are 3-3 thus far and send Brad Bergesen to the mound Monday night. Bergesen (3-2) leads the team in wins and has won three straight contests.
I'll be at the game Monday, looking for my first win of the season...Go O's!
Scheduled starter David Hernandez was a late scratch, due to shoulder discomfort, and was replaced by lefty Mark Hendrickson.
Hendrickson excelled in the bullpen last season after a few horrendous tries as a starter, but he held his own on Sunday. He lasted five innings, allowing three runs off seven hits, but was eventually tagged with the loss.
The Orioles actually collected nine hits off Cleveland's starter Jake Westbrook, but all but one were singles...with two outs in the ninth, Luke Scott drilled a solo shot to left field for the Birds only run. Westbrook struck out eight O's while issuing just one walk over nine innings.
After an explosive offensive outing Friday night (eight runs off 14 hits), the Birds managed just three runs over the last two ballgames...this story is getting old, fast.
Kansas City is in town for the final two games of the current eight-game homestand...the Birds are 3-3 thus far and send Brad Bergesen to the mound Monday night. Bergesen (3-2) leads the team in wins and has won three straight contests.
I'll be at the game Monday, looking for my first win of the season...Go O's!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Birds KO'd in Ninth
It was bound to happen sooner or later.
The O's blew a ninth-inning lead, snapping their win streak and falling to the Cleveland Indians, 8-2, on Saturday night at Camden Yards.
Closer Alfredo Simon, who was a perfect 5-for-5 in save opportunities, came into the ninth inning with a flawless 0.00 ERA and a 2-run cushion to work with.
Simon left the game with his first loss, his first blown save and an ERA of 4.32. He recorded just one out in a disastrous ninth inning, where the Indians exploded for eight unanswered runs.
It was a particularly tough loss to swallow, considering O's starter Brian Matusz pitched seven scoreless innings, and the Birds were just two outs away from their first four-game win streak of the season...
Matusz (2-3) scattered seven hits (all singles) while walking four and fanning six. It was his second-longest outing of the season, and the first time he didn't allow a run to cross the plate. In spite of his strong showing, he took the no-decision and hasn't won a game in nearly a month...
Ty Wigginton accounted for both the O's runs...he blasted solo shots in the second and seventh innings, and now has 12 homers for the season (he finished 2009 with just 11 home runs). He almost single-handedly won the game for the Birds...almost.
Despite the tough loss, the O's have a chance to win the series on Sunday afternoon...David Hernandez, still in search of his first win of the season, takes the mound for the Birds.
The O's blew a ninth-inning lead, snapping their win streak and falling to the Cleveland Indians, 8-2, on Saturday night at Camden Yards.
Closer Alfredo Simon, who was a perfect 5-for-5 in save opportunities, came into the ninth inning with a flawless 0.00 ERA and a 2-run cushion to work with.
Simon left the game with his first loss, his first blown save and an ERA of 4.32. He recorded just one out in a disastrous ninth inning, where the Indians exploded for eight unanswered runs.
It was a particularly tough loss to swallow, considering O's starter Brian Matusz pitched seven scoreless innings, and the Birds were just two outs away from their first four-game win streak of the season...
Matusz (2-3) scattered seven hits (all singles) while walking four and fanning six. It was his second-longest outing of the season, and the first time he didn't allow a run to cross the plate. In spite of his strong showing, he took the no-decision and hasn't won a game in nearly a month...
Ty Wigginton accounted for both the O's runs...he blasted solo shots in the second and seventh innings, and now has 12 homers for the season (he finished 2009 with just 11 home runs). He almost single-handedly won the game for the Birds...almost.
Despite the tough loss, the O's have a chance to win the series on Sunday afternoon...David Hernandez, still in search of his first win of the season, takes the mound for the Birds.
Friday, May 14, 2010
O's on a Roll
The Birds won three straight for just the second time this season, taking down the Cleveland Indians 8-1 on Friday night.
Jeremy Guthrie showed Cleveland, the team that drafted and developed him before placing him on waivers, just what they gave up...
Guthrie was magnificent, tossing eight strong innings and allowing just two hits. The Indians scored their lone run in the first inning before Guthrie settled down...at one point he retired 16 batters straight. Guthrie has now won two consecutive decisions after beginning the season 0-4.
The defense and offense showed up for Guth as well...
With the Birds trailing 1-0, Corey Patterson pulled back a home run over the fence...Patterson has been an offensive catalyst for the Birds as well, going 3-for-4with two runs scored in Friday's contest.
The Orioles banged out 14 hits; the bottom three in the line-up went hitless, with the top and middle of the order doing all the damage...Miguel Tejada led the team with three RBIs.
The O's send Brian Matusz to the mound Saturday night...here's hoping the Birds can make it four straight!
Jeremy Guthrie showed Cleveland, the team that drafted and developed him before placing him on waivers, just what they gave up...
Guthrie was magnificent, tossing eight strong innings and allowing just two hits. The Indians scored their lone run in the first inning before Guthrie settled down...at one point he retired 16 batters straight. Guthrie has now won two consecutive decisions after beginning the season 0-4.
The defense and offense showed up for Guth as well...
With the Birds trailing 1-0, Corey Patterson pulled back a home run over the fence...Patterson has been an offensive catalyst for the Birds as well, going 3-for-4with two runs scored in Friday's contest.
The Orioles banged out 14 hits; the bottom three in the line-up went hitless, with the top and middle of the order doing all the damage...Miguel Tejada led the team with three RBIs.
The O's send Brian Matusz to the mound Saturday night...here's hoping the Birds can make it four straight!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Comeback Kings
The O's couldn't touch Seattle's starter Felix (the King) Hernandez, but were able to take out all of the King's men in a thrilling 6-5 victory on Thursday afternoon at Camden Yards.
The Birds trailed 5-1 after seven innings, but rallied after the King left the building...or the mound, whichever you prefer.
Corey Patterson (welcome back!) led off the eighth with a solo home run, setting the table for the O's first win this season when trailing after seven innings.
The O's loaded the bases...thanks to heads up base-running from Adam Jones (he struck out but took first on a wild pitch) and Nick Markakis (broke up a double-play with a great slide into second), as well as a good eye from Ty Wigginton (a walk is better than a strikeout), and with a swing of the bat, Luke Scott cleared them. It was the first grand slam of the season for the O's, and gave them a 6-5 lead heading into the ninth.
Scott gets hot...the other headline for this post...after struggling all season, Luke Scott has two home runs and a double in the last two games...
Seattle still had three outs left...let the nail-biting begin...
Alfredo Simon hit a batter, struck out a batter and walked another before giving up a single to Ichiro Suzuki...with two outs and the tying run scrambling towards home, Corey Patterson threw a strike to Matt Wieters, and the game ended on a play at the plate...
The Birds took two of three from Seattle, and now have a chance to take a few more from a struggling Cleveland team...
Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the opener on Friday night...Guthrie won his first game last week, and looks to keep it up against the organization that drafted and developed him before letting him slip away...
The Orioles have a chance to win three straight for just the second time this season...Go O's!
The Birds trailed 5-1 after seven innings, but rallied after the King left the building...or the mound, whichever you prefer.
Corey Patterson (welcome back!) led off the eighth with a solo home run, setting the table for the O's first win this season when trailing after seven innings.
The O's loaded the bases...thanks to heads up base-running from Adam Jones (he struck out but took first on a wild pitch) and Nick Markakis (broke up a double-play with a great slide into second), as well as a good eye from Ty Wigginton (a walk is better than a strikeout), and with a swing of the bat, Luke Scott cleared them. It was the first grand slam of the season for the O's, and gave them a 6-5 lead heading into the ninth.
Scott gets hot...the other headline for this post...after struggling all season, Luke Scott has two home runs and a double in the last two games...
Seattle still had three outs left...let the nail-biting begin...
Alfredo Simon hit a batter, struck out a batter and walked another before giving up a single to Ichiro Suzuki...with two outs and the tying run scrambling towards home, Corey Patterson threw a strike to Matt Wieters, and the game ended on a play at the plate...
The Birds took two of three from Seattle, and now have a chance to take a few more from a struggling Cleveland team...
Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the opener on Friday night...Guthrie won his first game last week, and looks to keep it up against the organization that drafted and developed him before letting him slip away...
The Orioles have a chance to win three straight for just the second time this season...Go O's!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Bats back Bergesen
The O's snapped another losing streak on Wednesday night, besting the Seattle Mariners 5-2.
It's always best to get the bad news out of the way first:
The Orioles are now 10-24 on the season.
They were the last team in baseball to hit double-digits in wins.
The Birds still own the worst record in the Majors.
The first-place Tampa Bay Rays have a mirror-opposite record, sitting pretty at 24-10.
Now for the good news:
First...the O's won!
They are in the midst of an "easy" part of the schedule, where they face three struggling teams at home (Seattle (13-20), Cleveland(13-18) and Kansas City (11-23)).
Brad Bergesen is now 3-0 since being demoted to Triple-A before being brought right back to the Majors.
Corey Patterson returned to the O's to bat in the lead-off spot; Patterson is a veteran and will hopefully add a spark that the Birds have been missing this season (Nolan Reimold was sent down to work on his game, and Brian Roberts was placed on the 60-day DL, but let's try to keep up with the "good news").
Luke Scott went 2-for-4 and slapped his third home run of the month...both of Scott's hits were for extra bases...
Alfredo Simon picked up his fourth save in as many tries and kept his ERA at zero.
Adam Jones continued to hit, going 3-for-4 with three singles and an RBI. In fact, the only O's starter without a hit was Cesar Izturis, who knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly.
Clearly, all the pieces came together on Wednesday night.
Next up:
Kevin Millwood looks for his first win of the season on Thursday afternoon...he faces "King" Felix Hernandez, who has struggled lately but usually gives the Birds a rough day...here's hoping the O's can keep the streak alive...
It's always best to get the bad news out of the way first:
The Orioles are now 10-24 on the season.
They were the last team in baseball to hit double-digits in wins.
The Birds still own the worst record in the Majors.
The first-place Tampa Bay Rays have a mirror-opposite record, sitting pretty at 24-10.
Now for the good news:
First...the O's won!
They are in the midst of an "easy" part of the schedule, where they face three struggling teams at home (Seattle (13-20), Cleveland(13-18) and Kansas City (11-23)).
Brad Bergesen is now 3-0 since being demoted to Triple-A before being brought right back to the Majors.
Corey Patterson returned to the O's to bat in the lead-off spot; Patterson is a veteran and will hopefully add a spark that the Birds have been missing this season (Nolan Reimold was sent down to work on his game, and Brian Roberts was placed on the 60-day DL, but let's try to keep up with the "good news").
Luke Scott went 2-for-4 and slapped his third home run of the month...both of Scott's hits were for extra bases...
Alfredo Simon picked up his fourth save in as many tries and kept his ERA at zero.
Adam Jones continued to hit, going 3-for-4 with three singles and an RBI. In fact, the only O's starter without a hit was Cesar Izturis, who knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly.
Clearly, all the pieces came together on Wednesday night.
Next up:
Kevin Millwood looks for his first win of the season on Thursday afternoon...he faces "King" Felix Hernandez, who has struggled lately but usually gives the Birds a rough day...here's hoping the O's can keep the streak alive...
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
O's offensive woes continue
The Orioles had a lot in common with the weather on Monday night...It was cold. It was windy. It was wet. Overall, it was just horrible...
And the O's weren't much better, falling to the Seattle Mariners 5-1.
At least I got my Brian Matusz T-shirt...
The Birds just can't seem to get on track. The offense is non-existent. The team has now scored a total of two runs in the last three games. I'm almost getting tired of writing this, but the O's aren't going to win many games if they can't get something going at the plate...
It's just getting ridiculous. Dave Trembley keeps switching around lineups, hoping to find one that works, but nothing has...maybe Trembley should just stick with one lineup for a series? I don't know...nothing seems to be going right these days.
Starter David Hernandez (0-5) took the loss, though he was nearly perfect through the first four innings. After giving up a lead-off home run to start the fifth, Hernandez slowly unraveled, and was charged with five runs (four earned) over six innings. He struck out four, but the four walks he surrendered (along with the five hits) ended his night early.
Although both the weather and the team didn't get any better as the game moved on, at least our seats did...after watching from the upper deck for the first two innings, we moved down to the first row on the third base side for the remainder of the game.But it was still cold.
And wet.
And no matter where you were sitting in the stadium, it was yet another Orioles loss...
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Down and out
The Orioles were shut out on Sunday afternoon, dropping the series finale to the Twins 6-0.
Brian Matusz took the loss, his third straight defeat.
It was without a doubt Matusz's worst performance of the season, as he allowed all six runs in just 3 2/3 innings of work.
It didn't really matter, though. The Birds were shut out for the third time this season, and have managed just one run in the last two games (both losses, obviously).
The O's managed just six hits on Sunday, and only one (Ty Wigginton's double in the eighth) went for extra bases.
Just when you think the Orioles have turned the corner, they walk right into the same brick wall...
The team went 2-5 on the road trip...they were swept by the Yankees in three games, took the first two against the Twins and then dropped two straight.
The Birds have Monday off, and skipper Dave Trembley has hinted he'll be tinkering with the lineup...
The O's begin an eight-game homestand starting against the Seattle Mariners...David Hernandez takes the mound Tuesday night. Hernandez (0-4) joins Kevin Millwood as the two starters who have yet to pick up a "W" on the season...both pitchers are averaging about two runs of offensive support per start.
I'll actually be at the game Tuesday night to pick up my Matusz T-shirt...maybe I can bring the Birds a little luck.
Brian Matusz took the loss, his third straight defeat.
It was without a doubt Matusz's worst performance of the season, as he allowed all six runs in just 3 2/3 innings of work.
It didn't really matter, though. The Birds were shut out for the third time this season, and have managed just one run in the last two games (both losses, obviously).
The O's managed just six hits on Sunday, and only one (Ty Wigginton's double in the eighth) went for extra bases.
Just when you think the Orioles have turned the corner, they walk right into the same brick wall...
The team went 2-5 on the road trip...they were swept by the Yankees in three games, took the first two against the Twins and then dropped two straight.
The Birds have Monday off, and skipper Dave Trembley has hinted he'll be tinkering with the lineup...
The O's begin an eight-game homestand starting against the Seattle Mariners...David Hernandez takes the mound Tuesday night. Hernandez (0-4) joins Kevin Millwood as the two starters who have yet to pick up a "W" on the season...both pitchers are averaging about two runs of offensive support per start.
I'll actually be at the game Tuesday night to pick up my Matusz T-shirt...maybe I can bring the Birds a little luck.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
O's Spit with Twins
The O's showed up to play on Saturday afternoon.
They didn't on Saturday night.
The Birds split their first doubleheader of the season, beating the Minnesota Twins 7-3 before dropping the second game 6-1.
The O's bats backed starter Jeremy Guthrie, who won his first game of the season, but then went cold for Kevin Millwood, who dropped to 0-4 on the year.
After scoring seven runs off 12 hits in the opener, the Birds managed just one run on four hits in Game 2.
Though Millwood's final line looked better, it was Jeremy Guthrie that took the win. Once again, the bats just went silent. After the first game, it looked like the O's were gaining some momentum, but it was just a tease...the O's lone run in Game 2 came from a slumping Luke Scott, who finally made contact with the ball and sent it sailing out of Target Field.
The Orioles have already taken two of three from the Twins and have a chance to win just their second series of the season later this afternoon.
Brian Matusz (2-2) is slated to take the mound...both of Matusz's losses this season have come against the Yankees.
They didn't on Saturday night.
The Birds split their first doubleheader of the season, beating the Minnesota Twins 7-3 before dropping the second game 6-1.
The O's bats backed starter Jeremy Guthrie, who won his first game of the season, but then went cold for Kevin Millwood, who dropped to 0-4 on the year.
After scoring seven runs off 12 hits in the opener, the Birds managed just one run on four hits in Game 2.
Though Millwood's final line looked better, it was Jeremy Guthrie that took the win. Once again, the bats just went silent. After the first game, it looked like the O's were gaining some momentum, but it was just a tease...the O's lone run in Game 2 came from a slumping Luke Scott, who finally made contact with the ball and sent it sailing out of Target Field.
The Orioles have already taken two of three from the Twins and have a chance to win just their second series of the season later this afternoon.
Brian Matusz (2-2) is slated to take the mound...both of Matusz's losses this season have come against the Yankees.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Bergesen Brilliant as O's Cruise
It doesn't get much better than this.
The O's shut out the Minnesota Twins 2-0 on Thursday night.
It was the first time this season the Orioles shut out any opponent, and the first time they actually won a game when scoring just two runs.
Starter Brad Bergesen won his second straight decision after being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk...and he looked good doing it. Bergesen went 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just six hits, before being lifted with two on and two out in the bottom of the seventh.
The bullpen was spectacular...Will Ohman loaded the bases with a walk but struck out Jim Thome swinging. Koji Uehara posted a scoreless eighth in his 2010 debut. And Alfredo Simon recorded his third save in as many tries in the ninth. Overall, the 'pen didn't allow a single hit, while walking one (Ohman) and fanning one (Uehara).
The offense? Ty Wigginton. Who would've guessed, right?
Wigginton smashed his team-leading 10th homer of the season in the second inning, plating Miguel Tejada, who had slid head-first into first base the play earlier.
I'm going to be honest with you...I called Wiggy's home run. First time this season. And that was before they put the stats up on-screen...Wigginton was 2-for-3 off Carl Pavano before his game-winning at-bat, and both of his hits were home runs...
Seriously.
And Pavano decided it would be wise to throw one down the middle. New stat: 3-for-4, all three hits cleared the fences...
After that, the Birds stayed off the scoreboard. Amazingly, that was all they would need, as the pitching was the best I've seen all season. It seems as if Bergesen is back on track, and the addition of Koji to the bullpen may be what the O's have needed, and missed, so far this year.
The same two teams go at it again on Saturday night...Kevin Millwood is looking for his first win as an Oriole...Go O's!
The O's shut out the Minnesota Twins 2-0 on Thursday night.
It was the first time this season the Orioles shut out any opponent, and the first time they actually won a game when scoring just two runs.
Starter Brad Bergesen won his second straight decision after being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk...and he looked good doing it. Bergesen went 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just six hits, before being lifted with two on and two out in the bottom of the seventh.
The bullpen was spectacular...Will Ohman loaded the bases with a walk but struck out Jim Thome swinging. Koji Uehara posted a scoreless eighth in his 2010 debut. And Alfredo Simon recorded his third save in as many tries in the ninth. Overall, the 'pen didn't allow a single hit, while walking one (Ohman) and fanning one (Uehara).
The offense? Ty Wigginton. Who would've guessed, right?
Wigginton smashed his team-leading 10th homer of the season in the second inning, plating Miguel Tejada, who had slid head-first into first base the play earlier.
I'm going to be honest with you...I called Wiggy's home run. First time this season. And that was before they put the stats up on-screen...Wigginton was 2-for-3 off Carl Pavano before his game-winning at-bat, and both of his hits were home runs...
Seriously.
And Pavano decided it would be wise to throw one down the middle. New stat: 3-for-4, all three hits cleared the fences...
After that, the Birds stayed off the scoreboard. Amazingly, that was all they would need, as the pitching was the best I've seen all season. It seems as if Bergesen is back on track, and the addition of Koji to the bullpen may be what the O's have needed, and missed, so far this year.
The same two teams go at it again on Saturday night...Kevin Millwood is looking for his first win as an Oriole...Go O's!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
O' so close...
The Birds almost managed to avoid being swept out of New York on Wednesday afternoon, but lost their third straight to the Yanks, 7-5.
The O's managed an impressive rally in the eighth and ninth innings, but it just wasn't enough...
Down 6-1, Ty Wigginton broke out of an 0-10 slump and jacked a 2-run shot to put the Birds within three in the eighth inning.
Trailing 7-3 in the ninth, Matt Wieters and Nolan Reimold slapped back-to-back solo jacks to trim the Yankees' lead to 7-5. It was the first time this season the O's hit consecutive home runs.
After two walks, Wigginton came up to bat as the go-ahead run, but flied out to right field to end the threat, and the series.
The O's are now 1-5 against New York this season, and went an incredible 0-for-16 with runners in scoring position over the current three-game set. The Birds also hit into seven double-plays during the series, with four of them coming in Wednesday's defeat.
The Birds now head to Minnesota to take on the red-hot Twins for a four-game series. The Twins (19-9) are only behind New York and Tampa Bay for the best record in all of baseball...meanwhile, the O's (7-21) have the worst record in the majors...
The O's managed an impressive rally in the eighth and ninth innings, but it just wasn't enough...
Down 6-1, Ty Wigginton broke out of an 0-10 slump and jacked a 2-run shot to put the Birds within three in the eighth inning.
Trailing 7-3 in the ninth, Matt Wieters and Nolan Reimold slapped back-to-back solo jacks to trim the Yankees' lead to 7-5. It was the first time this season the O's hit consecutive home runs.
After two walks, Wigginton came up to bat as the go-ahead run, but flied out to right field to end the threat, and the series.
The O's are now 1-5 against New York this season, and went an incredible 0-for-16 with runners in scoring position over the current three-game set. The Birds also hit into seven double-plays during the series, with four of them coming in Wednesday's defeat.
The Birds now head to Minnesota to take on the red-hot Twins for a four-game series. The Twins (19-9) are only behind New York and Tampa Bay for the best record in all of baseball...meanwhile, the O's (7-21) have the worst record in the majors...
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Deja Vu
I thought I watched this game last night...
The Birds fell to the Yankees 4-1 on Tuesday night.
Same two teams. Same exact score. Same outcome.
This time, Brian Matusz took the loss. He pitched a solid game, allowing just three runs (one earned) over six innings. Matusz (2-2) was out-pitched by A.J. Burnett...both of his losses have come against Burnett and the Yanks.
Once again, the O's couldn't get anything going offensively. They scored in the third inning on a throwing error by Burnett, but stranded runners on second and third with none out in the inning...Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Matt Wieters all struck out to end the threat. Overall, the Birds went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position, and struck out 11 times.
Like I said before, the only way you can win a game where you only score one run is to shut out the other team. The pitching has been good this year, but not THAT good.
The reigning Oriole-killer, Andy Pettitte (26-6 against the Birds), takes the mound Wednesday afternoon in the series finale. David Hernandez and the O's need to find a way to beat Pettitte and the Yanks or get swept out of New York...
The Birds fell to the Yankees 4-1 on Tuesday night.
Same two teams. Same exact score. Same outcome.
This time, Brian Matusz took the loss. He pitched a solid game, allowing just three runs (one earned) over six innings. Matusz (2-2) was out-pitched by A.J. Burnett...both of his losses have come against Burnett and the Yanks.
Once again, the O's couldn't get anything going offensively. They scored in the third inning on a throwing error by Burnett, but stranded runners on second and third with none out in the inning...Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Matt Wieters all struck out to end the threat. Overall, the Birds went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position, and struck out 11 times.
Like I said before, the only way you can win a game where you only score one run is to shut out the other team. The pitching has been good this year, but not THAT good.
The reigning Oriole-killer, Andy Pettitte (26-6 against the Birds), takes the mound Wednesday afternoon in the series finale. David Hernandez and the O's need to find a way to beat Pettitte and the Yanks or get swept out of New York...
Those Dang Yankees
The Orioles' winning streak came to a halt on Monday night, as they fell to the Yankees 4-1.
Jeremy Guthrie pitched a great game, but allowed four runs in the fourth inning, three coming off a home run from the number nine batter in the Yankees order, an .077 hitter who had not seen a ball clear the fence this season...(with that average, he probably hadn't seen a ball pass through the infield this season, either).
The only Oriole to put a run on the board was Matt Wieters, whose second inning solo-shot put the Birds up 1-0.
Both teams managed six hits, but the Yankees strung them together when it mattered, putting the O's in the loss column and denying Guthrie his first win of the season.
The O's send Brian Matusz to the mound for Tuesday nights' game...
Honestly, if the O's can win just one game against the Yankees this series, I will be MORE THAN happy...no one would have expected this team to go 6-6 against Boston and New York in a horrific 12-game stretch.
Let's Go, O's!
Jeremy Guthrie pitched a great game, but allowed four runs in the fourth inning, three coming off a home run from the number nine batter in the Yankees order, an .077 hitter who had not seen a ball clear the fence this season...(with that average, he probably hadn't seen a ball pass through the infield this season, either).
The only Oriole to put a run on the board was Matt Wieters, whose second inning solo-shot put the Birds up 1-0.
Both teams managed six hits, but the Yankees strung them together when it mattered, putting the O's in the loss column and denying Guthrie his first win of the season.
The O's send Brian Matusz to the mound for Tuesday nights' game...
Honestly, if the O's can win just one game against the Yankees this series, I will be MORE THAN happy...no one would have expected this team to go 6-6 against Boston and New York in a horrific 12-game stretch.
Let's Go, O's!
Monday, May 3, 2010
One for the Ages
The O's swept the Red Sox out of town after a 3-2, extra-inning victory on Sunday afternoon.
You heard it right...
The Orioles swept the Boston Red Sox.
At home.
It was the first time the Birds have managed to do that in a three-game series since 1974. (They swept a four-game home series a bit more recently...in 1998).
So you see, this doesn't happen very often.
With the score knotted at two, Nick Markakis led off with a walk in the bottom of the tenth inning, and advanced to second on an errant pick-off throw by Boston's closer Jonathan Papelbon. Ty Wigginton won the game with an RBI double to deep center field.
It was the second walk-off win in extra innings in three games. With the win, the Birds finished the homestand with a 4-2 record, and have won five of their last seven games (all coming against the Red Sox and Yankees).
The Orioles have now won three straight games for the first time this season, and head to New York to face the Yankees on Monday night. Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound, opposing CC Sabathia...let's make it four straight! Keep the streak alive!
You heard it right...
The Orioles swept the Boston Red Sox.
At home.
It was the first time the Birds have managed to do that in a three-game series since 1974. (They swept a four-game home series a bit more recently...in 1998).
So you see, this doesn't happen very often.
With the score knotted at two, Nick Markakis led off with a walk in the bottom of the tenth inning, and advanced to second on an errant pick-off throw by Boston's closer Jonathan Papelbon. Ty Wigginton won the game with an RBI double to deep center field.
It was the second walk-off win in extra innings in three games. With the win, the Birds finished the homestand with a 4-2 record, and have won five of their last seven games (all coming against the Red Sox and Yankees).
The Orioles have now won three straight games for the first time this season, and head to New York to face the Yankees on Monday night. Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound, opposing CC Sabathia...let's make it four straight! Keep the streak alive!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Yard Birds
It was a hot night at Camden Yards...
Need proof? The O's and Red Sox combined for nine home runs on Saturday night, five for the Birds, who came out on top 12-9.
The O's offense came to life to back Brad Bergesen, making his first start since being called up from Triple-A Norfolk earlier that day. Jim Johnson was sent down to make room for Bergesen, who picked up his first win of the season despite allowing four runs through five innings.
The Birds smacked 12 hits, six for extra bases, and topped their previous high of eight runs in a ballgame (the nine runs allowed tied a season-worst).
Ty Wigginton, Nick Markakis, Luke Scott and Matt Wieters all went yard in the slug-fest. Wigginton homered in back-to-back at-bats, and leads the team with eight round-trippers.
It was just the second time this season the O's have collected consecutive victories, and with the win, the Birds have taken their first series this season, regardless of the outcome of Sunday's game...still, a sweep of the Sox would be nice!
After a disastrous April, the Orioles are 1-0 in May and have now won three out of five games against the division rival Red Sox. The O's went 2-16 against Boston last year, so this is already an improvement.
Kevin Millwood looks to pick up his first win of the season later this afternoon...let's hope it's another scorcher!
Need proof? The O's and Red Sox combined for nine home runs on Saturday night, five for the Birds, who came out on top 12-9.
The O's offense came to life to back Brad Bergesen, making his first start since being called up from Triple-A Norfolk earlier that day. Jim Johnson was sent down to make room for Bergesen, who picked up his first win of the season despite allowing four runs through five innings.
The Birds smacked 12 hits, six for extra bases, and topped their previous high of eight runs in a ballgame (the nine runs allowed tied a season-worst).
Ty Wigginton, Nick Markakis, Luke Scott and Matt Wieters all went yard in the slug-fest. Wigginton homered in back-to-back at-bats, and leads the team with eight round-trippers.
It was just the second time this season the O's have collected consecutive victories, and with the win, the Birds have taken their first series this season, regardless of the outcome of Sunday's game...still, a sweep of the Sox would be nice!
After a disastrous April, the Orioles are 1-0 in May and have now won three out of five games against the division rival Red Sox. The O's went 2-16 against Boston last year, so this is already an improvement.
Kevin Millwood looks to pick up his first win of the season later this afternoon...let's hope it's another scorcher!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
April Showers...
You know how the old saying goes...
Just for fun, after each month of the season passes I'm going to compare the O's record and a few key stats from last season to this one.
April 2009 was rough, but the first month of this season was close to the worst in the teams history...
Here's a quick breakdown:
Just for fun, after each month of the season passes I'm going to compare the O's record and a few key stats from last season to this one.
April 2009 was rough, but the first month of this season was close to the worst in the teams history...
Here's a quick breakdown:
- in 2009 the O's were 9-13, in 2010 they stood at 5-18 at the end of April
- in 2009 the O's were 2-4 in one-run ballgames, this year they were 4-6
- last season, the O's scored 116 runs but gave up 144 in the month of April...this averaged out to just over five runs scored per game, and nearly seven runs allowed
- this year, the O's scored just 75 runs in April, but gave up 118...the team averaged just over three runs per game but allowed an average of just over five runs
The Orioles were a half-game out of last place in 2009, this season they are at the bottom of the A.L. East heading into the month of May. And speaking of divisional games, the 2009 Orioles went 4-6 against the East compared to 4-12 this year.
It's reassuring to see that the pitching has improved since last year, but the decline in offensive production is a bit disturbing. I've said it numerous times in my April posts: it's hard to win when you don't score any runs.
The bats have certainly heated up over the last week, and with the temperature rising, as well, I'd expect that the team will break out of this offensive slump, hopefully sooner rather than later.
Here's hoping for some May flowers...
Tejada Topples Sox
A win like this sticks with you for a while...
Thanks to Miguel Tejada, the O's prevailed on Friday night, beating the visiting Boston Red Sox 5-4 in 10 innings.
Tejada tied the game at four with a two out, solo shot in the eighth inning. He came up with two on and two outs in the tenth, and slapped a game-winning RBI single right up the middle to give the Birds the win.
What a game...it was a stark reminder that the O's can still battle and make baseball fun to watch.
The Birds took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, and never trailed until the top of the eighth, when J.D. Drew launched his second solo homer of the game. Things looked bleak, considering how the Red Sox have basically owned the Orioles over the past few seasons.
But Tejada took matters into his own hands, tying the game in the bottom of the inning and eventually winning it in extras. He went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, and now leads the team with 13 ribbies.
The Birds have now won two straight against Boston, both one-run victories in extra innings. Brad Bergesen was called up from Triple-A to start tonight's game...let's see if the O's can build on this win and keep the streak alive.
Thanks to Miguel Tejada, the O's prevailed on Friday night, beating the visiting Boston Red Sox 5-4 in 10 innings.
Tejada tied the game at four with a two out, solo shot in the eighth inning. He came up with two on and two outs in the tenth, and slapped a game-winning RBI single right up the middle to give the Birds the win.
What a game...it was a stark reminder that the O's can still battle and make baseball fun to watch.
The Birds took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, and never trailed until the top of the eighth, when J.D. Drew launched his second solo homer of the game. Things looked bleak, considering how the Red Sox have basically owned the Orioles over the past few seasons.
But Tejada took matters into his own hands, tying the game in the bottom of the inning and eventually winning it in extras. He went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, and now leads the team with 13 ribbies.
The Birds have now won two straight against Boston, both one-run victories in extra innings. Brad Bergesen was called up from Triple-A to start tonight's game...let's see if the O's can build on this win and keep the streak alive.
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