Andy Pettitte continued his dominance of the Orioles, and led the visiting New York Yankees to a 5-1 victory on Monday night.
Pettitte took a perfect game into the seventh inning, lost it with two outs after an error, lost the no-hit bid after Nick Markakis singled and eventually lost the shutout after Melvin Mora homered in the eighth. He did, however, win the game, and made the O's look like little-leaguers in the process. Pettitte remains a mystery to the O's offense; he holds a 26-6 record against the Birds...
Jeremy Guthrie (9-13) turned in an impressive performance, but he would have had to be perfect to beat Pettitte on Monday night...Guthrie went six innings and allowed just two runs on four hits but was saddled with the loss...
The Birds and Yankees go at it again on Tuesday night; David Hernandez (4-6) takes the mound...Go O's!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Matusz Magnificent in O's Win
Brian Matusz led the O's to a 5-2 win over the Indians on Sunday afternoon.
Matusz (3-2) went seven strong innings, striking out eight and allowing just one run on four hits and a walk. Jim Johnson pitched a scoreless ninth inning and picked up his seventh save.
Felix Pie hit a 2-run blast in the O's 4-run fourth, and that was more than enough for Matusz...
The Birds managed to split the 4-game set with Cleveland and now take on the Yankees for three games...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound Monday night...Go O's!
Matusz (3-2) went seven strong innings, striking out eight and allowing just one run on four hits and a walk. Jim Johnson pitched a scoreless ninth inning and picked up his seventh save.
Felix Pie hit a 2-run blast in the O's 4-run fourth, and that was more than enough for Matusz...
The Birds managed to split the 4-game set with Cleveland and now take on the Yankees for three games...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound Monday night...Go O's!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
O's Go Quiety after Rain Delay
A lengthy rain delay washed away any momentum the Orioles had going for them as the Birds fell to Cleveland 5-3 on Saturday night at Camden Yards.
The O's had just taken a 2-1 lead on an RBI triple from Cesar Izturis when the skies opened up and the game was put on hold. When play resumed over 90 minutes later, Adam Jones stranded Izzy on third and the threat was over. That was the fifth inning.
Chris Tillman (1-2) had allowed just one run at that point (a solo shot in the third) and was in position for the win. Chris Ray (0-2) came on in relief and after a lead-off strikeout allowed back-to-back singles before giving up the game-deciding 3-run homer to left. Tillman took a no-decision; Ray was tagged with a blown save and the loss.
Back-up catcher Chad Moeller knocked his second home run of the year, a solo shot in the seventh that brought the O's within one run, but Brian Bass gave the run right back in the eighth, and the O's went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth...
The Birds wrap up the 4-game set on Sunday afternoon; Brian Matusz (2-2) takes the mound...Go O's!
The O's had just taken a 2-1 lead on an RBI triple from Cesar Izturis when the skies opened up and the game was put on hold. When play resumed over 90 minutes later, Adam Jones stranded Izzy on third and the threat was over. That was the fifth inning.
Chris Tillman (1-2) had allowed just one run at that point (a solo shot in the third) and was in position for the win. Chris Ray (0-2) came on in relief and after a lead-off strikeout allowed back-to-back singles before giving up the game-deciding 3-run homer to left. Tillman took a no-decision; Ray was tagged with a blown save and the loss.
Back-up catcher Chad Moeller knocked his second home run of the year, a solo shot in the seventh that brought the O's within one run, but Brian Bass gave the run right back in the eighth, and the O's went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth...
The Birds wrap up the 4-game set on Sunday afternoon; Brian Matusz (2-2) takes the mound...Go O's!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Berken Wins as O's Rout Indians
Jason Berken won consecutive starts for the first time in his career and the O's cruised to a 13-4 win over the Indians on Friday night at Camden Yards.
Berken (4-11) allowed a run in both the first and second innings, but settled down and held the Indians scoreless through the fifth. Berken stranded the bases loaded in the third and fifth innings and struck out five batters in the win.
Matt Wieters went 3-for-4 and knocked in a career-best four runs. Felix Pie continued his hot streak with a monstrous solo homer in the sixth before leaving in the seventh with a leg cramp. Nick Markakis finished the O's assault with a 3-run shot in the seventh. Both Pie and Markakis went 3-for-5 and had 3 RBIs a piece.
Overall, the Birds collected 15 hits, five for extra bases, and went 7-for-14 with runners in scoring position.
Chris Tillman (1-2) takes the mound on Saturday night...Go O's!!
Berken (4-11) allowed a run in both the first and second innings, but settled down and held the Indians scoreless through the fifth. Berken stranded the bases loaded in the third and fifth innings and struck out five batters in the win.
Matt Wieters went 3-for-4 and knocked in a career-best four runs. Felix Pie continued his hot streak with a monstrous solo homer in the sixth before leaving in the seventh with a leg cramp. Nick Markakis finished the O's assault with a 3-run shot in the seventh. Both Pie and Markakis went 3-for-5 and had 3 RBIs a piece.
Overall, the Birds collected 15 hits, five for extra bases, and went 7-for-14 with runners in scoring position.
Chris Tillman (1-2) takes the mound on Saturday night...Go O's!!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Johnson Gives it Away in Ninth
Jim Johnson and the O's were one strike away from a win on Thursday night, but ended up falling 5-4 to the visiting Cleveland Indians.
Starter David Hernandez (4-6) was positioned for the win after allowing two runs through six innings. Chris Ray pitched a scoreless seventh and Danys Baez allowed a run in the eighth before Johnson entered in the ninth with the Birds up 4-3. Johnson got two quick outs before allowing a single on a 3-2 count...the next batter up took the count full before depositing the next pitch over the wall in left field...Johnson (3-5) took the loss and his fourth blown save.
The Birds threatened in the bottom of the ninth against Kerry Wood...with two outs Felix Pie beat out an infield single before Nolan Reimold sent him to third on an infield single of his own. The O's magic ended abruptly after Nick Markakis struck out on a weak check swing...Markakis ended the night 0-for-5 with two strikeouts and six men left on base.
Melvin Mora (5) and Matt Wieters (5) both hit solo shots for the home team...
The Birds send Jason Berken to the mound Friday night...Go O's!
Starter David Hernandez (4-6) was positioned for the win after allowing two runs through six innings. Chris Ray pitched a scoreless seventh and Danys Baez allowed a run in the eighth before Johnson entered in the ninth with the Birds up 4-3. Johnson got two quick outs before allowing a single on a 3-2 count...the next batter up took the count full before depositing the next pitch over the wall in left field...Johnson (3-5) took the loss and his fourth blown save.
The Birds threatened in the bottom of the ninth against Kerry Wood...with two outs Felix Pie beat out an infield single before Nolan Reimold sent him to third on an infield single of his own. The O's magic ended abruptly after Nick Markakis struck out on a weak check swing...Markakis ended the night 0-for-5 with two strikeouts and six men left on base.
Melvin Mora (5) and Matt Wieters (5) both hit solo shots for the home team...
The Birds send Jason Berken to the mound Friday night...Go O's!
Guthrie Dominates Twins
Jeremy Guthrie won his second straight decision, and the Birds left Minnesota on Wednesday night with a 5-1 win.
Guthrie (9-12) went seven innings and allowed just one run off six hits while walking none and fanning five. He managed to do it without allowing a home run...way to go, Guth! The bullpen shut the Twins down through the final two frames...Danys Baez and Jim Johnson held Minnesota hitless while allowing one walk and striking out two.
Guthrie got all the run support he would need in the first inning, when a throwing error allowed two runs to cross the plate to give the Birds an early lead. Felix Pie launched a solo shot to dead center in the fourth, and the Birds tacked another run on in the sixth with an RBI double off the bat of former Twin Chad Moeller. Moeller finished the game going 2-for-2 with two walks and two RBIs. Guthrie allowed just one extra base hit (an RBI double) on the night and left after throwing 112 pitches with a three-run lead...the Birds tacked on an insurance run in the eighth with a bases-loaded walk.
The Birds return to Camden Yards and face the Cleveland Indians for a 4-game set beginning Thursday night...David Hernandez (4-6) takes the mound in game one...Go O's!!
Guthrie (9-12) went seven innings and allowed just one run off six hits while walking none and fanning five. He managed to do it without allowing a home run...way to go, Guth! The bullpen shut the Twins down through the final two frames...Danys Baez and Jim Johnson held Minnesota hitless while allowing one walk and striking out two.
Guthrie got all the run support he would need in the first inning, when a throwing error allowed two runs to cross the plate to give the Birds an early lead. Felix Pie launched a solo shot to dead center in the fourth, and the Birds tacked another run on in the sixth with an RBI double off the bat of former Twin Chad Moeller. Moeller finished the game going 2-for-2 with two walks and two RBIs. Guthrie allowed just one extra base hit (an RBI double) on the night and left after throwing 112 pitches with a three-run lead...the Birds tacked on an insurance run in the eighth with a bases-loaded walk.
The Birds return to Camden Yards and face the Cleveland Indians for a 4-game set beginning Thursday night...David Hernandez (4-6) takes the mound in game one...Go O's!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Bass, Bullpen Blow It
The Birds blew an early lead and dropped their second straight to the Twins on Tuesday, falling 7-6.
Wow...glad I slept through this game. The O's led until the sixth inning and allowed the winning run to cross the plate with two out in the bottom of the ninth...ouch.
Starter Brian Matusz didn't have his best stuff but left in the sixth inning with a 3-run lead. Brian Bass came on in relief and was rocked...as an avid O's fan, it's common knowledge that Bass only produces in blowouts, never in a close game...just wondering why he was brought in?? Bass allowed three runs without recording a single out...
Kam Mickolio, previously untouchable, allowed the game winning single in the ninth...honestly, who believed the man would finish the season with a zero ERA?
One game left in Minnesota before the Birds head back home to Baltimore...Jeremy Guthrie gets the nod in Wednesday's finale...Go O's!
Wow...glad I slept through this game. The O's led until the sixth inning and allowed the winning run to cross the plate with two out in the bottom of the ninth...ouch.
Starter Brian Matusz didn't have his best stuff but left in the sixth inning with a 3-run lead. Brian Bass came on in relief and was rocked...as an avid O's fan, it's common knowledge that Bass only produces in blowouts, never in a close game...just wondering why he was brought in?? Bass allowed three runs without recording a single out...
Kam Mickolio, previously untouchable, allowed the game winning single in the ninth...honestly, who believed the man would finish the season with a zero ERA?
One game left in Minnesota before the Birds head back home to Baltimore...Jeremy Guthrie gets the nod in Wednesday's finale...Go O's!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Tough Loss for Tillman
The Birds dropped game one against the Minnesota Twins on Monday night, falling 2-1.
Rookie starter Chris Tillman (1-2) took the loss though he allowed just two runs over 5 1/3 innings. Tillman allowed six hits and three walks while striking out one. The bullpen didn't allow a hit through the final frames...
Brian Roberts RBI double in the third gave the O's an early 1-0 lead, but it just wasn't enough...the Birds managed just four hits in the game.
The Birds look for the offense to return on Tuesday night...Brian Matusz (2-2) takes the mound...Go O's!
Rookie starter Chris Tillman (1-2) took the loss though he allowed just two runs over 5 1/3 innings. Tillman allowed six hits and three walks while striking out one. The bullpen didn't allow a hit through the final frames...
Brian Roberts RBI double in the third gave the O's an early 1-0 lead, but it just wasn't enough...the Birds managed just four hits in the game.
The Birds look for the offense to return on Tuesday night...Brian Matusz (2-2) takes the mound...Go O's!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Berken Wins as O's take Series in Chicago
The Orioles leave Chicago with a series win after beating the White Sox 5-4 on Sunday afternoon.
It was the first series victory for the Birds since the All-Star break...
Jason Berken picked up his third win of the season, going 5 2/3 innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits while walking two and fanning two. Jim Johnson allowed a run in the ninth but picked up his sixth save...
Brian Roberts didn't homer but went 3-for-4 with a double (his 47th of the year). Nolan Reimold slapped his 12th homer of the season in the third, and Felix Pie went deep in the fifth...
The Birds head to Minnesota to take on the Twins...Chris Tillman (1-1) starts Monday...Go O's!!
It was the first series victory for the Birds since the All-Star break...
Jason Berken picked up his third win of the season, going 5 2/3 innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits while walking two and fanning two. Jim Johnson allowed a run in the ninth but picked up his sixth save...
Brian Roberts didn't homer but went 3-for-4 with a double (his 47th of the year). Nolan Reimold slapped his 12th homer of the season in the third, and Felix Pie went deep in the fifth...
The Birds head to Minnesota to take on the Twins...Chris Tillman (1-1) starts Monday...Go O's!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
O's Fall in Chicago
The Birds' 2-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday night as they lost to the White Sox 4-1.
Starter David Hernandez (4-6) took the loss after allowing three runs in just four innings. Hernandez was pulled with his pitch count at 96...
The Birds managed just four hits, and their lone run scored on a wild pitch...Nolan Reimold's triple was the teams' only extra base hit...the Birds drew eight walks but couldn't capitalize...the team went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 men on base.
Jason Berken (2-11) takes the mound Sunday afternoon...Go O's!
Starter David Hernandez (4-6) took the loss after allowing three runs in just four innings. Hernandez was pulled with his pitch count at 96...
The Birds managed just four hits, and their lone run scored on a wild pitch...Nolan Reimold's triple was the teams' only extra base hit...the Birds drew eight walks but couldn't capitalize...the team went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 men on base.
Jason Berken (2-11) takes the mound Sunday afternoon...Go O's!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Roberts Strikes Again (and Again)
The O's won consecutive games for the first time this month on Friday night when they defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-1.
Brian Roberts gave the Birds the lead with a solo shot in the third inning, and then broke a 1-1 tie with a 2-run blast in the eighth. It was just the second time Roberts hit two homers in a game in his career, and was Roberts' fifth long ball in the past six games...
Jeremy Guthrie (8-12) took the win after allowing just one run (a homer) through seven innings...Danys Baez and Chris Ray shut down the Sox through the final frames.
David Hernandez (4-5) looks to even his record on Saturday night...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
Brian Roberts gave the Birds the lead with a solo shot in the third inning, and then broke a 1-1 tie with a 2-run blast in the eighth. It was just the second time Roberts hit two homers in a game in his career, and was Roberts' fifth long ball in the past six games...
Jeremy Guthrie (8-12) took the win after allowing just one run (a homer) through seven innings...Danys Baez and Chris Ray shut down the Sox through the final frames.
David Hernandez (4-5) looks to even his record on Saturday night...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- After Nick Markakis' RBI triple in the eighth inning, an interesting statistic popped up...the O's have 75 extra-base hits in August (which leads the A.L.) but are just 6-14 for the month...
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Roberts, Reimold Power O's Past Rays
The Birds snapped a five-game losing streak, and left St. Petersburg with a win after defeating the Rays 8-7 on Thursday night.
Brian Matusz (2-2) got the win after allowing four runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings...Matusz walked none and struck out seven in the victory...
Brian Roberts drilled a grand slam of former Oriole Lance Cormier in the sixth, and Nolan Reimold smacked a 3-run shot in the seventh to give the O's the run support they eventually needed...Danys Baez allowed three runs in the eighth to make it close, but Jim Johnson held the Rays scoreless and picked up his fifth save of the season.
The Birds head to Chicago to take on the White Sox this weekend; Jeremy Guthrie starts Friday night...Go O's!
Brian Matusz (2-2) got the win after allowing four runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings...Matusz walked none and struck out seven in the victory...
Brian Roberts drilled a grand slam of former Oriole Lance Cormier in the sixth, and Nolan Reimold smacked a 3-run shot in the seventh to give the O's the run support they eventually needed...Danys Baez allowed three runs in the eighth to make it close, but Jim Johnson held the Rays scoreless and picked up his fifth save of the season.
The Birds head to Chicago to take on the White Sox this weekend; Jeremy Guthrie starts Friday night...Go O's!
O's Drop Fifth Straight
The Birds lost again on Wednesday, falling to the Rays 3-1.
Every run in the game came off a solo homer; unfortunately, only one came off the bat of an Oriole.
Chris Tillman (1-1) was solid, going six innings and allowing three runs off seven hits...
Brian Roberts hit his ML-leading 46th double in the third and scored the O's only run after launching a solo shot in the eighth. Roberts also grounded into a double play with the bases loaded in the fifth, ending the O's only real scoring threat of the game.
I'll have to research this, but I'll post it anyway (for now)...the post-game show stated that 18 of the last 19 runs the Birds have allowed have come via the home run ball...if this is true, I'm speechless.
Brian Matusz takes the ball in the series finale Thursday night...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
Every run in the game came off a solo homer; unfortunately, only one came off the bat of an Oriole.
Chris Tillman (1-1) was solid, going six innings and allowing three runs off seven hits...
Brian Roberts hit his ML-leading 46th double in the third and scored the O's only run after launching a solo shot in the eighth. Roberts also grounded into a double play with the bases loaded in the fifth, ending the O's only real scoring threat of the game.
I'll have to research this, but I'll post it anyway (for now)...the post-game show stated that 18 of the last 19 runs the Birds have allowed have come via the home run ball...if this is true, I'm speechless.
Brian Matusz takes the ball in the series finale Thursday night...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- For those only watching to see Nick Markakis get on base, you can stop now...Markakis' 38-game streak ended after an 0-for-4 appearance Wednesday night...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
When Will They Win Again???
The Birds fell to the Rays 5-4 on Tuesday night.
Third straight loss.
23 games under .500.
No end in sight.
Go O's.
Third straight loss.
23 games under .500.
No end in sight.
Go O's.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
O's Lose Again
It just keeps getting worse. The O's lost again on Monday night, falling to the Angels 8-5 and dropping to a season-high (or is that low?) 22 games under .500.
Starter David Hernandez (4-5) gave up three homers and five runs in 5 1/3 innings and took the loss. Cla Meredith gave up a 3-run jack in relief, and the O's head out on the road after losing five of seven at home...it doesn't look good.
The O's managed two long balls of their own, a solo shot by Nick Markakis in the sixth and a 2-run bomb from Melvin Mora in the ninth, but once again it just wasn't enough. Markakis also knocked in a run with a double in the third and leads the team with 84 RBIs.
The Birds now head to Tampa to face the Rays...Jason Berken (2-10) gets the start...Go O's!
Starter David Hernandez (4-5) gave up three homers and five runs in 5 1/3 innings and took the loss. Cla Meredith gave up a 3-run jack in relief, and the O's head out on the road after losing five of seven at home...it doesn't look good.
The O's managed two long balls of their own, a solo shot by Nick Markakis in the sixth and a 2-run bomb from Melvin Mora in the ninth, but once again it just wasn't enough. Markakis also knocked in a run with a double in the third and leads the team with 84 RBIs.
The Birds now head to Tampa to face the Rays...Jason Berken (2-10) gets the start...Go O's!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Huff Heads to Detroit...
Aubrey Huff is a Detroit Tiger. The Birds received a right-handed minor league pitching prospect in exchange for the slugger...Go O's!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Bullpen Blows Up in Extras
The O's rallied in the ninth before allowing nine runs in the 13th inning, falling 17-8 to the Angels on Sunday afternoon.
Don't call it a comeback.
The O's trailed multiple times throughout the game, but managed to keep it close and eventually tied the game at eight a piece in the bottom of the ninth inning...Brian Roberts led off with a double, stole third (he's now 13-for-13 stealing third for the season) and crossed the plate on Adam Jones' sac fly.
The game remained knotted until the 13th inning, when Brian Bass and Matt Albers imploded and allowed the Angels to score nine runs (Albers was demoted to Triple-A the following day).
After the ninth inning, I had a sad feeling that the Birds were going to lose this one...they allowed the Angels to load the bases in the 11th and 12th innings but escaped without a run scoring thanks to the double play ball. You can't allow a team too many bases-loaded opportunities before they make you pay, and after the Angels loaded the bases with none out in the 13th, they hit everything the Birds threw at them. Wow...nine runs in one inning...more than they scored in the first 12...sad.
The Birds can split the 4-game series on Monday night...David Hernandez takes the mound...Go O's!
Don't call it a comeback.
The O's trailed multiple times throughout the game, but managed to keep it close and eventually tied the game at eight a piece in the bottom of the ninth inning...Brian Roberts led off with a double, stole third (he's now 13-for-13 stealing third for the season) and crossed the plate on Adam Jones' sac fly.
The game remained knotted until the 13th inning, when Brian Bass and Matt Albers imploded and allowed the Angels to score nine runs (Albers was demoted to Triple-A the following day).
After the ninth inning, I had a sad feeling that the Birds were going to lose this one...they allowed the Angels to load the bases in the 11th and 12th innings but escaped without a run scoring thanks to the double play ball. You can't allow a team too many bases-loaded opportunities before they make you pay, and after the Angels loaded the bases with none out in the 13th, they hit everything the Birds threw at them. Wow...nine runs in one inning...more than they scored in the first 12...sad.
The Birds can split the 4-game series on Monday night...David Hernandez takes the mound...Go O's!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
O's Offense Stalls in Loss
The Orioles couldn't get anything going Saturday night at Camden Yards, falling to the Angels 5-1.
After Friday night's offensive outburst, I was hoping the O's had found their swing and were about to start a winning streak...but we've all seen this before. Just 24 hours after scoring a season-high 16 runs, the exact same lineup managed to score just once...it's remarkable, but predictable.
Rookie starter Brian Matusz pitched well, but a five-run third inning was too much to overcome. Matusz (1-2) lasted 5 2/3 and recorded a season-high seven strikeouts, but walked three and allowed all five runs (four earned).
Adam Jones hit a triple in the bottom of the third, followed by Nick Markakis' RBI double...Markakis has now reached base safely in 35 straight games, a career-best.
Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound Sunday afternoon...Go O's!
After Friday night's offensive outburst, I was hoping the O's had found their swing and were about to start a winning streak...but we've all seen this before. Just 24 hours after scoring a season-high 16 runs, the exact same lineup managed to score just once...it's remarkable, but predictable.
Rookie starter Brian Matusz pitched well, but a five-run third inning was too much to overcome. Matusz (1-2) lasted 5 2/3 and recorded a season-high seven strikeouts, but walked three and allowed all five runs (four earned).
Adam Jones hit a triple in the bottom of the third, followed by Nick Markakis' RBI double...Markakis has now reached base safely in 35 straight games, a career-best.
Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound Sunday afternoon...Go O's!
Pie Hits for Cycle as O's Rout Angels
Felix Pie became just the fourth Oriole to hit for the cycle as the Birds pounded the visiting Angels 16-6 on Friday night.
In the top of the first, Pie made a throwing error that gave the Angels the first run of the game...Pie then doubled in his first at bat in the bottom of the inning, launched a solo homer in the third, beat out an infield single to start off the seventh and later in the same inning tripled in two more runs. Pie finished the night 4-for-5 with four RBIs...needless to say, the error in the first was quickly forgiven.
Chris Tillman picked up his first win in the Majors; Tillman went 6 2/3 innings and allowed four runs (three earned) off seven hits and two walks while striking out three.
The offense backed him up early...the Birds scored six runs in the first inning and put the game away with a seven-run seventh. The O's set season highs in runs scored (16) and hits (19). Every Oriole had at least one hit and scored at least once; Nolan Reimold was the only starter without an RBI...
The Birds hit nine doubles on the night (Brian Roberts had three of them), setting a season-high record in the American League and tying a franchise record...the 12 extra-base hits also tied a franchise record...the O's went 11-for-22 with runners in scoring position.
The O's and Angels go at it again on Saturday night...Brian Matusz (1-1) is slated to start...Go O's!!
In the top of the first, Pie made a throwing error that gave the Angels the first run of the game...Pie then doubled in his first at bat in the bottom of the inning, launched a solo homer in the third, beat out an infield single to start off the seventh and later in the same inning tripled in two more runs. Pie finished the night 4-for-5 with four RBIs...needless to say, the error in the first was quickly forgiven.
Chris Tillman picked up his first win in the Majors; Tillman went 6 2/3 innings and allowed four runs (three earned) off seven hits and two walks while striking out three.
The offense backed him up early...the Birds scored six runs in the first inning and put the game away with a seven-run seventh. The O's set season highs in runs scored (16) and hits (19). Every Oriole had at least one hit and scored at least once; Nolan Reimold was the only starter without an RBI...
The Birds hit nine doubles on the night (Brian Roberts had three of them), setting a season-high record in the American League and tying a franchise record...the 12 extra-base hits also tied a franchise record...the O's went 11-for-22 with runners in scoring position.
The O's and Angels go at it again on Saturday night...Brian Matusz (1-1) is slated to start...Go O's!!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Come September, the O's Rotation will Consist of Six
Not a bad idea, in my opinion...we've got a lot of young kids out there; let's not push them too hard, too soon...especially since we have nothing to prove at this point in the season. I don't agree with Dave Trembley and the management babying our players, but this makes sense...Go O's!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Hernandez Shines, Berken Falters
David Hernandez pitched the Birds to a much-needed 3-2 victory on Tuesday night before Jason Berken struggled in a 6-3 loss Wednesday afternoon.
Hernandez (4-4) went 6 2/3 and allowed just two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out six...the bullpen held the A's to just one hit the rest of the way and Jim Johnson picked up the save.
Berken pitched a decent game but (as usual) was hurt by one bad inning...he allowed four runs in the fourth and the bats just couldn't pick him up...Berken lasted just five innings and the bullpen allowed two late runs to cross the plate. The offensive highlight of the game: Aubrey Huff's 2-run blast in the sixth...
The O's are off Thursday before beginning a 4-game set against the Angels Friday evening...Chris Tillman looks for his first win of the season...Go O's!
Hernandez (4-4) went 6 2/3 and allowed just two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out six...the bullpen held the A's to just one hit the rest of the way and Jim Johnson picked up the save.
Berken pitched a decent game but (as usual) was hurt by one bad inning...he allowed four runs in the fourth and the bats just couldn't pick him up...Berken lasted just five innings and the bullpen allowed two late runs to cross the plate. The offensive highlight of the game: Aubrey Huff's 2-run blast in the sixth...
The O's are off Thursday before beginning a 4-game set against the Angels Friday evening...Chris Tillman looks for his first win of the season...Go O's!
Monday, August 10, 2009
O's Homecoming a Night to Forget
The Birds returned home to Camden Yards on Monday night, and were nearly shut out by the visiting Oakland A's 9-1.
Statistically, the A's are one of the worst-hitting teams in all of baseball, but don't tell O's "ace" Jeremy Guthrie that. Guthrie (7-12) didn't allow a home run (gasp!) but allowed 11 hits and five runs in 4 2/3 innings, and left the game with a staggering 107 pitch count. Cla Meredith allowed another four runs to cross the plate in the ninth, adding to to embarrassment.
The offense? Once again, it was non-existent. The Birds didn't get on the board until Luke Scott blasted a solo shot to left in the bottom of the ninth. The O's couldn't get anything going, and ended up going 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Ouch. It looked as if the Birds had a chance to get back in the game in the seventh...with runners on second and third with none out, the heavens opened up (is God against the O's?) and the game was delayed for just under an hour...play resumed, and the inning ended with runners on second and third...three out.
The series resumes Tuesday night...David Hernandez looks to put the Birds back in the win column...Go O's!
Statistically, the A's are one of the worst-hitting teams in all of baseball, but don't tell O's "ace" Jeremy Guthrie that. Guthrie (7-12) didn't allow a home run (gasp!) but allowed 11 hits and five runs in 4 2/3 innings, and left the game with a staggering 107 pitch count. Cla Meredith allowed another four runs to cross the plate in the ninth, adding to to embarrassment.
The offense? Once again, it was non-existent. The Birds didn't get on the board until Luke Scott blasted a solo shot to left in the bottom of the ninth. The O's couldn't get anything going, and ended up going 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Ouch. It looked as if the Birds had a chance to get back in the game in the seventh...with runners on second and third with none out, the heavens opened up (is God against the O's?) and the game was delayed for just under an hour...play resumed, and the inning ended with runners on second and third...three out.
The series resumes Tuesday night...David Hernandez looks to put the Birds back in the win column...Go O's!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Halladay Slays O's
The Birds will come limping home after getting beat 7-3 by Roy Halladay and the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon.
Brian Matusz, making just his second career start, couldn't make it out of the third inning...Matusz (1-1) gave up five runs on seven hits (three were home runs) in 2 2/3 innings...he walked two and struck out one.
The offense tagged Halladay for two runs in the first thee innings and added another run in the sixth, but that was all the scoring they could manage against Toronto's ace.
The Birds return home and square-off against the Oakland A's on Monday night at Camden Yards...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound...Go O's!
Brian Matusz, making just his second career start, couldn't make it out of the third inning...Matusz (1-1) gave up five runs on seven hits (three were home runs) in 2 2/3 innings...he walked two and struck out one.
The offense tagged Halladay for two runs in the first thee innings and added another run in the sixth, but that was all the scoring they could manage against Toronto's ace.
The Birds return home and square-off against the Oakland A's on Monday night at Camden Yards...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound...Go O's!
Tillman Impressive but Birds fall in Extras
The O's fell to the Jays 3-2 in ten innings Saturday afternoon.
Chris Tillman pitched the best game of his young career, and allowed just two runs off four hits through 6 2/3 innings while walking three and fanning four. In his third start for the Birds, Tillman pitched into the seventh for the first time but took his third straight no-decision.
Tillman allowed a 2-run blast in the second inning but blanked the Jays after that...the O's offense finally got on the board with a 2-run fourth...Aubrey Huff and Nolan Reimold hit back-to-back doubles and each picked up an RBI. That was all the scoring the Birds batters could manage though; they were unable to take advantage of opportunities through the final frames, and left a man on second with none out in both the ninth and tenth innings. Overall, the O's went just 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position and left ten men on base...
Brian Roberts fouled-off a ball on his shin in the first inning and was taken out of the game in the third...his defense was sorely missed in the bottom of the tenth, when Ty Wigginton's lack of range cost the O's the game...Wigginton wasn't charged with an error but was unable to make two some-what routine plays, and the Jays took advantage...
The Birds and Jays go at it again Sunday afternoon...Brian Matusz (1-0) takes on Toronto's ace Roy Halladay (11-5)...Go O's!
Chris Tillman pitched the best game of his young career, and allowed just two runs off four hits through 6 2/3 innings while walking three and fanning four. In his third start for the Birds, Tillman pitched into the seventh for the first time but took his third straight no-decision.
Tillman allowed a 2-run blast in the second inning but blanked the Jays after that...the O's offense finally got on the board with a 2-run fourth...Aubrey Huff and Nolan Reimold hit back-to-back doubles and each picked up an RBI. That was all the scoring the Birds batters could manage though; they were unable to take advantage of opportunities through the final frames, and left a man on second with none out in both the ninth and tenth innings. Overall, the O's went just 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position and left ten men on base...
Brian Roberts fouled-off a ball on his shin in the first inning and was taken out of the game in the third...his defense was sorely missed in the bottom of the tenth, when Ty Wigginton's lack of range cost the O's the game...Wigginton wasn't charged with an error but was unable to make two some-what routine plays, and the Jays took advantage...
The Birds and Jays go at it again Sunday afternoon...Brian Matusz (1-0) takes on Toronto's ace Roy Halladay (11-5)...Go O's!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Berken Picks Up a Win!
The Orioles edged the Blue Jays 7-5 Friday night at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
It looked like Jason Berken (2-9) was in for another rough start...Berken breezed through the first but gave up deep back-to-back solo homers in the second inning to give the Jays a 2-0 lead. Meanwhile, the O's bats were silent...the Birds were hitless through four innings...Berken was well on his way to his tenth straight loss.
Berken settled down though, allowing just one more run to score in the fifth inning. His final line: six innings, five hits, three earned runs, two walks and six strikeouts. The bats sprung to life in the sixth inning; the O's scored four times and added another three runs in the eighth.
Jim Johnson pitched a scoreless ninth to earn the save, his third of the season and first since taking over the closing role...
The Birds send Chris Tillman to the mound Saturday afternoon...Go O's!!
It looked like Jason Berken (2-9) was in for another rough start...Berken breezed through the first but gave up deep back-to-back solo homers in the second inning to give the Jays a 2-0 lead. Meanwhile, the O's bats were silent...the Birds were hitless through four innings...Berken was well on his way to his tenth straight loss.
Berken settled down though, allowing just one more run to score in the fifth inning. His final line: six innings, five hits, three earned runs, two walks and six strikeouts. The bats sprung to life in the sixth inning; the O's scored four times and added another three runs in the eighth.
Jim Johnson pitched a scoreless ninth to earn the save, his third of the season and first since taking over the closing role...
The Birds send Chris Tillman to the mound Saturday afternoon...Go O's!!
Zaun is Gone
O's backup catcher Gregg Zaun is now a Tampa Bay Ray...Chad Moeller was called up from Triple-A to replace him...hopefully this means more playing time for Matt Wieters! Go O's!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Tigers Take Two
The Detroit Tigers edged the O's 4-2 on Wednesday night, and then came right back to beat the Birds 7-3 on Thursday afternoon.
It's been a rough year for the Birds, especially on the road. The O's are now 17-37 away from Camden Yards, and have just dropped three of four to Detroit. They'll need to sweep the Blue Jays in Toronto this weekend to come home with a winning road trip...
On Wednesday night, Jeremy Guthrie (7-11) was solid but took the loss...he allowed another homer, a solo shot, and still leads the AL with 27 round-trippers surrendered. Guthrie pitched into the eighth and was charged with three runs off six hits...he walked two and struck out three. The offense was non-existent...the Birds were blanked until the ninth inning, when Adam Jones launched his team-leading 19th homer to cut the deficit in half...the O's brought the go-ahead run to the plate in the form of Gregg Zaun, but Zaun struck out looking to end the game.
On Thursday afternoon, O's starter David Hernandez (4-3) ran into trouble early...Hernandez let the Tigers bat around in the second inning, and was pulled after allowing five runs in just three innings. The O's bats didn't help the situation...the Birds were held hitless until the fifth inning...both teams went just 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position, but the Tigers belted 13 hits on the day, and bunched them together when they needed to.
Jason Berken (1-9) takes the mound Friday night in Toronto...Go O's!
It's been a rough year for the Birds, especially on the road. The O's are now 17-37 away from Camden Yards, and have just dropped three of four to Detroit. They'll need to sweep the Blue Jays in Toronto this weekend to come home with a winning road trip...
On Wednesday night, Jeremy Guthrie (7-11) was solid but took the loss...he allowed another homer, a solo shot, and still leads the AL with 27 round-trippers surrendered. Guthrie pitched into the eighth and was charged with three runs off six hits...he walked two and struck out three. The offense was non-existent...the Birds were blanked until the ninth inning, when Adam Jones launched his team-leading 19th homer to cut the deficit in half...the O's brought the go-ahead run to the plate in the form of Gregg Zaun, but Zaun struck out looking to end the game.
On Thursday afternoon, O's starter David Hernandez (4-3) ran into trouble early...Hernandez let the Tigers bat around in the second inning, and was pulled after allowing five runs in just three innings. The O's bats didn't help the situation...the Birds were held hitless until the fifth inning...both teams went just 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position, but the Tigers belted 13 hits on the day, and bunched them together when they needed to.
Jason Berken (1-9) takes the mound Friday night in Toronto...Go O's!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Matusz Magnificent in MLB Debut
The Birds thrashed the Detroit Tigers, 8-2, on Tuesday night.
It was a complete team effort, but the night clearly belonged to the 22-year-old lefty Brian Matusz, making his first start in the Majors. Matusz was absolutely brilliant, going five strong innings and allowing just one run off six hits while walking three and fanning five. Matusz struck out the final two batters he faced, stranding runners on second and third...way to go out on a high note!
The defense helped him out...Cesar Izturis made two spectacular plays at short and even slapped a solo shot in the fifth inning, his first long ball since Opening Day! Izzy went 3-for-4 with three RBIs...
Nick Markakis also went deep, and finished the game with three RBIs as well...
The bullpen was solid...Chris Ray looked like his old self, going 2 2/3 and allowing just one hit while striking out two...Matt Albers allowed a run in the ninth but the game was all but over...
The O's snapped a four-game losing streak and take on the Tigers tomorrow night...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
It was a complete team effort, but the night clearly belonged to the 22-year-old lefty Brian Matusz, making his first start in the Majors. Matusz was absolutely brilliant, going five strong innings and allowing just one run off six hits while walking three and fanning five. Matusz struck out the final two batters he faced, stranding runners on second and third...way to go out on a high note!
The defense helped him out...Cesar Izturis made two spectacular plays at short and even slapped a solo shot in the fifth inning, his first long ball since Opening Day! Izzy went 3-for-4 with three RBIs...
Nick Markakis also went deep, and finished the game with three RBIs as well...
The bullpen was solid...Chris Ray looked like his old self, going 2 2/3 and allowing just one hit while striking out two...Matt Albers allowed a run in the ninth but the game was all but over...
The O's snapped a four-game losing streak and take on the Tigers tomorrow night...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- Adam Jones batted cleanup for the first time in his career and went 0-for-5 with a strikeout
- Matusz's debut came 18 years to the day of a former Orioles great...Mike Mussina
- The O's tied a record for the most starters (5) to win their debuts in the same season
Monday, August 3, 2009
O's Falling to New Lows
The Birds struck first but the Tigers drew the last blood, beating the O's 6-5 in Detroit on Monday night.
Brian Roberts led-off with a solo home run, and the O's scored five runs on six hits in the first inning off Detroit's Justin Verlander. After that...nothing.
Chris Tillman allowed three runs in the bottom of the first, and the Tigers slowly crept back. Tillman allowed five runs through six innings on seven hits, while walking three and fanning five. Cla Meredith pitched a scoreless seventh, and Danys Baez struck out the side in the eighth before giving up a walk-off homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
Obviously, I'm absolutely disgusted with the outcome. The Birds set a new low, falling 17 games below .500. I just can't fathom how a team can rough-up a premier starter in the first and look so helpless throughout the rest of the game. It's just ridiculous...
Brian Matusz makes his MLB debut for the Birds Tuesday night...Go O's!
Brian Roberts led-off with a solo home run, and the O's scored five runs on six hits in the first inning off Detroit's Justin Verlander. After that...nothing.
Chris Tillman allowed three runs in the bottom of the first, and the Tigers slowly crept back. Tillman allowed five runs through six innings on seven hits, while walking three and fanning five. Cla Meredith pitched a scoreless seventh, and Danys Baez struck out the side in the eighth before giving up a walk-off homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
Obviously, I'm absolutely disgusted with the outcome. The Birds set a new low, falling 17 games below .500. I just can't fathom how a team can rough-up a premier starter in the first and look so helpless throughout the rest of the game. It's just ridiculous...
Brian Matusz makes his MLB debut for the Birds Tuesday night...Go O's!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
O's and Sox in a Classic Pitching Duel...
Ha! Just joking around...the O's were humiliated on Sunday after being drubbed by Boston 18-10...at home. Swept again. Nice job.
I was hosting a cookout at my new house...only saw a few plays, and updated the guests on the score...how embarrassing.
I may post more before work tomorrow...probably not, though.
I was hosting a cookout at my new house...only saw a few plays, and updated the guests on the score...how embarrassing.
I may post more before work tomorrow...probably not, though.
Sox Shut Down O's
The Red Sox own the Orioles, and continued their dominance with a 4-0 shut out on Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd at Camden Yards.
David Hernandez wasn't able to stop the bleeding this time...Hernandez left after allowing two runs through 4 2/3 innings, and reliever Mak Hendrickson allowed the final two runs in the fifth.
Jason Berken (1-8) takes the mound in the finale on Sunday afternoon...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
David Hernandez wasn't able to stop the bleeding this time...Hernandez left after allowing two runs through 4 2/3 innings, and reliever Mak Hendrickson allowed the final two runs in the fifth.
Jason Berken (1-8) takes the mound in the finale on Sunday afternoon...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- This was the seventh time the Birds have been blanked this season
- It looks like the O's will call up heralded prospect Brian Matusz to start Tuesday in Detroit
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