The Birds were held scoreless for just the second time this season, falling to the Detroit Tigers 3-0 on Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards.
Starter Jason Berken (1-1), making just his second start of his Major League career, pitched brilliantly. Berken went seven strong innings, allowing just one run off four hits while walking two and striking out two. The lone run Berken allowed was a solo homer in the fourth inning. Danys Baez and Mark Hendrickson combined to pitch the final two frames, and allowed one run a piece.
It wouldn't have mattered today who was pitching for the O's...the offense just couldn't get anything going. The Birds set a season low with just two hits in the game; a single by Nick Markakis and a double from Ty Wiggonton. That was it...
Still, the Birds went 5-2 on the homestand and have been playing some great baseball as of late. All of the prospects called up from the minors have been impressive, and O's fans know it can only get better from here. It would have been nice to hit the road on a winning streak, though...
The Birds start the six-game road trip Monday night in Seattle...Rich Hill takes the mound...Go O's!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
O's Can't Cash-In, Fall To Tigers
All good things must eventually come to an end, and the Tigers snapped the O's winning streak at five games on Saturday night, beating the Birds 6-3.
Of course, some good things just keep going...Luke Scott hit yet another home run, a 2-run bomb in the sixth inning that tied the game at three and took O's starter Jeremy Guthrie off the hook for the (eventual) loss. In the four games since Scott returned from the DL, he's gone 8-for-15 (.533 average) with six home runs and 14 RBIs.
Guthrie certainly didn't have a bad outing...he went six innings and allowed three runs (two off solo homers) on seven hits while walking one and striking out ten. Guthrie either matched or set a career high in strikeouts, depending on which source you want to believe...I'll try to research that one on my own! Matt Albers came on to start the seventh and allowed a solo shot to the first batter he faced, giving Detroit a 4-3 lead that they would never relinquish. Albers (0-2) took the loss, and was charged with three runs (two earned) in just 1 1/3 innings.
Matt Wieters collected his first Major League hits in the game...a triple in the fifth inning and a double in the sixth...hopefully with the anxiety of his first game behind him, Wieters will show the nation just what all the commotion is about!
Offensively, though, the Birds wasted too many scoring opportunities to win this game....with the bases loaded and none out in the fifth inning, Adam Jones grounded back to the mound and into a double play before Nick Markakis struck out swinging. Later, in the seventh inning, the Birds had runners at second and third with one out...Aubrey Huff popped-out in foul territory before Melvin Mora struck out swinging to end the threat. The O's went just 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left nine on base...
Today is a new day, and the Birds will try to start a new winning streak on Sunday afternoon...Jason Berken (1-0) is scheduled to make his second start of the season...Go O's!
Of course, some good things just keep going...Luke Scott hit yet another home run, a 2-run bomb in the sixth inning that tied the game at three and took O's starter Jeremy Guthrie off the hook for the (eventual) loss. In the four games since Scott returned from the DL, he's gone 8-for-15 (.533 average) with six home runs and 14 RBIs.
Guthrie certainly didn't have a bad outing...he went six innings and allowed three runs (two off solo homers) on seven hits while walking one and striking out ten. Guthrie either matched or set a career high in strikeouts, depending on which source you want to believe...I'll try to research that one on my own! Matt Albers came on to start the seventh and allowed a solo shot to the first batter he faced, giving Detroit a 4-3 lead that they would never relinquish. Albers (0-2) took the loss, and was charged with three runs (two earned) in just 1 1/3 innings.
Matt Wieters collected his first Major League hits in the game...a triple in the fifth inning and a double in the sixth...hopefully with the anxiety of his first game behind him, Wieters will show the nation just what all the commotion is about!
Offensively, though, the Birds wasted too many scoring opportunities to win this game....with the bases loaded and none out in the fifth inning, Adam Jones grounded back to the mound and into a double play before Nick Markakis struck out swinging. Later, in the seventh inning, the Birds had runners at second and third with one out...Aubrey Huff popped-out in foul territory before Melvin Mora struck out swinging to end the threat. The O's went just 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left nine on base...
Today is a new day, and the Birds will try to start a new winning streak on Sunday afternoon...Jason Berken (1-0) is scheduled to make his second start of the season...Go O's!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Great Scott! O's Win Fifth Staight
Luke Scott and the Orioles crushed the visiting Detroit Tigers 7-2 Friday night at Camden Yards.
Scott went deep twice for the second consecutive game, and now has five home runs in his first three games since returning from the DL.
The O's took the lead in the third inning...Nick Markakis' RBI single put the Birds on the board, and a few batters later, Scott hit the first grand slam of his career, giving the O's a commanding 5-0 lead. The O's scored again in the fourth before Scott went deep again in the fifth inning, this time with the bases empty.
It was more than enough for starting pitcher Brad Bergesen (2-2). Bergesen went eight innings and allowed just two runs (both came in the seventh inning) on seven hits while striking out three and walking none. Jim Johnson came on in the ninth with two on and none out, but it took him just nine pitches to retire the side and end the game.
Of course, the star of the game was Matt Wieters, making his Major League debut...the Yard was packed with fans waiting to get their first look at the new O's catcher. It didn't matter that Weiters went 0-for-4 with a strikeout...the fact is that the future of the Orioles is now, and it's an incredible time to be a fan.
The Birds look to make it six straight Saturday night...Jeremy Guthrie (4-4) takes the mound...Go O's!!!!!!
O' Yeah...
Scott went deep twice for the second consecutive game, and now has five home runs in his first three games since returning from the DL.
The O's took the lead in the third inning...Nick Markakis' RBI single put the Birds on the board, and a few batters later, Scott hit the first grand slam of his career, giving the O's a commanding 5-0 lead. The O's scored again in the fourth before Scott went deep again in the fifth inning, this time with the bases empty.
It was more than enough for starting pitcher Brad Bergesen (2-2). Bergesen went eight innings and allowed just two runs (both came in the seventh inning) on seven hits while striking out three and walking none. Jim Johnson came on in the ninth with two on and none out, but it took him just nine pitches to retire the side and end the game.
Of course, the star of the game was Matt Wieters, making his Major League debut...the Yard was packed with fans waiting to get their first look at the new O's catcher. It didn't matter that Weiters went 0-for-4 with a strikeout...the fact is that the future of the Orioles is now, and it's an incredible time to be a fan.
The Birds look to make it six straight Saturday night...Jeremy Guthrie (4-4) takes the mound...Go O's!!!!!!
O' Yeah...
- The O's (23-26) are just three games under .500 and 5 1/2 games out of first
- Thanks for the votes on the poll...looks like the majority of you agree with the front office...83% of you said that the O's should keep Zaun and release Moeller
Friday, May 29, 2009
Scott Homers Early, Late, as O's Win Fourth Straight
The O's did it again...Baltimore's rookie starter won his Major League debut and the Birds beat the Detroit Tigers 5-1 Thursday night at Camden Yards.
David Hernandez, filling in for injured starter Koji Uehara, pitched 5 2/3 strong innings in his Orioles debut. Hernandez allowed just one run on five hits, while walking four and striking out three. The bullpen took care of the rest, as Matt Albers, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill combined to no-hit the Tigers over the final 3 1/3 frames.
As far as the offense, DH Luke Scott pretty much took care of it...Scott went deep in the second inning to give the Birds a 1-0 lead, and then knocked a 3-run shot in the eighth that all but sealed the deal for the O's. After Detroit had tied the game at one in the fifth, Nolan Reimold hit a shot of his own to give the Orioles a 2-1 lead...it was Reimold's third homer in as many games...Scott has been on a tear as well; he's now hit three home runs in his two games back from the DL.
All-in-all, this is an exciting time to be an O's fan...and it only gets better later tonight, as Matt Wieters makes his Major League debut (I feel like I've typed that phrase a lot this week!). The Birds are hot right now, and are only six games out of first in the division...this is a brand new team with something to prove, and the best is yet to come! Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the Birds (22-26) Friday night...Go O's!!!!!
O' Yeah...
David Hernandez, filling in for injured starter Koji Uehara, pitched 5 2/3 strong innings in his Orioles debut. Hernandez allowed just one run on five hits, while walking four and striking out three. The bullpen took care of the rest, as Matt Albers, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill combined to no-hit the Tigers over the final 3 1/3 frames.
As far as the offense, DH Luke Scott pretty much took care of it...Scott went deep in the second inning to give the Birds a 1-0 lead, and then knocked a 3-run shot in the eighth that all but sealed the deal for the O's. After Detroit had tied the game at one in the fifth, Nolan Reimold hit a shot of his own to give the Orioles a 2-1 lead...it was Reimold's third homer in as many games...Scott has been on a tear as well; he's now hit three home runs in his two games back from the DL.
All-in-all, this is an exciting time to be an O's fan...and it only gets better later tonight, as Matt Wieters makes his Major League debut (I feel like I've typed that phrase a lot this week!). The Birds are hot right now, and are only six games out of first in the division...this is a brand new team with something to prove, and the best is yet to come! Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the Birds (22-26) Friday night...Go O's!!!!!
O' Yeah...
- Relief pitcher Chris Ray was sent down to Triple-A Thursday to work on his command...I thought Ray would eventually win the closing job (as did the majority of fans who voted on my poll)...I wish him the best of luck and hopefully we'll see him at his top form soon
- According to Orioles.com and the Elias Sports Bureau, the Birds are the first team in the "expansion era" to have four rookies win their first start in the majors in the same season...Koji Uehara, Brad Bergesen, Jason Berkens and now David Hernandez have accomplished the feat
- If you have a quick second, please vote on my new poll...it will only be up for a day or two
- Results of my last poll: (At this point in the season, who is your Oriole MVP?)... 33 votes, 28 for Adam Jones (84%), three for Nick Markakis (9%) and two for "other" (6%)...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Reimold to the Rescue
It took awhile, but the Birds were finally able to complete a 3-game sweep this season, as they prevailed over the Blue Jays 12-10 in extra-innings Wednesday afternoon.
I've said this once before this season...but THIS had to be the most exciting game so far this year...at least the later innings! The O's swept the Jays in style, with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning off the bat of rookie outfielder Nolan Reimold.
Toronto's ace Roy Halladay had pretty much dominated the Birds through seven innings...the only bright spot for the O's was Luke Scott's first-pitch-swinging 2-run blast in his first plate appearance since returning from the DL. The Birds trailed 8-3 heading into the eighth...
O's starter Rich Hill was roughed-up, allowing seven runs in just 3 1/3 innings...the bullpen was able to keep the Jays' bats quiet, and after Halladay departed, the offense sprung to life. The O's scored five runs in the eighth to tie the game, and the score stayed locked at eight until the top of the 11th, when Danys Baez allowed a 2-run bomb...Jays 10, O's 8.
How likely was it that the Birds could come back twice in the game? When they're playing Toronto, which had lost eight straight, anything was possible...the Birds racked-up a few singles to come within a run, and with two on and one out, Nolan Reimold stepped to the plate...Reimold had come into the game in the eighth inning as a pinch-hitter and had struck out twice with the game on the line. This time, though, he crushed a 1-1 pitch over the left field fence and gave the O's the win. Magical.
The Birds now host the Detroit Tigers for a 4-game set...rookie pitcher David Hernandez will make his Major League debut Thursday night...Go O's!!!!
O' Yeah...
I've said this once before this season...but THIS had to be the most exciting game so far this year...at least the later innings! The O's swept the Jays in style, with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning off the bat of rookie outfielder Nolan Reimold.
Toronto's ace Roy Halladay had pretty much dominated the Birds through seven innings...the only bright spot for the O's was Luke Scott's first-pitch-swinging 2-run blast in his first plate appearance since returning from the DL. The Birds trailed 8-3 heading into the eighth...
O's starter Rich Hill was roughed-up, allowing seven runs in just 3 1/3 innings...the bullpen was able to keep the Jays' bats quiet, and after Halladay departed, the offense sprung to life. The O's scored five runs in the eighth to tie the game, and the score stayed locked at eight until the top of the 11th, when Danys Baez allowed a 2-run bomb...Jays 10, O's 8.
How likely was it that the Birds could come back twice in the game? When they're playing Toronto, which had lost eight straight, anything was possible...the Birds racked-up a few singles to come within a run, and with two on and one out, Nolan Reimold stepped to the plate...Reimold had come into the game in the eighth inning as a pinch-hitter and had struck out twice with the game on the line. This time, though, he crushed a 1-1 pitch over the left field fence and gave the O's the win. Magical.
The Birds now host the Detroit Tigers for a 4-game set...rookie pitcher David Hernandez will make his Major League debut Thursday night...Go O's!!!!
O' Yeah...
- Koji Uehara was placed on the 15-day DL
- Robert Andino went 4-for-5 on Wednesday, a career-best
- Not only was this the first time the O's swept a 3-game series this season, it was the first time they've won three straight
- Here's David Hernandez's bio and stats...check out the walk to strikeout ratio
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Berken Wins Debut; Birds Go Deep
Jason Berken was victorious in his Major League debut, as the Orioles pounded the visiting Toronto Blue Jays 7-2 on Tuesday evening.
Berken allowed two runs in the first two innings, but settled down and pitched well enough to win. He ended up giving up two runs on seven hits through five innings, while walking three and striking out three.
Berken left in the fifth down 2-1; the O's had managed just a solo shot from Aubrey Huff in the second inning...with two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Adam Jones drilled a 2-run blast (his 11th of the season) that gave the Birds a 3-2 lead and put Berken in the position to win the game. Nolan Riemold added a 2-run shot of his own in the sixth inning, and Brian Roberts' 2-run double in the eighth gave the Birds a 7-2 lead.
Relievers Matt Albers and Jim Johnson combined to pitch the final four frames, and allowed just two hits...Johnson was credited with his first save of the season.
The Birds go for the ever-elusive three-game sweep later this afternoon...Rich Hill(1-0) faces Toronto's ace Roy Halladay(8-1)...Go O's!!!
O' Yeah...
Berken allowed two runs in the first two innings, but settled down and pitched well enough to win. He ended up giving up two runs on seven hits through five innings, while walking three and striking out three.
Berken left in the fifth down 2-1; the O's had managed just a solo shot from Aubrey Huff in the second inning...with two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Adam Jones drilled a 2-run blast (his 11th of the season) that gave the Birds a 3-2 lead and put Berken in the position to win the game. Nolan Riemold added a 2-run shot of his own in the sixth inning, and Brian Roberts' 2-run double in the eighth gave the Birds a 7-2 lead.
Relievers Matt Albers and Jim Johnson combined to pitch the final four frames, and allowed just two hits...Johnson was credited with his first save of the season.
The Birds go for the ever-elusive three-game sweep later this afternoon...Rich Hill(1-0) faces Toronto's ace Roy Halladay(8-1)...Go O's!!!
O' Yeah...
- THE BIG NEWS: O's catcher Matt Wieters will make his MLB debut on Friday! Can't wait!
- Koji Uehara will miss his next scheduled start...if he has to miss more than one start, David Hernandez may be brought up from Triple-A Norfolk to take his place in the rotation
- Lou Montanez elected to have surgery on his thumb and may miss the rest of the season
- Adam Jones grounded into his FIRST double-play of the season on Tuesday...pretty impressive considering he's the #2 hitter and has Brian Roberts ahead of him
Monday, May 25, 2009
Guthrie Gives O's the Win
The Birds celebrated Memorial Day with a great game of baseball, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 4-1.
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie (4-4) returned to last season's form in a seven-inning winning effort. The O's ace allowed just one run on seven hits, walked one and struck out four. Danys Baez pitched a scoreless eighth, and George Sherrill picked up his tenth save (Sherrill's hitless streak ended after five appearances, though...he gave up a double in the ninth).
The most exciting news of the day, besides the win, has to be that the O's are calling up Jason Berken from Triple-A to start Tuesday's game...with Adam Eaton gone, we the fans get to see yet another young starter make his Major League debut this season! And it might not end there; if Koji Uehara can't start on Thursday the Birds will have to dip into the farm system yet again (let me be clear on this...I love the job Uehara is doing but if he needs to miss a start, I wouldn't mind seeing a bit more of our "future O's"). The future is NOW!
Get ready to see another piece of the puzzle fall into place Tuesday night...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie (4-4) returned to last season's form in a seven-inning winning effort. The O's ace allowed just one run on seven hits, walked one and struck out four. Danys Baez pitched a scoreless eighth, and George Sherrill picked up his tenth save (Sherrill's hitless streak ended after five appearances, though...he gave up a double in the ninth).
The most exciting news of the day, besides the win, has to be that the O's are calling up Jason Berken from Triple-A to start Tuesday's game...with Adam Eaton gone, we the fans get to see yet another young starter make his Major League debut this season! And it might not end there; if Koji Uehara can't start on Thursday the Birds will have to dip into the farm system yet again (let me be clear on this...I love the job Uehara is doing but if he needs to miss a start, I wouldn't mind seeing a bit more of our "future O's"). The future is NOW!
Get ready to see another piece of the puzzle fall into place Tuesday night...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- Just in case you were curious, here's Berken's bio and stats
'Pen Slammed in Loss to Nats
The O's fell short of their first three-game sweep of the season, falling to the Nationals 8-5 on Sunday afternoon.
The Birds led for much of the game, going ahead 2-0 in the third inning thanks to a 2-run triple from Nick Markakis. Starter Brad Bergesen was untouchable early, but ended up allowing four runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings...he walked none and struck out two in the no-decision.
Down 4-3 in the seventh, Adam Jones gave the Birds a 5-4 lead with his team-leading tenth home run of the season, a 2-run blast. Chris Ray continued to struggle though, and after two singles and an intentional walk, he was pulled for "left-handed specialist" Jamie Walker. Walker gave up a grand slam before recording the final out of the inning, and the Nationals held on from there.
Still, the Birds finished the road trip with a 4-6 record...not great, but certainly not horrible (getting swept by the Yankees was horrible). The O's head home and face the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday afternoon...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the Birds...Go O's!
The Birds led for much of the game, going ahead 2-0 in the third inning thanks to a 2-run triple from Nick Markakis. Starter Brad Bergesen was untouchable early, but ended up allowing four runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings...he walked none and struck out two in the no-decision.
Down 4-3 in the seventh, Adam Jones gave the Birds a 5-4 lead with his team-leading tenth home run of the season, a 2-run blast. Chris Ray continued to struggle though, and after two singles and an intentional walk, he was pulled for "left-handed specialist" Jamie Walker. Walker gave up a grand slam before recording the final out of the inning, and the Nationals held on from there.
Still, the Birds finished the road trip with a 4-6 record...not great, but certainly not horrible (getting swept by the Yankees was horrible). The O's head home and face the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday afternoon...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the Birds...Go O's!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
O's Win the Duel in D.C.
The O's won their second straight game, defeating the Nationals 2-1 on Saturday night.
That's right...the Orioles won a pitching duel, and they did it while only collecting three hits in the game.
Birds starter Koji Uehara was pulled after three shutout innings; Uehara was bothered by a sore hamstring and may miss his next scheduled start...bad news for the O's, who just released Adam Eaton and already need to promote a starter from the minors. However, as a fan I've been waiting for the O's to try out some of our young arms, and this just may force their hand...I'd much rather see a young arm than see Mark Hendrickson come out of the bullpen for a spot-start.
The bullpen was incredible for the third straight game...Brian Bass (3-1) was credited with the win...Bass went three innings and allowed one run ( a solo homer) off three hits. Matt Albers, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill pitched the final three frames, allowing just one hit...Sherrill picked up his ninth save in 11 attempts and struck out the side in the ninth. It looks like the "closer-by-committee" idea, though never really implemented, has really worked...Sherrill hasn't allowed a hit in his last five outings.
Offensively, the Birds really couldn't get anything going...their three hits tied a season-low, yet they still got the win. Nick Markakis' RBI single put the O's on the board in the third inning, and Aubrey Huff's pinch-hit RBI triple in the seventh put the O's up for good...Gregg Zaun recorded the O's only other hit of the ballgame, a double in the seventh inning.
The Birds go for the elusive three-game sweep Sunday afternoon...Brad Bergesen (1-2) is matched-up against the Nationals best pitcher, Shairon Martis (5-0)...Go O's!!!
O' Yeah...
That's right...the Orioles won a pitching duel, and they did it while only collecting three hits in the game.
Birds starter Koji Uehara was pulled after three shutout innings; Uehara was bothered by a sore hamstring and may miss his next scheduled start...bad news for the O's, who just released Adam Eaton and already need to promote a starter from the minors. However, as a fan I've been waiting for the O's to try out some of our young arms, and this just may force their hand...I'd much rather see a young arm than see Mark Hendrickson come out of the bullpen for a spot-start.
The bullpen was incredible for the third straight game...Brian Bass (3-1) was credited with the win...Bass went three innings and allowed one run ( a solo homer) off three hits. Matt Albers, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill pitched the final three frames, allowing just one hit...Sherrill picked up his ninth save in 11 attempts and struck out the side in the ninth. It looks like the "closer-by-committee" idea, though never really implemented, has really worked...Sherrill hasn't allowed a hit in his last five outings.
Offensively, the Birds really couldn't get anything going...their three hits tied a season-low, yet they still got the win. Nick Markakis' RBI single put the O's on the board in the third inning, and Aubrey Huff's pinch-hit RBI triple in the seventh put the O's up for good...Gregg Zaun recorded the O's only other hit of the ballgame, a double in the seventh inning.
The Birds go for the elusive three-game sweep Sunday afternoon...Brad Bergesen (1-2) is matched-up against the Nationals best pitcher, Shairon Martis (5-0)...Go O's!!!
O' Yeah...
- As if Koji's injury wasn't bad enough, a possible Triple-A replacement may have suffered a similar injury on Saturday...Chris Tillman (5-0) was lifted after just two innings and 33 pitches for the Norfolk Tides
Friday, May 22, 2009
O's Outlast Nats in Extras
The Orioles snapped a four-game losing streak on Friday night, defeating the Washington Nationals 4-2 in twelve innings.
The O's gave starter Rich Hill an early 2-0 lead, but Hill allowed a 2-run shot in the fourth inning to deadlock the score...it remained a 2-2 ballgame until the top of the twelfth inning...
O's reliever Danys Baez has to be my player of the game...with two outs in the twelfth inning and two strikes against him, Baez poked an infield single (his first major league hit of his career). Brian Roberts followed with a ground-rule double (his second double of the game), and Adam Jones connected for a 2-run double, giving the O's a 4-2 lead. Baez was credited with the win, and scored the go-ahead run...
Although Baez definitely deserved the win, Hill pitched a great game. Hill went 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on three hits while walking four and striking out six...two of the walks came in the sixth inning, when Hill was pulled with two outs for reliever Matt Albers (recalled earlier from Triple-A). It was a risky call, but Albers got out of the inning with a crucial strikeout. Albers, Jim Johnson, Baez and George Sherrill combined to allow just one hit through the final 6 1/3 innings...Sherrill picked up his eighth save.
The O's look to continue the winning streak Saturday night; Koji Uehara takes the mound...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
The O's gave starter Rich Hill an early 2-0 lead, but Hill allowed a 2-run shot in the fourth inning to deadlock the score...it remained a 2-2 ballgame until the top of the twelfth inning...
O's reliever Danys Baez has to be my player of the game...with two outs in the twelfth inning and two strikes against him, Baez poked an infield single (his first major league hit of his career). Brian Roberts followed with a ground-rule double (his second double of the game), and Adam Jones connected for a 2-run double, giving the O's a 4-2 lead. Baez was credited with the win, and scored the go-ahead run...
Although Baez definitely deserved the win, Hill pitched a great game. Hill went 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on three hits while walking four and striking out six...two of the walks came in the sixth inning, when Hill was pulled with two outs for reliever Matt Albers (recalled earlier from Triple-A). It was a risky call, but Albers got out of the inning with a crucial strikeout. Albers, Jim Johnson, Baez and George Sherrill combined to allow just one hit through the final 6 1/3 innings...Sherrill picked up his eighth save.
The O's look to continue the winning streak Saturday night; Koji Uehara takes the mound...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- Nolan Riemold connected for his second career homer, a solo shot in the second inning
- Adam Jones had the other three RBIS in the game and now has 30 on the season
- As expected, starter Adam Eaton is no longer an Oriole...he was released Friday afternoon
- David Hernandez (Eaton's possible replacement??) struck out 14 batters for Triple-A Norfolk Friday
Bombers Sweep Birds out of Bronx
The trip to New York ended with a bang...for the Yankees. The O's were swept in the three-game series, falling 7-4 Thursday night.
In what may have been his final start as an Oriole, Adam Eaton was as unimpressive as usual...Eaton surrendered three straight doubles to start the game, and allowed four runs in the first inning...the Birds trailed 6-0 after two innings. Incredibly, the O's had the momentum on their side before Eaton took the mound...Yankees' starter Joba Chamberlain left the game in the first inning with an injury...all Eaton had to do was hold them...
Eaton's final line: 4 2/3 innings, eight hits (four were doubles and two were homers), seven runs allowed, three walks and a strikeout...so long Adam Eaton, it was fun while it lasted...
Worse yet, the bullpen finally looked good, as Brian Bass and George Sherrill combined to allow just one hit through the final frames, but it was too little, too late.
The Birds finally got on the board in the fifth when Brian Roberts slapped a solo home run...Nick Markakis added a solo shot in the seventh...
The O's are now a season-high nine games under .500 and have dropped four straight...Interleague play begins Friday, and the Birds visit the Washington Nationals, the worst team in baseball...time to start a winning streak...Rich Hill starts for the Birds...Go O's!
In what may have been his final start as an Oriole, Adam Eaton was as unimpressive as usual...Eaton surrendered three straight doubles to start the game, and allowed four runs in the first inning...the Birds trailed 6-0 after two innings. Incredibly, the O's had the momentum on their side before Eaton took the mound...Yankees' starter Joba Chamberlain left the game in the first inning with an injury...all Eaton had to do was hold them...
Eaton's final line: 4 2/3 innings, eight hits (four were doubles and two were homers), seven runs allowed, three walks and a strikeout...so long Adam Eaton, it was fun while it lasted...
Worse yet, the bullpen finally looked good, as Brian Bass and George Sherrill combined to allow just one hit through the final frames, but it was too little, too late.
The Birds finally got on the board in the fifth when Brian Roberts slapped a solo home run...Nick Markakis added a solo shot in the seventh...
The O's are now a season-high nine games under .500 and have dropped four straight...Interleague play begins Friday, and the Birds visit the Washington Nationals, the worst team in baseball...time to start a winning streak...Rich Hill starts for the Birds...Go O's!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Jones=Superstar...the O's get some National Attention
Wow. This was so unexpected it needed it's own post. I was checking out MSN.com and saw an article about a 23-year-old center fielder who might be the best in baseball...could it be Adam Jones? Sure enough, once you click on the link, there's our boy! The comments are a good read, too.
Birds Burned Again
The O's lost again to the New York Yankees, 11-4, on Wednesday night.
And again, the final score doesn't really convey the battle on the field...the O's were down 5-3 in the eighth inning before the bullpen and the defense (supposedly much improved) let the game turn into another blowout.
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie (3-4) didn't help the cause...Guthrie allowed five runs through the first three innings, including back-to-back-to-back solo homers in the second inning...he settled down though, and lasted seven innings. Guthrie was charged with five runs off five hits while walking three and striking out two (he also hit A-rod and Tex with pitches).
Danys Baez and Jamie Walker teamed-up to pitch the eighth inning...and allowed six runs (five earned) on four hits, two walks and Robert Andino's second game-changing error in as many days...I never really appreciated Cesar Izturis until I saw what Andino brings to the team...
Offensively, the Birds broke their four-game homerless streak to put up some runs...Ty Wigginton knocked a 2-run blast in the fourth, Adam Jones connected for his team-leading ninth home run in the fifth and rookie Nolan Riemold hit his first major league homer off Mariano Rivera in the ninth...
The Birds (16-24) have now lost three straight and are a season-high eight games under .500. Now it's all up to Adam Eaton to help the O's avoid the sweep at Yankee Stadium...Go O's!
And again, the final score doesn't really convey the battle on the field...the O's were down 5-3 in the eighth inning before the bullpen and the defense (supposedly much improved) let the game turn into another blowout.
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie (3-4) didn't help the cause...Guthrie allowed five runs through the first three innings, including back-to-back-to-back solo homers in the second inning...he settled down though, and lasted seven innings. Guthrie was charged with five runs off five hits while walking three and striking out two (he also hit A-rod and Tex with pitches).
Danys Baez and Jamie Walker teamed-up to pitch the eighth inning...and allowed six runs (five earned) on four hits, two walks and Robert Andino's second game-changing error in as many days...I never really appreciated Cesar Izturis until I saw what Andino brings to the team...
Offensively, the Birds broke their four-game homerless streak to put up some runs...Ty Wigginton knocked a 2-run blast in the fourth, Adam Jones connected for his team-leading ninth home run in the fifth and rookie Nolan Riemold hit his first major league homer off Mariano Rivera in the ninth...
The Birds (16-24) have now lost three straight and are a season-high eight games under .500. Now it's all up to Adam Eaton to help the O's avoid the sweep at Yankee Stadium...Go O's!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Yanks Humiliate O's
The Orioles were beat down Tuesday night, losing 9-1 at the new Yankee Stadium.
Don't let the final score fool you...the Birds were in the game until a sickening seventh inning, when the Yankees scored seven runs and ran away with the win.
O's starter Brad Bergesen pitched a gem, allowing just a 2-run shot from A-Rod in the first inning before settling down and retiring the Yankees with ease until the fateful seventh...with the Birds trailing 2-1, skipper Dave Trembley saw it fit for Bergesen to come back out to the mound and try for the win...BIG MISTAKE...after recording one out, Bergesen walked the next two batters before Trembley summoned Chris Ray from the bullpen...ANOTHER BIG MISTAKE...Ray couldn't record an out but allowed seven runs to cross the plate (the first two runs were charged to Bergesen, the final five to Ray). Check out the box score...
The worst part...Ray would've escaped the inning with a double-play ball, but shortstop Robert Andino, filling in for Cesar Izturis, botched the play that allowed New York the big inning...Adam Jones also committed an error a few batters later, and the Yankees kept piling on the runs...honestly, game one was an absolute embarrassment.
Luckily, there's always tomorrow...and the O's have staff ace Jeremy Guthrie on the mound for Wednesday night...here's hoping the Birds can snap the Yankees winning streak, and start one of their own...Go O's!
Don't let the final score fool you...the Birds were in the game until a sickening seventh inning, when the Yankees scored seven runs and ran away with the win.
O's starter Brad Bergesen pitched a gem, allowing just a 2-run shot from A-Rod in the first inning before settling down and retiring the Yankees with ease until the fateful seventh...with the Birds trailing 2-1, skipper Dave Trembley saw it fit for Bergesen to come back out to the mound and try for the win...BIG MISTAKE...after recording one out, Bergesen walked the next two batters before Trembley summoned Chris Ray from the bullpen...ANOTHER BIG MISTAKE...Ray couldn't record an out but allowed seven runs to cross the plate (the first two runs were charged to Bergesen, the final five to Ray). Check out the box score...
The worst part...Ray would've escaped the inning with a double-play ball, but shortstop Robert Andino, filling in for Cesar Izturis, botched the play that allowed New York the big inning...Adam Jones also committed an error a few batters later, and the Yankees kept piling on the runs...honestly, game one was an absolute embarrassment.
Luckily, there's always tomorrow...and the O's have staff ace Jeremy Guthrie on the mound for Wednesday night...here's hoping the Birds can snap the Yankees winning streak, and start one of their own...Go O's!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Ahead Early, O's Fall Late
The Orioles couldn't hold on to an early lead and eventually fell 7-4 to the Royals on Sunday afternoon.
O's starter Koji Uehara took a 3-1 lead into the sixth inning but was unable to record an out and left with the Birds trailing 4-3. Uehara allowed four runs off six hits in five innings while walking two and striking out three.
The O's tied the game at four in the eighth inning but the bullpen faltered; Jim Johnson (2-2) took the loss and was charged with three runs in 1/3 of an inning...it may not have been that bad, but a strange play in center field hurt the Birds. Felix Pie, who had an RBI triple in the third inning, gave up an RBI triple of his own...Pie dove for a ball that went over his glove and rolled to the wall, starting the Royals rally.
The Birds are off Monday before beginning a 3-game series in New York at the new Yankee Stadium...Go O's!
O's starter Koji Uehara took a 3-1 lead into the sixth inning but was unable to record an out and left with the Birds trailing 4-3. Uehara allowed four runs off six hits in five innings while walking two and striking out three.
The O's tied the game at four in the eighth inning but the bullpen faltered; Jim Johnson (2-2) took the loss and was charged with three runs in 1/3 of an inning...it may not have been that bad, but a strange play in center field hurt the Birds. Felix Pie, who had an RBI triple in the third inning, gave up an RBI triple of his own...Pie dove for a ball that went over his glove and rolled to the wall, starting the Royals rally.
The Birds are off Monday before beginning a 3-game series in New York at the new Yankee Stadium...Go O's!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Hill Dominant in O's Win
Rich Hill was impressive in his Orioles debut, and the O's edged the Royals in a 3-2 victory Saturday night.
Hill went 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits while walking two (one intentionally) and striking out six. The left-hander looked comfortable and had a nasty curveball that was really working all night...I know it's just one start, but it looks like the O's have found their #3 starter. The bullpen was solid, as Danys Baez, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill combined to pitch the final 3 1/3 innings without allowing a hit...Sherrill picked up his seventh save and struck out the final batter of the game.
The O's gave Hill a 1-0 lead in the first inning...Brian Roberts led-off the game with a walk, then stole 2nd and 3rd base before coming home on a wild pitch...Roberts leads the team with eight stolen bases and has three in his last two games. Nolan Riemold put the Birds up 2-0 in the fourth inning with an RBI single...it was Riemold's first major league RBI...Riemold added his first extra-base hit, a double, in the sixth inning. Nick Markakis' RBI single in the fifth inning put the O's ahead for good...Markakis now leads the team with 34 RBIs.
The Birds can win the series with a victory Sunday afternoon...Koji Uehara takes the mound...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
Hill went 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits while walking two (one intentionally) and striking out six. The left-hander looked comfortable and had a nasty curveball that was really working all night...I know it's just one start, but it looks like the O's have found their #3 starter. The bullpen was solid, as Danys Baez, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill combined to pitch the final 3 1/3 innings without allowing a hit...Sherrill picked up his seventh save and struck out the final batter of the game.
The O's gave Hill a 1-0 lead in the first inning...Brian Roberts led-off the game with a walk, then stole 2nd and 3rd base before coming home on a wild pitch...Roberts leads the team with eight stolen bases and has three in his last two games. Nolan Riemold put the Birds up 2-0 in the fourth inning with an RBI single...it was Riemold's first major league RBI...Riemold added his first extra-base hit, a double, in the sixth inning. Nick Markakis' RBI single in the fifth inning put the O's ahead for good...Markakis now leads the team with 34 RBIs.
The Birds can win the series with a victory Sunday afternoon...Koji Uehara takes the mound...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- Luke Scott was placed on the 15-day DL and won't be available until May 26
- O's prospect Jake Arrietta threw a one-hit shutout for the Bowie Baysox Saturday, striking out ten
- Finally! This was the first time all season that the O's won a game when scoring less than four runs
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Greinke, Royals Shut Down O's
After a long rain delay, Zack Greinke led the Kansas City Royals to an 8-1 victory over the Orioles Friday night at Kauffman Stadium.
Greinke (7-1) outpitched O's starter Adam Eaton (2-4), who was tagged with the loss...the Birds managed just six hits off Greinke in seven innings, and struck out six times...the O's scored their lone run in the third inning after Brian Roberts doubled, stole third and came home on Aubrey Huff's single...
Eaton was knocked out of the game after five innings and was charged with seven runs off ten hits...he walked one, struck out three and allowed two home runs...both homers came in a disastrous four-run fourth inning that all but sealed the O's fate...
On the bright side, starter-turned-reliever Mark Hendrickson looked solid in three innings of relief...Hendrickson allowed three hits and one run while walking none and striking out four. The O's were able to save their bullpen for Saturday night's game, with Rich Hill making his first start of the season...I'm not sure if Hill is on a pitch limit, but he threw 95 pitches in his last start at Triple A Norfolk...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
Greinke (7-1) outpitched O's starter Adam Eaton (2-4), who was tagged with the loss...the Birds managed just six hits off Greinke in seven innings, and struck out six times...the O's scored their lone run in the third inning after Brian Roberts doubled, stole third and came home on Aubrey Huff's single...
Eaton was knocked out of the game after five innings and was charged with seven runs off ten hits...he walked one, struck out three and allowed two home runs...both homers came in a disastrous four-run fourth inning that all but sealed the O's fate...
On the bright side, starter-turned-reliever Mark Hendrickson looked solid in three innings of relief...Hendrickson allowed three hits and one run while walking none and striking out four. The O's were able to save their bullpen for Saturday night's game, with Rich Hill making his first start of the season...I'm not sure if Hill is on a pitch limit, but he threw 95 pitches in his last start at Triple A Norfolk...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- Is Friday the new Sunday? I had some time on my hands, and wanted to see how the O's have been faring on a daily basis...remember last season, when the Birds just could not win on Sunday? After starting the season with a victory over the Rays on Friday April 10, the O's have dropped five straight Friday evening games...
Here's a breakdown through the first 36 games of the season:
- Monday: 3-2
- Tuesday: 3-2
- Wednesday: 2-4
- Thursday: 3-1
- Friday: 1-5
- Saturday: 2-3
- Sunday: 1-4
Now that I look at it, Sunday's still aren't so hot! Go O's...
Friday, May 15, 2009
O's start off road trip with a "W"
The Birds started off their 10-game road trip on the right foot, beating the Kansas City Royals 9-5 Thursday night.
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie (3-3) got the win, though he wasn't spectacular...Guthrie lasted just five innings and gave up four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two. Once again, the O's bullpen was solid, as Danys Baez, Jamie Walker and Jim Johnson combined to allow just one run off five hits in the final four frames.
The O's offense was quiet early on, and it wasn't until Aubrey Huff's solo shot in the fourth inning that the Birds got on the board...after that, the O's poured it on, scoring four runs in the fifth and three more in the sixth to take a commanding lead. The O's tacked-on one more run in the eighth inning to take a 9-5 lead...
Every Oriole hitter had at least one hit except for catcher Gregg Zaun, who went 0-for-5 with a strikeout...
With the first game in the books, the O's now face Zack Greinke (6-1, 0.51 ERA) on Friday night...the Birds counter with Adam Eaton (2-3, 7.18 ERA) ...good luck... Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie (3-3) got the win, though he wasn't spectacular...Guthrie lasted just five innings and gave up four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two. Once again, the O's bullpen was solid, as Danys Baez, Jamie Walker and Jim Johnson combined to allow just one run off five hits in the final four frames.
The O's offense was quiet early on, and it wasn't until Aubrey Huff's solo shot in the fourth inning that the Birds got on the board...after that, the O's poured it on, scoring four runs in the fifth and three more in the sixth to take a commanding lead. The O's tacked-on one more run in the eighth inning to take a 9-5 lead...
Every Oriole hitter had at least one hit except for catcher Gregg Zaun, who went 0-for-5 with a strikeout...
With the first game in the books, the O's now face Zack Greinke (6-1, 0.51 ERA) on Friday night...the Birds counter with Adam Eaton (2-3, 7.18 ERA) ...good luck... Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- Nolan Riemold had his first Major League hit Thursday night, a single in the seventh inning
- Looks like Rich Hill is joining the team(?)...Mark Hendrickson has been moved to the bullpen and Koji Uehara's start has been pushed back to Sunday to make room for....(?)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
O's Ninth-Inning Rally Falls Short
The Orioles made it interesting, scoring four runs in the bottom of the ninth, but eventually fell to the Rays 8-6 Wednesday night.
O's starter Brad Bergesen (1-1) was charged with the loss, but pitched well enough to win the game. Bergesen went 5 and 2/3, giving up four runs on nine hits with one walk and three strikeouts. The bullpen held up until the ninth inning, when rookie Bob McCrory allowed four runs to cross the plate on three hits, three walks and a wild pitch...McCrory was expected to be sent down for starter Rich Hill, but was demoted after the game to make room for outfielder Nolan Reimold.
Ty Wigginton was the O's "Player of the Game," going 3-for-5 with a solo home run and falling just a triple shy of the cycle...Wigginton made the final out of the game...
Adam Jones was pulled from the game due to a mild hamstring pull and is listed as day-to-day; Luke Scott is in the same situation, which is why the O's promoted Reimold...Felix Pie came in for Jones and went 2-for-2 with a single and a solo home run.
The Birds looked real good in the bottom of the ninth...the first time this season that I actually believed that they might pull out a come-from-behind victory...Izzy led-off with a double before Brian Roberts' fifth homer of the season drove him in...Pie stepped to the plate and smacked a solo shot (I believe this is the first time the O's have gone back-to-back all season). Aubrey Huff extended the rally with another double before Melvin Mora's single knocked him in, and all of the sudden the Birds had the tying run at the plate with just one out...unfortunately, that's where the story ends...
Regardless, the Orioles went 4-3 on the homestand and played well...now, here comes another test...the Birds embark on a 10-game road trip, starting Thursday night against the surprising Kansas City Royals...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound...Go O's!
O's starter Brad Bergesen (1-1) was charged with the loss, but pitched well enough to win the game. Bergesen went 5 and 2/3, giving up four runs on nine hits with one walk and three strikeouts. The bullpen held up until the ninth inning, when rookie Bob McCrory allowed four runs to cross the plate on three hits, three walks and a wild pitch...McCrory was expected to be sent down for starter Rich Hill, but was demoted after the game to make room for outfielder Nolan Reimold.
Ty Wigginton was the O's "Player of the Game," going 3-for-5 with a solo home run and falling just a triple shy of the cycle...Wigginton made the final out of the game...
Adam Jones was pulled from the game due to a mild hamstring pull and is listed as day-to-day; Luke Scott is in the same situation, which is why the O's promoted Reimold...Felix Pie came in for Jones and went 2-for-2 with a single and a solo home run.
The Birds looked real good in the bottom of the ninth...the first time this season that I actually believed that they might pull out a come-from-behind victory...Izzy led-off with a double before Brian Roberts' fifth homer of the season drove him in...Pie stepped to the plate and smacked a solo shot (I believe this is the first time the O's have gone back-to-back all season). Aubrey Huff extended the rally with another double before Melvin Mora's single knocked him in, and all of the sudden the Birds had the tying run at the plate with just one out...unfortunately, that's where the story ends...
Regardless, the Orioles went 4-3 on the homestand and played well...now, here comes another test...the Birds embark on a 10-game road trip, starting Thursday night against the surprising Kansas City Royals...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound...Go O's!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
O's Win Thanks to Jones, 'Pen
The O's came from behind, twice, to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 7-5 Tuesday night at Camden Yards.
In both comebacks, it was Adam Jones that put the Birds ahead...Jones hit a solo homer in the first inning to give the O's a short-lived 1-0 lead, and then connected again in the second with a 3-run blast that gave the Orioles a 6-5 lead that they would never relinquish.
O's starter Mark Hendrickson lasted just two innings, giving up five runs on six hits and a walk. After Jones' shot gave the Birds the lead, Dave Trembley decided to go to the bullpen, which pitched seven scoreless innings...Brian Bass took the win and George Sherrill was credited with his sixth save.
The Birds can sweep the Rays Wednesday night and climb out of last place in the division...Brad Bergesen looks for his second win of the season...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
In both comebacks, it was Adam Jones that put the Birds ahead...Jones hit a solo homer in the first inning to give the O's a short-lived 1-0 lead, and then connected again in the second with a 3-run blast that gave the Orioles a 6-5 lead that they would never relinquish.
O's starter Mark Hendrickson lasted just two innings, giving up five runs on six hits and a walk. After Jones' shot gave the Birds the lead, Dave Trembley decided to go to the bullpen, which pitched seven scoreless innings...Brian Bass took the win and George Sherrill was credited with his sixth save.
The Birds can sweep the Rays Wednesday night and climb out of last place in the division...Brad Bergesen looks for his second win of the season...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- Luuuuuuke Scott should be fine and won't be placed on the 15-day DL
- No official word yet, but Hendrickson's performance may mean Rich Hill is called up to take his place in the rotation this weekend...
- Adam Jones hit two homers in a game for the first time in his career, and his eight dingers leads the team
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Uehara solid as usual, but O's fall late
The Orioles let another one slip through their fingers, as they lost to the Yankees 5-3 on Sunday.
O's starter Koji Uehara pitched brilliantly, allowing just one run (a solo homer in the first inning) off six hits through six innings. Uehara walked one and struck out five. He was pulled after 94 pitches (65 for strikes) after retiring the side in order in the sixth inning...Uehara said via a translator after the game that he had felt, "really tired"...otherwise O's skipper Dave Trembley has some explaining to do. Trembley has said he doesn't rely on a pitch count, he uses his eyes...so there better be a reason to pull Uehara after six when he was dominating the Yankee lineup...
Aubrey Huff's 3-run blast in the bottom of the first inning (his second in as many days) gave the Birds a 3-1 lead that they would hold until Uehara's departure...Jamie Walker gave up a solo shot in the seventh before Jim Johnson gave up a 3-run shot in the same inning to give the Yankees the lead, and eventually the win...
This was certainly a frustrating game, and if you read the comments on Orioles.com you'll find a lot of valid points and suggestions, as well as a lot of O's bashing...there were mistakes made on the field that hurt the O's (Brian Roberts' play at first should have ended the inning in the seventh, had he been hustling; Adam Jones slid over the bag at second base and was called out after Nick Markakis walked, etc.). All-in-all, this was a tough game to lose, and many fans are left scratching their heads...myself included.
Thankfully, the Birds are off Monday before hosting the Tampa Bay Rays for a two-game series beginning Tuesday night. Mark Hendrickson takes the mound for the Orioles...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
O's starter Koji Uehara pitched brilliantly, allowing just one run (a solo homer in the first inning) off six hits through six innings. Uehara walked one and struck out five. He was pulled after 94 pitches (65 for strikes) after retiring the side in order in the sixth inning...Uehara said via a translator after the game that he had felt, "really tired"...otherwise O's skipper Dave Trembley has some explaining to do. Trembley has said he doesn't rely on a pitch count, he uses his eyes...so there better be a reason to pull Uehara after six when he was dominating the Yankee lineup...
Aubrey Huff's 3-run blast in the bottom of the first inning (his second in as many days) gave the Birds a 3-1 lead that they would hold until Uehara's departure...Jamie Walker gave up a solo shot in the seventh before Jim Johnson gave up a 3-run shot in the same inning to give the Yankees the lead, and eventually the win...
This was certainly a frustrating game, and if you read the comments on Orioles.com you'll find a lot of valid points and suggestions, as well as a lot of O's bashing...there were mistakes made on the field that hurt the O's (Brian Roberts' play at first should have ended the inning in the seventh, had he been hustling; Adam Jones slid over the bag at second base and was called out after Nick Markakis walked, etc.). All-in-all, this was a tough game to lose, and many fans are left scratching their heads...myself included.
Thankfully, the Birds are off Monday before hosting the Tampa Bay Rays for a two-game series beginning Tuesday night. Mark Hendrickson takes the mound for the Orioles...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- O's DH Luke Scott was injured Sunday...if he goes on the DL there's a chance Nolan Reimold will be called up from Triple A
- Lefty Rich Hill looked great in his start today at Triple A...maybe we'll see him soon?
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Birds Belt Four Home Runs in Big Win Over Yanks
The O's bounced back from being blanked on Friday in a big way, setting various season records in a 12 -5 drubbing of the Yankees Saturday night at Camden Yards.
The Birds started the offensive explosion early, scoring eight runs off eight hits in the second inning (both the amount of hits and runs scored in the inning set season highs). The Birds went deep four times in the game, with Aubrey Huff, Nick Markakis, Lou Montanez and Adam Jones all going yard (the four homers tied the season high). All but two starters had at least one hit in the game, and the 16 total hits tied the season high...the 12 runs scored set a season high...
So yeah...it was a good day at the plate for the O's! Not bad after being shut down on four hits the night before...
Starter Adam Eaton (2-3) had a poor outing but left after five innings with a seven-run lead and eventually got the win. Eaton was the first O's starter to get a win in 14 games...he was also the last O's starter to get a win...pretty unsettling news...Eaton allowed four runs on four hits (two were home runs) and walked five in the victory...
The Birds wrap-up the three-game series Sunday afternoon and have a chance to win two consecutive series...Koji Uehara (2-3) opposes Joba Chamberlain (1-1)...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
The Birds started the offensive explosion early, scoring eight runs off eight hits in the second inning (both the amount of hits and runs scored in the inning set season highs). The Birds went deep four times in the game, with Aubrey Huff, Nick Markakis, Lou Montanez and Adam Jones all going yard (the four homers tied the season high). All but two starters had at least one hit in the game, and the 16 total hits tied the season high...the 12 runs scored set a season high...
So yeah...it was a good day at the plate for the O's! Not bad after being shut down on four hits the night before...
Starter Adam Eaton (2-3) had a poor outing but left after five innings with a seven-run lead and eventually got the win. Eaton was the first O's starter to get a win in 14 games...he was also the last O's starter to get a win...pretty unsettling news...Eaton allowed four runs on four hits (two were home runs) and walked five in the victory...
The Birds wrap-up the three-game series Sunday afternoon and have a chance to win two consecutive series...Koji Uehara (2-3) opposes Joba Chamberlain (1-1)...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- What's up with Gregg Zaun? Zaun went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI...in the past five games Zaun's average has gone up nearly .100 points, from .129 to .221
- Dennis Sarfate's injury is not career-threatening and he hopes to return after the All-Star break
- Joba Chamberlain's thumb MAY prevent him from making the start...we'll see...
Friday, May 8, 2009
Sabathia Shuts Out O's
The Birds were shut out for the first time this season, and fell to the New York Yankees 4-0 Friday night.
Yankees' starter CC Sabathia pitched a complete game, and allowed just four hits. The Birds started off the game with back-to-back singles but were unable to score. Adam Jones was called out at 2nd base after a double-steal, though replays showed he was clearly safe...Sabathia didn't allow another hit until the ninth inning, when again the O's led off with two singles before Sabathia struck out the side.
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie was good...just not as good...Guthrie lasted six innings and allowed three runs off seven hits while walking two and striking out eight. Guthrie was in trouble in the first inning, when he walked two batters and then gave up a 3-run blast to Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod took the first pitch he saw this season and deposited it over the left field fence...Guthrie settled down after that but the damage had been done.
The Birds go back at it Saturday night...Adam Eaton is scheduled to take the mound...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
Yankees' starter CC Sabathia pitched a complete game, and allowed just four hits. The Birds started off the game with back-to-back singles but were unable to score. Adam Jones was called out at 2nd base after a double-steal, though replays showed he was clearly safe...Sabathia didn't allow another hit until the ninth inning, when again the O's led off with two singles before Sabathia struck out the side.
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie was good...just not as good...Guthrie lasted six innings and allowed three runs off seven hits while walking two and striking out eight. Guthrie was in trouble in the first inning, when he walked two batters and then gave up a 3-run blast to Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod took the first pitch he saw this season and deposited it over the left field fence...Guthrie settled down after that but the damage had been done.
The Birds go back at it Saturday night...Adam Eaton is scheduled to take the mound...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- The Birds traded Ryan Freel to the Cubs for...another outfielder...
- If it's not one thing it's another...the O's have cut down on walks (their 93 walks are the second-least in the majors) but have given up more home runs (46) than any other team in the AL
A Twin Sweep for O's
The Birds beat the Minnesota Twins 5-4 Thursday night, completing a 2-game sweep at Camden Yards...it was the first series sweep for the O's so far this season.
As usual, the Orioles' offense struck early...the Birds scored twice in the second, highlighted by Melvin Mora's second jack of the year. Aubrey Huff added a 2-run bomb in the third to give the O's a 4-2 lead.
Starter Brad Bergesen was impressive...although he gave up 11 hits, Bergesen allowed just three runs in six innings, while walking one and striking out three. Bergesen left with a one-run lead, but had to settle for the no-decision after Chris Ray allowed the tying run in the seventh inning. Ray was charged with his first blown save of the season...his ERA is now at an even 8.00. My poll has just come to a close, and the majority of fans (myself included) seem to want Ray as the closer...
The Birds rallied in the eighth inning and took the lead for good when Mora scored on Lou Montanez's 2-out single... George Sherrill recorded his fifth save of the season.
Next up: the New York Yankees for a three-game set. In a rematch of Opening Day, Jeremy Guthrie (2-2) goes up against the Yankees' CC Sabathia (1-3)...let's hope the outcome is the same. Go O's!!!
O' Yeah...
As usual, the Orioles' offense struck early...the Birds scored twice in the second, highlighted by Melvin Mora's second jack of the year. Aubrey Huff added a 2-run bomb in the third to give the O's a 4-2 lead.
Starter Brad Bergesen was impressive...although he gave up 11 hits, Bergesen allowed just three runs in six innings, while walking one and striking out three. Bergesen left with a one-run lead, but had to settle for the no-decision after Chris Ray allowed the tying run in the seventh inning. Ray was charged with his first blown save of the season...his ERA is now at an even 8.00. My poll has just come to a close, and the majority of fans (myself included) seem to want Ray as the closer...
The Birds rallied in the eighth inning and took the lead for good when Mora scored on Lou Montanez's 2-out single... George Sherrill recorded his fifth save of the season.
Next up: the New York Yankees for a three-game set. In a rematch of Opening Day, Jeremy Guthrie (2-2) goes up against the Yankees' CC Sabathia (1-3)...let's hope the outcome is the same. Go O's!!!
O' Yeah...
- The Birds' 1-2-3 hitters (Roberts, Jones and Markakis) went hitless as a group for the first time this season
- Catcher Gregg Zaun went 3-for-3; his batting average increased from .157 to .192
- Relief pitcher Dennis Sarfate could be out for a month...or the season
- A-Rod makes his season debut for the Yankees on Friday night...we better hear some "Boos!"
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tide Turns in O's Favor
Both teams waited out four rain delays totalling nearly four hours, but it was the Orioles that came out on top Wednesday night, as they defeated the visiting Minnesota Twins 4-1 at Camden Yards.
O's starter Mark Hendrickson lasted three innings, and allowed no runs and just one hit while striking out two. Due to MLB rules, Hendrickson was unable to pick up the win...
Nick Markakis and Luke Scott provided all the offense the Birds would need...Markakis went 2-for-3 and slapped a 2-run shot in the first inning. Scott went 2-for-2 with an RBI single in the first and a solo shot of his own in the fourth.
Reliever Brian Bass was credited with the win...Bass pitched 2 2/3 innings and allowed one run on four hits while walking one and striking out four.
The Birds conclude the 2-game series against the Twins later tonight...Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the home team...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
O's starter Mark Hendrickson lasted three innings, and allowed no runs and just one hit while striking out two. Due to MLB rules, Hendrickson was unable to pick up the win...
Nick Markakis and Luke Scott provided all the offense the Birds would need...Markakis went 2-for-3 and slapped a 2-run shot in the first inning. Scott went 2-for-2 with an RBI single in the first and a solo shot of his own in the fourth.
Reliever Brian Bass was credited with the win...Bass pitched 2 2/3 innings and allowed one run on four hits while walking one and striking out four.
The Birds conclude the 2-game series against the Twins later tonight...Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the home team...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- Nick Markakis, Luke Scott and Adam Jones are now tied for the team lead with five home runs each
- This was the first time the O's have won when scoring four runs or less this season (1-13)
- Rich Hill is getting closer to joining the O's starting rotation...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Uehara, O's Fall Late To Rays
The Birds were unable to start a winning streak, as they fell to Tampa Bay 6-3 on Tuesday afternoon.
O's starter Koji Uehara was magnificent early on, but eventually was handed the loss. Uehara threw 92 pitches (72 for strikes) in 6 2/3 innings. He was charged with six runs (only three earned) on seven hits while walking one and striking out eight. The O's defense betrayed him...three errors in the game...
Brian Roberts' 2-run shot in the third inning gave the Birds a 2-1 lead...it was Roberts' second homer in as many games. Catcher Gregg Zaun added a solo blast in the fifth to give the O's a 3-1 lead...Tampa Bay scored the final five runs of the game...
The Orioles return home for a seven-game stretch that puts them up against the Minnesota Twins, the Yankees and the Rays. Mark Hendrickson is slated to start Wednesday night...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
O's starter Koji Uehara was magnificent early on, but eventually was handed the loss. Uehara threw 92 pitches (72 for strikes) in 6 2/3 innings. He was charged with six runs (only three earned) on seven hits while walking one and striking out eight. The O's defense betrayed him...three errors in the game...
Brian Roberts' 2-run shot in the third inning gave the Birds a 2-1 lead...it was Roberts' second homer in as many games. Catcher Gregg Zaun added a solo blast in the fifth to give the O's a 3-1 lead...Tampa Bay scored the final five runs of the game...
The Orioles return home for a seven-game stretch that puts them up against the Minnesota Twins, the Yankees and the Rays. Mark Hendrickson is slated to start Wednesday night...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- The Birds are now 0-13 when scoring four runs or less...
- Gregg Zaun's homer in the fifth was his first this season...he was the only Opening Day starter without a homer until today
- Zaun's average has improved from .129 to .162 over the 2-game series against Tampa Bay
O's Snap Streak, Topple Tampa Bay
The Orioles ended a six-game slide Monday night, as they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 8-4.
As usual, the Birds scored early...Nick Markakis' 3-run bomb in the first inning gave the O's a 3-0 lead. Here's where it gets weird...the O's scored the FINAL FOUR RUNS of the game, snapping a 4-4 tie and their losing streak at the same time.
Brian Roberts' broke out of an 0-18 slump; he scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and gave the O's a commanding lead with a two-run blast in the eighth.
Starter Adam Eaton took a no-decision but kept the Birds in the game...Eaton went five innings, and allowed four runs off five hits while walking two and striking out two. Danys Baez was credited with the win...he pitched two innings of no-hit ball and continues to impress. Jim Johnson pitched the eighth and George Sherrill finished it up in the ninth...
Now...the BIG NEWS: it looks like all of our griping finally got to O's skipper Dave Trembley...Sherrill is no longer the closer. In fact, the Birds don't have an official closer...for now. The ninth inning will fall to either Johnson, Sherrill or Chris Ray, depending on the situation and who is hot at the moment. Thank God.
In a strange (?) coincidence, my "Who Should Be The O's Closer?" poll just expired...I'm going to leave it up for two more days to see if there are any more responses...as of today, just over half of you think Ray should be the closer, 1/3 of you think it should be Johnson and just two respondents chose Sherrill...interesting. I hope to see a few more votes...
The Birds look to end the road-trip on a high note with a sweep of the Rays...Koji Uehara takes the mound later today...Go O's!!
As usual, the Birds scored early...Nick Markakis' 3-run bomb in the first inning gave the O's a 3-0 lead. Here's where it gets weird...the O's scored the FINAL FOUR RUNS of the game, snapping a 4-4 tie and their losing streak at the same time.
Brian Roberts' broke out of an 0-18 slump; he scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and gave the O's a commanding lead with a two-run blast in the eighth.
Starter Adam Eaton took a no-decision but kept the Birds in the game...Eaton went five innings, and allowed four runs off five hits while walking two and striking out two. Danys Baez was credited with the win...he pitched two innings of no-hit ball and continues to impress. Jim Johnson pitched the eighth and George Sherrill finished it up in the ninth...
Now...the BIG NEWS: it looks like all of our griping finally got to O's skipper Dave Trembley...Sherrill is no longer the closer. In fact, the Birds don't have an official closer...for now. The ninth inning will fall to either Johnson, Sherrill or Chris Ray, depending on the situation and who is hot at the moment. Thank God.
In a strange (?) coincidence, my "Who Should Be The O's Closer?" poll just expired...I'm going to leave it up for two more days to see if there are any more responses...as of today, just over half of you think Ray should be the closer, 1/3 of you think it should be Johnson and just two respondents chose Sherrill...interesting. I hope to see a few more votes...
The Birds look to end the road-trip on a high note with a sweep of the Rays...Koji Uehara takes the mound later today...Go O's!!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Jays Sweep O's out of Toronto
It took just two hours and fifteen minutes...the Birds dropped their sixth straight game, falling to the Blue Jays 4-3 Sunday afternoon.
This was a heart-breaker...once again, the Orioles were so close but couldn't pull out a win. In my last post, I asked (begged) staff ace Jeremy Guthrie for a strong performance...he didn't disappoint...
Guthrie pitched a complete game, yet was tagged with the loss. In eight innings, he allowed six hits and four runs while walking one and striking out three. Unfortunately, three of those hits were doubles and two were home runs.
I'm still upset, even though the game was over hours ago...something needs to be done. It doesn't get any easier, as the Birds take on Tampa Bay tomorrow night...Adam Eaton takes the mound...Go O's! (I'm sorry for the short post; I'm sleep-deprived and a bit depressed...)
O' Yeah...
This was a heart-breaker...once again, the Orioles were so close but couldn't pull out a win. In my last post, I asked (begged) staff ace Jeremy Guthrie for a strong performance...he didn't disappoint...
Guthrie pitched a complete game, yet was tagged with the loss. In eight innings, he allowed six hits and four runs while walking one and striking out three. Unfortunately, three of those hits were doubles and two were home runs.
I'm still upset, even though the game was over hours ago...something needs to be done. It doesn't get any easier, as the Birds take on Tampa Bay tomorrow night...Adam Eaton takes the mound...Go O's! (I'm sorry for the short post; I'm sleep-deprived and a bit depressed...)
O' Yeah...
- More bad news...Dennis Sarfate was placed on the DL today
- The O's are 0-12 when scoring four runs or less
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Bergesen Can't Stop the Bleeding; Birds Drop Fifth Straight
The Orioles dropped yet another game on Saturday afternoon, falling 5-4 to the Blue Jays in 11 innings.
Starter Brad Bergesen looked good; he went six innings and allowed three runs on six hits. Bergesen left with the game tied at three, and the score remained locked until the O's scored one in the top of the 10th. The bullpen had held on and it looked as if the O's were finally going to win one until closer George Sherrill entered the game with a one-run lead in the bottom of the inning...
Sherrill's second pitch was sent over the left-field fence, and just like that the game was tied again...it was Sherrill's second blown save in six opportunities.
This is where it gets frustrating...it took Jim Johnson just six pitches to get out of the ninth inning...yet Sherrill, a lefty, is brought in to face a lineup consisting of right-handed batters. It doesn't even make sense...Sherrill has been inconsistent this season and relies heavily on his fastball...he's getting hit hard (Sherrill allowed six home runs all last season; he's given up three in 10 2/3 innings so far this year).
The Birds (9-15) have now dropped five straight and are in dead last in the AL East. Jeremy Guthrie (2-1) takes the mound for the O's Sunday afternoon...c'mon Guth, be the ace of the staff and give the team a strong performance...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
Starter Brad Bergesen looked good; he went six innings and allowed three runs on six hits. Bergesen left with the game tied at three, and the score remained locked until the O's scored one in the top of the 10th. The bullpen had held on and it looked as if the O's were finally going to win one until closer George Sherrill entered the game with a one-run lead in the bottom of the inning...
Sherrill's second pitch was sent over the left-field fence, and just like that the game was tied again...it was Sherrill's second blown save in six opportunities.
This is where it gets frustrating...it took Jim Johnson just six pitches to get out of the ninth inning...yet Sherrill, a lefty, is brought in to face a lineup consisting of right-handed batters. It doesn't even make sense...Sherrill has been inconsistent this season and relies heavily on his fastball...he's getting hit hard (Sherrill allowed six home runs all last season; he's given up three in 10 2/3 innings so far this year).
The Birds (9-15) have now dropped five straight and are in dead last in the AL East. Jeremy Guthrie (2-1) takes the mound for the O's Sunday afternoon...c'mon Guth, be the ace of the staff and give the team a strong performance...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- Adam Jones launched a solo home run in the first inning; he leads the team with 5 homers
- Nick Markakis' 17-game hit streak came to an end Saturday; he went 0-for-4 with 2 walks and 2 runs
- Brian Roberts played his 1,000th game as an Oriole on Saturday; he went 0-for-5 with a walk
- The O's are now 0-11 when scoring four runs or less
- The Birds are 2-5 in one-run games and 1-1 in extra-innings
Friday, May 1, 2009
Why Did The Birds Cross the Border? To Lose Again...
The Birds flew north in hopes of ending their losing streak; instead they fell to the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 at Rogers Centre Friday night.
Once again, the O's struck first but couldn't hold on to the lead. Nick Markakis' 2-run shot in the first inning gave the O's a 2-0 lead and extended his hitting streak to 17 games, tying a career high. That was all for the offense until the eighth inning...
Orioles starter Mark Hendrickson certainly didn't pitch poorly, but he was handed the loss...Hendrickson hasn't won a game since his first start of the season. His final line...five innings, nine hits, four runs, two walks and two strikeouts...
In his first start since coming off the DL, Melvin Mora went 0-for-4 with an RBI...
Former O's first baseman Kevin Millar went 2-for-5 with 3 RBIs...
The Birds have now dropped four straight and look to Brad Bergesen tomorrow afternoon...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
Once again, the O's struck first but couldn't hold on to the lead. Nick Markakis' 2-run shot in the first inning gave the O's a 2-0 lead and extended his hitting streak to 17 games, tying a career high. That was all for the offense until the eighth inning...
Orioles starter Mark Hendrickson certainly didn't pitch poorly, but he was handed the loss...Hendrickson hasn't won a game since his first start of the season. His final line...five innings, nine hits, four runs, two walks and two strikeouts...
In his first start since coming off the DL, Melvin Mora went 0-for-4 with an RBI...
Former O's first baseman Kevin Millar went 2-for-5 with 3 RBIs...
The Birds have now dropped four straight and look to Brad Bergesen tomorrow afternoon...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- Toronto is alone in first place in the division; with the loss the O's are in last for the first time this season
- O's pitchers hit three Jays batters with pitches on Friday; will we see some retaliation on Saturday?
- The Birds are now 0-10 when scoring four runs or less
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