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!