Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Bullpen Blows it in Ninth; O's Fall in Extras

The Birds lost to the BoSox 6-5 in 11 innings on Wednesday afternoon.

Brad Bergesen pitched a gem and allowed just one run through eight innings...the O's were up 5-1 in the ninth before the bullpen imploded...

I'm heading to work...I'll be back later tonight with the full story...

I'm back...I've had a few hours to simmer down and reflect...I'm still a little upset.

The O's tagged Josh Beckett for five runs through the first four innings...Felix Pie had an RBI single in the first (before being thrown out at second), Luke Scott went deep in the second, Nick Markakis had another 2-run double in the third and Ty Wigginton blasted a solo shot in the fourth to give the Birds a commanding 5-1 lead.

I only say "commanding" because Brad Bergesen was completely dominating the Sox lineup. Bergesen (sadly, still 5-2) was spectacular, allowing just a run through eight innings on four hits while walking none and striking out six.

Skipper Dave Trembley elected to pull Bergesen in favor of the 'pen in the ninth inning...Bergesen was at 103 pitches...was I the only one who sensed impending doom? No...the stadium felt it, O's fans felt it...and Boston jumped at the sight of anyone other than Bergesen on the mound...talk about a change in momentum.

Jim Johnson walked the first batter he faced in the ninth before giving up a 2-run bomb...5-3, O's. Trembley summoned George Sherrill, who struck out the first two batters he faced before losing all command...three walks and two hits later, and the game was tied at five.

The Sox eventually won the game in the 11th inning...

The O's offense went silently after Wiggy's lead-off homer in the fourth...24 consecutive outs...unreal.

All the momentum from Tuesday night faded away on Wednesday afternoon...and most of the comments on the O's website are calling for Trembley's head...

The Birds (35-43) finished off the homestand 3-3, and now head West to take on the Los Angeles Angels (42-34)...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound Thursday night...Go O's!

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