The Birds battled back but eventually fell to the Red Sox 6-5 on Friday night at Camden Yards.
Jeremy Guthrie (7-10) just can't figure it out this season...Guthrie gave up another three homers on Friday night, increasing his season total to 26, the most homers allowed by an AL pitcher...
Guthrie put the O's in an early hole (David Ortiz slapped a 2-run tater in the second), but it looked like the Birds would climb out of it...Nolan Reimold tied the game up with a 2-run shot in the third inning before Guthrie allowed a solo shot in the fifth. Aubrey Huff slapped a 2-run bomb to straight center field in the sixth...it was Huff's 200th career home run and gave the O's a 5-4 lead.
Guthrie came on to pitch the seventh and gave up ANOTHER 2-run homer, this time to Kevin Youkilis, and the offense sputtered after that...the Birds showed some life, but lost to Boston once again...
David Hernandez (3-2) beat Boston at Fenway in his last start...let's hope he can do it again...Go O's!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Bergesen Headed to the DL
It's official...Brad Bergesen was placed on the 15-day DL. The O's have called up Chris Ray and Kam Mickolio to fill Bergesen and Sherrill's roster spots...
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Bergesen Brilliant, Sherrill Traded
O's win 7-3, Bergesen was hit in the shin but X-rays were negative, Sherrill was shipped to the Dodgers...gotta run to work but I'll have the full scoop later tonight!
Wow...what a day for the Birds.
As stated before, the O's won their second straight game and managed to break even against the Royals. Brad Bergesen was stellar, going seven innings and allowing just one run off seven hits while walking two and fanning six. The last out of the seventh was scary...Bergesen took a shot off his shin and fell to the ground before congratulating Matt Wieters and hobbling into the dugout. X-rays were negative, and we all should pray that Brad is on the mound for his next scheduled start...
The O's offense didn't disappoint, either. Ty Wigginton gave the Birds an early lead with a solo shot in the second inning, and the Birds finally found some clutch hitting in the later innings...the final six runs all came with two outs. Aubrey Huff may be back...Huff went 2-for-4 with a 3-run double in the fifth.
O's closer George Sherrill is headed to Manny-Wood. I'll definitely miss "Mr. Excitement," but my heart will probably be better off. The Birds picked up a very promising third base prospect as well as Dave Johnson's son, another pitcher.
I've read nearly every comment before posting this, and I'm certainly for this trade. There are many O's "fans" that think this is the end of the world, but it makes perfect sense to me. I have no reason to doubt Mr. Andy MacPhail's moves at this point...and as far as a closer goes, the O's have Danys Baez (for now), Jim Johnson and (very soon) a healthy Chris Ray...
I wish Sherrill the best of luck, and if and when the Dodgers make the playoffs, I can't wait to cheer for the Sherriff. Good luck, George.
Back to the present...the Birds are riding high and need to carry the momentum into Friday night...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound against John Smoltz and the Boston Red Sox...Go O's!!!
Wow...what a day for the Birds.
As stated before, the O's won their second straight game and managed to break even against the Royals. Brad Bergesen was stellar, going seven innings and allowing just one run off seven hits while walking two and fanning six. The last out of the seventh was scary...Bergesen took a shot off his shin and fell to the ground before congratulating Matt Wieters and hobbling into the dugout. X-rays were negative, and we all should pray that Brad is on the mound for his next scheduled start...
The O's offense didn't disappoint, either. Ty Wigginton gave the Birds an early lead with a solo shot in the second inning, and the Birds finally found some clutch hitting in the later innings...the final six runs all came with two outs. Aubrey Huff may be back...Huff went 2-for-4 with a 3-run double in the fifth.
O's closer George Sherrill is headed to Manny-Wood. I'll definitely miss "Mr. Excitement," but my heart will probably be better off. The Birds picked up a very promising third base prospect as well as Dave Johnson's son, another pitcher.
I've read nearly every comment before posting this, and I'm certainly for this trade. There are many O's "fans" that think this is the end of the world, but it makes perfect sense to me. I have no reason to doubt Mr. Andy MacPhail's moves at this point...and as far as a closer goes, the O's have Danys Baez (for now), Jim Johnson and (very soon) a healthy Chris Ray...
I wish Sherrill the best of luck, and if and when the Dodgers make the playoffs, I can't wait to cheer for the Sherriff. Good luck, George.
Back to the present...the Birds are riding high and need to carry the momentum into Friday night...Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound against John Smoltz and the Boston Red Sox...Go O's!!!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Birds Bats Back Tillman in Debut
The O's rallied in the late innings to defeat the Royals 7-3 on Wednesday night at Camden Yards.
Chris Tillman's Major League debut didn't go exactly as planned, but the Birds managed to keep him out of the loss column with some offensive production after he was pulled. Tillman went just 4 2/3 and was charged with three runs on seven hits...all three runs came via the home run ball, but the damage was minimal as all three homers were solo shots. Tillman walked just one and struck out two in his first start as an Oriole.
Adam Jones struck again in the first inning, giving Tillman an early cushion. Jones slammed a 2-run dinger over the wall in left to give the Birds a 2-0 lead. Jones has now hit three homers in the past three games, all 2-run shots, and all coming in the first inning...
Tillman let the Royals tie it up with two homers in the second, and they took the lead after a homer in the fourth. He left in the fifth as the pitcher of record, but the O's weren't about to let him take the loss...the bats came to life in the seventh inning: Jones knocked in a run with a double and Nick Markakis followed with a 2-run single to give the Birds the lead. The O's scored two more in the eighth...Aubrey Huff snapped out of his slump long enough to deliver an RBI single to put the Birds up 7-3.
The O's one through four hitters went 8-for-18 and knocked in all seven runs (they also scored five of them). Markakis and Jones finished the day with three RBIs a piece, and Brian Roberts crossed the plate three times.
Still, the night belonged to Tillman...he left the game to nearly 20 thousand fans on their feet, congratulating the prized prospect and awarding him with a standing "O!"...I certainly can't wait until he takes the mound again.
The Birds can split the series with Kansas City Thursday afternoon...another young gun, Brad Bergesen, is scheduled to take the mound...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
Chris Tillman's Major League debut didn't go exactly as planned, but the Birds managed to keep him out of the loss column with some offensive production after he was pulled. Tillman went just 4 2/3 and was charged with three runs on seven hits...all three runs came via the home run ball, but the damage was minimal as all three homers were solo shots. Tillman walked just one and struck out two in his first start as an Oriole.
Adam Jones struck again in the first inning, giving Tillman an early cushion. Jones slammed a 2-run dinger over the wall in left to give the Birds a 2-0 lead. Jones has now hit three homers in the past three games, all 2-run shots, and all coming in the first inning...
Tillman let the Royals tie it up with two homers in the second, and they took the lead after a homer in the fourth. He left in the fifth as the pitcher of record, but the O's weren't about to let him take the loss...the bats came to life in the seventh inning: Jones knocked in a run with a double and Nick Markakis followed with a 2-run single to give the Birds the lead. The O's scored two more in the eighth...Aubrey Huff snapped out of his slump long enough to deliver an RBI single to put the Birds up 7-3.
The O's one through four hitters went 8-for-18 and knocked in all seven runs (they also scored five of them). Markakis and Jones finished the day with three RBIs a piece, and Brian Roberts crossed the plate three times.
Still, the night belonged to Tillman...he left the game to nearly 20 thousand fans on their feet, congratulating the prized prospect and awarding him with a standing "O!"...I certainly can't wait until he takes the mound again.
The Birds can split the series with Kansas City Thursday afternoon...another young gun, Brad Bergesen, is scheduled to take the mound...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- Dave Trembley elected to sit Matt Wieters (who had gone 4-for-5 the night before) in favor of Gregg Zaun, citing Zaun's experience as the reason for the move...like most fans, I was a bit confused (Wieters has caught Tillman in the past, and is the starting catcher) but it worked out in the end...otherwise, Trembley would be hearing it right about now
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
O's Have a Case of the Royal Blues
It took eleven innings, but the O's eventually fell to the visiting Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Tuesday night.
It looked like the game would be a slug-fest from the get-go...O's starter Jason Berken allowed a 2-run blast in the first inning to give the Royals the early lead, but Adam Jones answered immediately in the bottom of the inning with a 2-run bomb of his own...the game was knotted at two and Jones hit his second homer in as many games.
After that, both starters found their groove and the game changed into a pitching duel...Berken came out on top, and was primed for just his second win of the season. He left after six innings, allowing just the two runs on six hits, two walks and three strikeouts. He was pulled after just 88 pitches (58 for strikes)...
The O's bullpen couldn't hold on...Jim Johnson (if this REALLY IS the same J.J. from last season) allowed the Royals to tie it up in the eighth (a solo shot), and Danys Baez allowed the winning run to cross the plate in the 11th.
The Birds squandered multiple scoring opportunities, and once again took a loss after out-hitting the opposition (11-10). The O's went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 men on base.
The Royals came to Baltimore losing 11 of 12 games, but seem to have hit their stride facing the O's at Camden Yards...or, more than likely, the Orioles just can't get the big play, the big hit, the big win when they need to...the O's are now 2-9 since the break.
Here's where it gets FUN again: Chris Tillman makes his Major League debut on Wednesday night...win or lose, I'm just thrilled to see another pitching prospect take the mound! So far, I've been thoroughly impressed with Brad Bergesen and David Hernandez, and I STILL like Berken, abysmal record or not.
So here we go...welcome Chris Tillman with a big standing O!!!!
O' Yeah...
It looked like the game would be a slug-fest from the get-go...O's starter Jason Berken allowed a 2-run blast in the first inning to give the Royals the early lead, but Adam Jones answered immediately in the bottom of the inning with a 2-run bomb of his own...the game was knotted at two and Jones hit his second homer in as many games.
After that, both starters found their groove and the game changed into a pitching duel...Berken came out on top, and was primed for just his second win of the season. He left after six innings, allowing just the two runs on six hits, two walks and three strikeouts. He was pulled after just 88 pitches (58 for strikes)...
The O's bullpen couldn't hold on...Jim Johnson (if this REALLY IS the same J.J. from last season) allowed the Royals to tie it up in the eighth (a solo shot), and Danys Baez allowed the winning run to cross the plate in the 11th.
The Birds squandered multiple scoring opportunities, and once again took a loss after out-hitting the opposition (11-10). The O's went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 men on base.
The Royals came to Baltimore losing 11 of 12 games, but seem to have hit their stride facing the O's at Camden Yards...or, more than likely, the Orioles just can't get the big play, the big hit, the big win when they need to...the O's are now 2-9 since the break.
Here's where it gets FUN again: Chris Tillman makes his Major League debut on Wednesday night...win or lose, I'm just thrilled to see another pitching prospect take the mound! So far, I've been thoroughly impressed with Brad Bergesen and David Hernandez, and I STILL like Berken, abysmal record or not.
So here we go...welcome Chris Tillman with a big standing O!!!!
O' Yeah...
- In all the excitement, I almost forgot to congratulate Matt Wieters for his first 4-hit game in the Majors
Monday, July 27, 2009
Royals Slap O's Around in Opener
The Birds returned home after a brutal road trip, and promptly lost to the Kansas City Royals on Monday night, 5-3.
At least Royals' starter (and former Oriole) Bruce Chen (0-5) didn't get the win...it would have been his first Major League victory in five years.
Rich Hill, possibly making his last start as an Oriole, lasted just 2 1/3 innings and allowed three runs on four hits and three walks. The bullpen pitched a decent game, but two late runs were enough to sink the Birds. Overall, the Royals scored five runs on 14 hits...
The O's kept the game close; Adam Jones ripped a solo shot to center field in the first and then knocked in the O's second run the next inning when he was hit by a pitch with the bases jammed. Aubrey Huff struck out swinging to end the threat...
The O's tied the game at three in the fifth inning on a bases-loaded single off the bat of Matt Wieters...Huff scored but Nolan Reimold was tagged out at the plate to end the inning...
The Birds send Jason Berken (1-8) to the mound Tuesday night...Go O's!
At least Royals' starter (and former Oriole) Bruce Chen (0-5) didn't get the win...it would have been his first Major League victory in five years.
Rich Hill, possibly making his last start as an Oriole, lasted just 2 1/3 innings and allowed three runs on four hits and three walks. The bullpen pitched a decent game, but two late runs were enough to sink the Birds. Overall, the Royals scored five runs on 14 hits...
The O's kept the game close; Adam Jones ripped a solo shot to center field in the first and then knocked in the O's second run the next inning when he was hit by a pitch with the bases jammed. Aubrey Huff struck out swinging to end the threat...
The O's tied the game at three in the fifth inning on a bases-loaded single off the bat of Matt Wieters...Huff scored but Nolan Reimold was tagged out at the plate to end the inning...
The Birds send Jason Berken (1-8) to the mound Tuesday night...Go O's!
Hernandez, Markakis Step Up as O's Snap Streak
The curse is over! The Birds won in Boston for the first time this season, beating the Sox 6-2 on Sunday afternoon.
David Hernandez was lights-out for most of the game, and departed after seven strong innings in which he allowed just one run on five hits. Hernandez (3-2) struck out two and didn't issue a walk in the win.
The offense banged-out ten hits for the second consecutive game, but this time they converted those hits into runs. Nick Markakis, batting clean-up for the first time this season, responded by going 2-for-4 with a double, a solo homer and three RBIs.
The win marked the first for the O's at Fenway since July of 2008; they had dropped 11 straight since then...
The Birds return home after a disastrous road trip in which the team went 2-7 (1-5 against AL East opponents). Rich Hill (3-3) is scheduled to start Monday night at Camden Yards...he faces former Oriole Bruce Chen (sporting an 0-5 record). It's time to start a winning streak...Go O's!!
David Hernandez was lights-out for most of the game, and departed after seven strong innings in which he allowed just one run on five hits. Hernandez (3-2) struck out two and didn't issue a walk in the win.
The offense banged-out ten hits for the second consecutive game, but this time they converted those hits into runs. Nick Markakis, batting clean-up for the first time this season, responded by going 2-for-4 with a double, a solo homer and three RBIs.
The win marked the first for the O's at Fenway since July of 2008; they had dropped 11 straight since then...
The Birds return home after a disastrous road trip in which the team went 2-7 (1-5 against AL East opponents). Rich Hill (3-3) is scheduled to start Monday night at Camden Yards...he faces former Oriole Bruce Chen (sporting an 0-5 record). It's time to start a winning streak...Go O's!!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Five and Counting...
The O's lost again on Saturday night, falling 7-2 to the Boston Red Sox.
Starter Jeremy Guthrie surrendered his 23rd homer of the season in the first inning, a 3-run blast off the bat of David Ortiz, and that was all the run support the Sox would need. Guthrie (7-9) lasted 6 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits while walking three and striking out two.
Both the Sox and the O's banged out ten hits in the game; the Birds struck out ten times and stranded ten runners on base.
The O's are now a season-worst 14 games under .500 and have gone 1-7 on the current road trip, which mercifully concludes on Sunday afternoon. David Hernandez (2-2) will try to give the Orioles their first win at Fenway Park this season...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
Starter Jeremy Guthrie surrendered his 23rd homer of the season in the first inning, a 3-run blast off the bat of David Ortiz, and that was all the run support the Sox would need. Guthrie (7-9) lasted 6 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits while walking three and striking out two.
Both the Sox and the O's banged out ten hits in the game; the Birds struck out ten times and stranded ten runners on base.
The O's are now a season-worst 14 games under .500 and have gone 1-7 on the current road trip, which mercifully concludes on Sunday afternoon. David Hernandez (2-2) will try to give the Orioles their first win at Fenway Park this season...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- FINALLY...the O's are calling up ChrisTillman from Triple-A; he starts Wednesday at home against the Royals
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Birds Fall in Fenway
The O's losing streak continued Friday night in Boston, as the Birds dropped another game at Fenway, 3-1.
I'll be honest with you...I slept through this game (I was up early and needed a nap before my graveyard shift at WBAL). I did catch the highlights though; there weren't very many...
Brad Bergesen (6-5) took the loss, even with yet another quality start. Bergesen allowed three runs on nine hits through six innings, walking three and fanning five. Bergesen is still searching for his first road win this season, and the Birds have yet to win at Fenway this year.
Nolan Reimold continued to swing a hot bat; Reimold went 3-for-3 with a walk and scored the O's only run. Nick Markakis threw out Jacoby Ellsbury at home plate in the sixth; it was Markakis' AL-leading 11th outfield assist.
That was pretty much it...the O's dropped their fourth straight and are now 1-6 on the current road trip...The Birds turn to staff ace Jeremy Guthrie Saturday night...Go O's!
I'll be honest with you...I slept through this game (I was up early and needed a nap before my graveyard shift at WBAL). I did catch the highlights though; there weren't very many...
Brad Bergesen (6-5) took the loss, even with yet another quality start. Bergesen allowed three runs on nine hits through six innings, walking three and fanning five. Bergesen is still searching for his first road win this season, and the Birds have yet to win at Fenway this year.
Nolan Reimold continued to swing a hot bat; Reimold went 3-for-3 with a walk and scored the O's only run. Nick Markakis threw out Jacoby Ellsbury at home plate in the sixth; it was Markakis' AL-leading 11th outfield assist.
That was pretty much it...the O's dropped their fourth straight and are now 1-6 on the current road trip...The Birds turn to staff ace Jeremy Guthrie Saturday night...Go O's!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Despite Back-to-back Bombs in Ninth, O's Swept in NY
The Birds were swept out of New York (again), falling 6-4 (again) on Wednesday afternoon.
O's starter Jason Berken (1-8) lost his eighth straight decision. Berken settled down after allowing four runs in the first inning, but the Birds were in too deep a hole to dig out of (again).
The loss left the O's a season-worst 12-games under .500...the Yankees gained a game on the Red Sox and are two games up in the AL East.
After the day off Thursday, the Birds take on the Sox in Fenway for a weekend series before returning home. So far, the Birds have gone 1-5 on the road trip, and this marked the first game where the opposing team actually outhit the O's.
The only bright spot...the Birds send their best starters to the mound in the series...Brad Bergesen, Jeremy Guthrie and David Hernandez are slated to start...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
O's starter Jason Berken (1-8) lost his eighth straight decision. Berken settled down after allowing four runs in the first inning, but the Birds were in too deep a hole to dig out of (again).
The loss left the O's a season-worst 12-games under .500...the Yankees gained a game on the Red Sox and are two games up in the AL East.
After the day off Thursday, the Birds take on the Sox in Fenway for a weekend series before returning home. So far, the Birds have gone 1-5 on the road trip, and this marked the first game where the opposing team actually outhit the O's.
The only bright spot...the Birds send their best starters to the mound in the series...Brad Bergesen, Jeremy Guthrie and David Hernandez are slated to start...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- Adam Jones recorded his first 4-hit game of the season, going 4-for-5 with two singles, a double and a solo homer
- Jones' and Nick Markakis' back-to-back jacks in the ninth inning marked just the second time this season the O's were able to accomplish the feat
- George Sherrill allowed a run on three hits and a walk in the eighth, but struck out the side
- Cla Meredith made his Orioles debut, and pitched a scoreless inning, allowing one hit, striking out one and hitting the first batter he faced
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
O's Drop Another in NY
The O's lost 6-4 to the Yankees on Tuesday night.
The title for this post could have been, "The Woefully Inadequate Orioles Propelled the Hated Yankees into First Place in the AL East," but that may have been too harsh (and WAY too long).
Enough is enough.
The Birds have now outhit their opponents in ALL FIVE GAMES since the All-Star Break, and they hold a 1-4 record in that span.
Is it the pitching? Nope. Three quality starts...
The base running? Too many blunders to count...
The management? Ding, ding! We have a winner!
If the O's can't beat the AL East, they will never amount to anything. Dave Trembley seems content to talk about the Yankees as winners...I guess that makes the Orioles losers.
So far this season, that pretty much describes the Birds when they face the two top teams in their division...
Rich Hill (3-3) lasted just three innings on Tuesday night, giving up five runs on four walks and three hits...his ERA is now a staggering 7.64. No matter how potent an offense you have behind you, you can't win games when you give up nearly a run each inning.
As usual, the bullpen stepped up and kept the O's in the game, giving up just a run in the final five frames...and again, the damage had been done. Same old story...O's lose.
It gets worse. Jason Berken (1-7) is slated to start Wednesday afternoon. No big secret...this could be his last start of the season as an Oriole.
Sorry for the rant; I'm usually pretty good on reporting the facts and not letting my feelings out, but with a three-game set against the Red Sox in Fenway set to start on Friday, I felt it was time to raise some heck!
The O's need a spark. That's all I'm saying. At least avoid the sweep...Go O's!
The title for this post could have been, "The Woefully Inadequate Orioles Propelled the Hated Yankees into First Place in the AL East," but that may have been too harsh (and WAY too long).
Enough is enough.
The Birds have now outhit their opponents in ALL FIVE GAMES since the All-Star Break, and they hold a 1-4 record in that span.
Is it the pitching? Nope. Three quality starts...
The base running? Too many blunders to count...
The management? Ding, ding! We have a winner!
If the O's can't beat the AL East, they will never amount to anything. Dave Trembley seems content to talk about the Yankees as winners...I guess that makes the Orioles losers.
So far this season, that pretty much describes the Birds when they face the two top teams in their division...
Rich Hill (3-3) lasted just three innings on Tuesday night, giving up five runs on four walks and three hits...his ERA is now a staggering 7.64. No matter how potent an offense you have behind you, you can't win games when you give up nearly a run each inning.
As usual, the bullpen stepped up and kept the O's in the game, giving up just a run in the final five frames...and again, the damage had been done. Same old story...O's lose.
It gets worse. Jason Berken (1-7) is slated to start Wednesday afternoon. No big secret...this could be his last start of the season as an Oriole.
Sorry for the rant; I'm usually pretty good on reporting the facts and not letting my feelings out, but with a three-game set against the Red Sox in Fenway set to start on Friday, I felt it was time to raise some heck!
The O's need a spark. That's all I'm saying. At least avoid the sweep...Go O's!
Yankees Walk Away with Win
The O's came close, but fell to the New York Yankees 2-1 on Monday night.
Nick Markakis gave the Birds an early 1-0 lead with a solo shot in the first inning, but the O's were held scoreless after that...Cesar Izturis and Brian Roberts were both tagged out at home in the bottom of the eighth before the Yankees walked-off in the ninth...
The only positive? The O's pitching. Rookie David Hernandez was shaky early but left after six solid innings. Hernandez gave up just one run (a solo homer in the second) on three hits and left with the score knotted at one. Lefty reliever Mark Hendrickson pitched an inning of shutout ball before Jim Johnson was called in...Johnson pitched a scoreless eighth and got one out in the ninth before giving up a solo homer to Hideki Matsui to end the game...
All three runs came off solo homers in the new Yankee Stadium...
The Birds send Rich Hill to the mound Tuesday night...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
Nick Markakis gave the Birds an early 1-0 lead with a solo shot in the first inning, but the O's were held scoreless after that...Cesar Izturis and Brian Roberts were both tagged out at home in the bottom of the eighth before the Yankees walked-off in the ninth...
The only positive? The O's pitching. Rookie David Hernandez was shaky early but left after six solid innings. Hernandez gave up just one run (a solo homer in the second) on three hits and left with the score knotted at one. Lefty reliever Mark Hendrickson pitched an inning of shutout ball before Jim Johnson was called in...Johnson pitched a scoreless eighth and got one out in the ninth before giving up a solo homer to Hideki Matsui to end the game...
All three runs came off solo homers in the new Yankee Stadium...
The Birds send Rich Hill to the mound Tuesday night...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- With the win (and Boston's loss), the Yankees are now tied for first with the Red Sox
- The O's (41-51) are ten games under .500 and in last place in the division
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Guthrie Solid as O's Sock Sox
The Orioles salvaged the final game of the series, spanking the Chicago White Sox on Sunday 10-2.
Jeremy Guthrie, making his first start since July 7, pitched brilliantly, going eight innings and giving up just two runs on three hits (two of the hits were solo shots). Guthrie (7-8) fanned five while only walking one.
I've gotta say, I loved the O's offense today...aggressive base running (3 steals in the first three innings) and patience at the plate (seven walks) really paid off...the O's first four runs crossed the plate due to an error, wild pitches and bases-loaded walks! Honestly, I was wondering if anyone was actually going to drive a run home with an actual HIT!
Of course, that didn't take long...the O's scored five runs in the fifth inning to take a commanding 6-1 lead, and after a wild pitch and two walks, the last two runs crossed the plate via the hit...the O's then went on to score four runs in the ninth, three coming off Gregg Zaun's homer...I was a little concerned about benching Matt Wieters before the series in New York, bur Zaun was an absolute beast: 3-for-4 with a walk, a run and four RBIs.
The Birds send David Hernandez (2-2) to the mound Monday night in New York...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
Jeremy Guthrie, making his first start since July 7, pitched brilliantly, going eight innings and giving up just two runs on three hits (two of the hits were solo shots). Guthrie (7-8) fanned five while only walking one.
I've gotta say, I loved the O's offense today...aggressive base running (3 steals in the first three innings) and patience at the plate (seven walks) really paid off...the O's first four runs crossed the plate due to an error, wild pitches and bases-loaded walks! Honestly, I was wondering if anyone was actually going to drive a run home with an actual HIT!
Of course, that didn't take long...the O's scored five runs in the fifth inning to take a commanding 6-1 lead, and after a wild pitch and two walks, the last two runs crossed the plate via the hit...the O's then went on to score four runs in the ninth, three coming off Gregg Zaun's homer...I was a little concerned about benching Matt Wieters before the series in New York, bur Zaun was an absolute beast: 3-for-4 with a walk, a run and four RBIs.
The Birds send David Hernandez (2-2) to the mound Monday night in New York...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- The O's made their first trade on Sunday, sending Oscar Salazar to the San Diego Padres for right-handed reliever Cla Meredith
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Birds Can't Bounce Back After Error
The O's rallied late but fell short, falling 4-3 to the White Sox on Saturday afternoon.
Birds starter Brad Bergesen looked great in his national debut, taking a 3-hit shutout into the fifth inning. With one out in the fifth, Ty Wiggington made an error on a routine play at first base, and Bergesen unraveled. The next batter up went deep, and Bergesen allowed six straight hits. When the inning ended, the Birds were down 4-1.
The Birds rallied in the ninth inning, scoring twice and threatening to tie the game before Nick Markakis grounded out to end the threat, and the game. Bergesen (6-4) took the loss, and the Birds dropped their second straight...Bergesen ended up allowing four runs (two earned) off 10 hits through six innings.
Jeremy Guthrie returns to the mound Sunday afternoon...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- The O's have the worst road record (14-29) in the AL, and third-worst in the Majors
- The Birds have allowed 110 homers, second-most in the AL and fourth-most in the Majors
- The O's outhit Chicago for the second straight game (12 hits to 11 Saturday) but have lost both games
Birds Blown Away in Windy City
The Orioles started the second half of the season with a 12-8 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.
While the rest may have benefited the Birds' bats, the pitching was absolutely awful...
O's starter Jason Berken (1-7) was pulled after just 4 1/3 innings and took the loss. Berken allowed six runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out three.
The O's bullpen didn't fare much better...Matt Albers (one inning), Danys Baez (2/3 of an inning) and Rich Hill (1/3 of an inning) were tagged for two runs a piece and combined to allow six runs off five hits and three walks.
Overall, the Birds pitchers combined for seven walks and two hit batters...both hit batters and five of the walks came around to score...
The offense came to life on Friday night, as the O's outhit the Sox 14-13. The Birds set a season high with six doubles, and both Nick Markakis and Adam Jones ended their home run droughts...Markakis slapped a 2-run shot that just stayed fair in the third, and Jones popped a 2-run shot in the sixth that pulled the Birds within a run...Jim Thome launched a grand slam off Baez in the bottom of the inning, the difference-maker in the game (Thome finished the game with two homers and seven RBIs).
The O's play their first and only nationally televised game of the season on Saturday afternoon...Brad Bergesen (6-3) looks to become the Birds first seven-game winner...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
While the rest may have benefited the Birds' bats, the pitching was absolutely awful...
O's starter Jason Berken (1-7) was pulled after just 4 1/3 innings and took the loss. Berken allowed six runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out three.
The O's bullpen didn't fare much better...Matt Albers (one inning), Danys Baez (2/3 of an inning) and Rich Hill (1/3 of an inning) were tagged for two runs a piece and combined to allow six runs off five hits and three walks.
Overall, the Birds pitchers combined for seven walks and two hit batters...both hit batters and five of the walks came around to score...
The offense came to life on Friday night, as the O's outhit the Sox 14-13. The Birds set a season high with six doubles, and both Nick Markakis and Adam Jones ended their home run droughts...Markakis slapped a 2-run shot that just stayed fair in the third, and Jones popped a 2-run shot in the sixth that pulled the Birds within a run...Jim Thome launched a grand slam off Baez in the bottom of the inning, the difference-maker in the game (Thome finished the game with two homers and seven RBIs).
The O's play their first and only nationally televised game of the season on Saturday afternoon...Brad Bergesen (6-3) looks to become the Birds first seven-game winner...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- Rich Hill is still scheduled to start in New York; Dave Trembley wanted him to pitch an inning to get the rust off
- Chris Tillman won his third straight in Triple A Norfolk, striking out seven and allowing one run in 6 2/3 innings...bring em' up!
- Luke Scott's 11-game hitting streak came to an end on Friday...Scott and Matt Wieters were the only O's without a hit; Wieters left eight men on base
Sunday, July 12, 2009
O's Head Into the Break on a High Note
The Birds closed out the first half of the season with a 4-2 win over the Blue Jays at Camden Yards on Sunday afternoon.
Starter Brad Bergesen (6-3) took the win, and has quickly emerged as the new ace of the staff. Bergesen went 6 2/3 strong innings, allowing two runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out three. Danys Baez, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill held the Jays scoreless through the final frames; Sherrill picked up his 20th save.
Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis both had RBIs in the second inning to give Bergesen an early lead, and Oscar Salazar hit his second homer of the season to give the Birds a 3-0 lead in the sixth. Bergesen gave up two runs in the seventh before being pulled with the lead...Roberts knocked in an insurance run in the bottom of the inning to give the O's a 4-2 advantage that they held on to.
That's it for the first half of the season...the O's are riding a two-game win streak and have won their past two series...truth be told, the Birds have actually won more series than they've lost this season (13-12-4) but are still eight games under .500 and in last place in the division...the AL East is a tough one.
I'll probably do a quick post on Adam Jones' performance Tuesday night at the All-Star Game (thanks again, Seattle!)...the Birds won't take the field again until Friday night in Chicago, the first of a grueling nine game road-trip that also takes them through New York and Boston...hopefully the rest will help and the Birds can start winning on the road...
Jason Berken (6-1) takes the mound Friday night...go O's!!!
Starter Brad Bergesen (6-3) took the win, and has quickly emerged as the new ace of the staff. Bergesen went 6 2/3 strong innings, allowing two runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out three. Danys Baez, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill held the Jays scoreless through the final frames; Sherrill picked up his 20th save.
Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis both had RBIs in the second inning to give Bergesen an early lead, and Oscar Salazar hit his second homer of the season to give the Birds a 3-0 lead in the sixth. Bergesen gave up two runs in the seventh before being pulled with the lead...Roberts knocked in an insurance run in the bottom of the inning to give the O's a 4-2 advantage that they held on to.
That's it for the first half of the season...the O's are riding a two-game win streak and have won their past two series...truth be told, the Birds have actually won more series than they've lost this season (13-12-4) but are still eight games under .500 and in last place in the division...the AL East is a tough one.
I'll probably do a quick post on Adam Jones' performance Tuesday night at the All-Star Game (thanks again, Seattle!)...the Birds won't take the field again until Friday night in Chicago, the first of a grueling nine game road-trip that also takes them through New York and Boston...hopefully the rest will help and the Birds can start winning on the road...
Jason Berken (6-1) takes the mound Friday night...go O's!!!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Mora's Walk-Off Shot Lifts O's in 12th
The Orioles outlasted the Blue Jays Saturday night, winning 4-3 in extra innings.
Melvin Mora's first home run in 50 games couldn't have come at a better time...Mora knocked the first pitch he saw over the right field fence to give the Birds the walk-off victory.
O's starter Rich Hill pitched well and left the game after six strong innings with a 3-2 lead. Hill allowed two runs off seven hits while walking one and fanning four. Jim Johnson allowed the Jays to tie the game in the eighth inning (his second blown save of the season) and the game remained deadlocked until Mora's blast in the 12th.
Relievers Brian Bass, George Sherrill and Mark Hendrickson (5-4) combined for four scoreless innings, allowing four hits, no walks and striking out three...
Dave Trembley returns from his suspension to join the team in the rubber-match of the series on Sunday afternoon...Brad Bergesen (5-3) takes the mound for the Birds...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
Melvin Mora's first home run in 50 games couldn't have come at a better time...Mora knocked the first pitch he saw over the right field fence to give the Birds the walk-off victory.
O's starter Rich Hill pitched well and left the game after six strong innings with a 3-2 lead. Hill allowed two runs off seven hits while walking one and fanning four. Jim Johnson allowed the Jays to tie the game in the eighth inning (his second blown save of the season) and the game remained deadlocked until Mora's blast in the 12th.
Relievers Brian Bass, George Sherrill and Mark Hendrickson (5-4) combined for four scoreless innings, allowing four hits, no walks and striking out three...
Dave Trembley returns from his suspension to join the team in the rubber-match of the series on Sunday afternoon...Brad Bergesen (5-3) takes the mound for the Birds...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- The Birds had 10 hits in the game...seven were for extra bases (five doubles and two solo home runs)
- Luke Scott went deep in the fourth inning, extending his hitting streak to 11 games, a career-high
- Don't forget to check out The Futures Game Sunday afternoon...the O's Chris Tillman is starting for Team U.S.
O's Offense Takes Another Day Off
The Birds were shut out by the Toronto Blue Jays 2-0 on Friday night at Camden Yards.
It was the second time this week the O's were blanked; they were one-hit by Seattle on Monday.
Orioles' starter Jason Berken (1-6) pitched well but took the loss. Berken allowed two runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings while walking two and striking out one. Matt Albers and Kam Mickolio combined to one-hit the Jays through the final 3 1/3 frames, but the damage had been done.
The O's managed just five hits, all singles, through nine innings. Luke Scott (2-for-4 with two strikeouts) was the only player with two hits for the Birds. Cesar Izturis went 0-for-2 with a walk in his return to the team, and grounded out with the bases loaded in the second to end the O's only real scoring threat.
The Birds take on the Jays again on Saturday night; Rich Hill is back in the starting rotation and is scheduled to take the mound...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
It was the second time this week the O's were blanked; they were one-hit by Seattle on Monday.
Orioles' starter Jason Berken (1-6) pitched well but took the loss. Berken allowed two runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings while walking two and striking out one. Matt Albers and Kam Mickolio combined to one-hit the Jays through the final 3 1/3 frames, but the damage had been done.
The O's managed just five hits, all singles, through nine innings. Luke Scott (2-for-4 with two strikeouts) was the only player with two hits for the Birds. Cesar Izturis went 0-for-2 with a walk in his return to the team, and grounded out with the bases loaded in the second to end the O's only real scoring threat.
The Birds take on the Jays again on Saturday night; Rich Hill is back in the starting rotation and is scheduled to take the mound...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- The Birds are 0-1 without skipper Dave Trembley in the dugout...he served the first of his two-game suspension Friday night
- Jeremy Guthrie is out with a viral infection; he should be healthy enough to start after the break...Rich Hill is pitching in his place
- David Hernandez was sent down to Norfolk to make room for Izturis...it looks like he'll make a start in the minors and will be called back up after the break
Thursday, July 9, 2009
O's Shock Mariners with Ninth Inning Comeback
After being shut down through eight innings, the O's scored five runs in the ninth to steal a 5-3 win over Seattle on Wednesday afternoon.
The Birds had been unable to produce until the final frame, and were able to head home from the West Coast with a series win over the Mariners and riding a 2-game win streak...overall, the O's went 3-4 on the seven-game trip.
Starter David Hernandez looked sharp and kept the O's in the game through six innings...he allowed a 2-run homer in the first but kept the Mariners off the board after that. Hernandez took a no-decision and allowed five hits and two walks while striking out three. Brian Bass (5-2) allowed an unearned run in the eighth and was credited with the win, and George Sherrill pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up his 19th save.
Before the ninth inning, the O's were shut out on four hits, six walks and ten strikeouts. In the ninth, the Birds took advantage of two errors and scored five runs (four earned) on five hits and a walk...Aubrey Huff was picked-off first base and strained his groin during the rally.
The O's are off Thursday and play three home games against the Toronto Blue Jays before the All-Star Break...Jason Berken (1-5) is slated to take the mound on Friday night...Go O's!!!
The Birds had been unable to produce until the final frame, and were able to head home from the West Coast with a series win over the Mariners and riding a 2-game win streak...overall, the O's went 3-4 on the seven-game trip.
Starter David Hernandez looked sharp and kept the O's in the game through six innings...he allowed a 2-run homer in the first but kept the Mariners off the board after that. Hernandez took a no-decision and allowed five hits and two walks while striking out three. Brian Bass (5-2) allowed an unearned run in the eighth and was credited with the win, and George Sherrill pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up his 19th save.
Before the ninth inning, the O's were shut out on four hits, six walks and ten strikeouts. In the ninth, the Birds took advantage of two errors and scored five runs (four earned) on five hits and a walk...Aubrey Huff was picked-off first base and strained his groin during the rally.
The O's are off Thursday and play three home games against the Toronto Blue Jays before the All-Star Break...Jason Berken (1-5) is slated to take the mound on Friday night...Go O's!!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Scott, Reimold Power O's Past M's
The Birds bested the Seattle Mariners 12-4 on Tuesday night at Safeco Field.
(Wow...it's been just three games since I've posted and so much has happened...the Birds blew four-run leads in back-to-back games against the Angels before managing just one hit against the Mariners on Monday night...good thing I'm not going on vacation again this season...)
The O's Jeremy Guthrie took on former Oriole Erik Bedard on Tuesday night...the Birds jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a Luke Scott 2-run single in the first inning. Scott eventually fell a double shy of the cycle, and knocked in a career high seven runs. Nolan Reimold had three RBIs in the game.
Guthrie lasted just 2 1/3 innings and was charged with three runs (all coming on his AL-leading 20th homer allowed). Guthrie gave up two hits, four walks and recorded no strikeouts.
After allowing two runs in the first, Bedard looked unhittable...luckily for the Birds he was on a pitch count since this was his first start coming off the DL. Bedard fanned eight O's hitters in four innings, and left the game with the Orioles trailing 3-2.
With Bedard out of the game, the bats came to life...the Birds scored four runs in the sixth and another six in the seventh to take a commanding lead. The O's bullpen didn't allow a run until the ninth inning, when closer George Sherrill allowed a lone run before recording the final outs.
The Birds (37-47) turn to rookie pitcher David Hernandez later this afternoon...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
(Wow...it's been just three games since I've posted and so much has happened...the Birds blew four-run leads in back-to-back games against the Angels before managing just one hit against the Mariners on Monday night...good thing I'm not going on vacation again this season...)
The O's Jeremy Guthrie took on former Oriole Erik Bedard on Tuesday night...the Birds jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a Luke Scott 2-run single in the first inning. Scott eventually fell a double shy of the cycle, and knocked in a career high seven runs. Nolan Reimold had three RBIs in the game.
Guthrie lasted just 2 1/3 innings and was charged with three runs (all coming on his AL-leading 20th homer allowed). Guthrie gave up two hits, four walks and recorded no strikeouts.
After allowing two runs in the first, Bedard looked unhittable...luckily for the Birds he was on a pitch count since this was his first start coming off the DL. Bedard fanned eight O's hitters in four innings, and left the game with the Orioles trailing 3-2.
With Bedard out of the game, the bats came to life...the Birds scored four runs in the sixth and another six in the seventh to take a commanding lead. The O's bullpen didn't allow a run until the ninth inning, when closer George Sherrill allowed a lone run before recording the final outs.
The Birds (37-47) turn to rookie pitcher David Hernandez later this afternoon...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- Dave Trembley was ejected from the game in the first inning
- Brian Roberts had the night off with flu-like symptoms
- The O's outfield was featured nationally on ESPN.com
- Rich Hill is headed to the 'pen...for now
- Chris Ray is headed back to the DL
- The Birds tied a season high with 12 runs scored
- The O's have the worst road record (13-27) in the AL
- Adam Jones will represent the O's in the All-Star Game
- Felix Pie and Oscar Salazar may be on the trading block
- Brian Matusz was dominant in his latest start at Double-A Bowie
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy 4th O's Fans
I'm headed to the beach...I probably won't be posting again until Monday...Go O's!!
Huff Goes Deep as O's Drop Angels
The Orioles took out the Angels for the first time this season, topping them 6-4 on Friday night.
The Birds backed rookie starter David Hernandez (2-2) early...Luke Scott hit a 2-run double in the first inning, and Aubrey Huff launched a 3-run shot in the third. The O's added another run in the fourth to take a commanding lead.
Hernandez took advantage of the six run cushion, and allowed three runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings while walking two and striking out two. Jim Johnson escaped the eighth after allowing a run, and George Sherrill induced a game-ending double play to pick up his 18th save.
The Birds continue the four-game set on Saturday night...Jason Berken (1-5) looks to get back on track against the Halos...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
The Birds backed rookie starter David Hernandez (2-2) early...Luke Scott hit a 2-run double in the first inning, and Aubrey Huff launched a 3-run shot in the third. The O's added another run in the fourth to take a commanding lead.
Hernandez took advantage of the six run cushion, and allowed three runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings while walking two and striking out two. Jim Johnson escaped the eighth after allowing a run, and George Sherrill induced a game-ending double play to pick up his 18th save.
The Birds continue the four-game set on Saturday night...Jason Berken (1-5) looks to get back on track against the Halos...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- Rookie outfielder Nolan Reimold was named the AL Rookie of the Month for June...my money was on Wieters for Rookie of the Year, but Reimold is making quite a case for the honor
Friday, July 3, 2009
Long Ball Bites Guthrie Again
The O's started the road trip off on the wrong foot, losing 5-2 to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night.
Jeremy Guthrie (6-8) pitched well, but was again hurt by the home run. After throwing three scoreless innings, Guthrie allowed a solo shot in the fourth and a 3-run bomb in the fifth. Guthrie leads the league in home runs allowed with 19...he lasted seven innings and allowed five runs on nine hits while walking two and fanning five. Chris Ray worked the eighth inning and allowed two hits but no runs.
The O's offense was silenced by John Lackey (3-3)...the Birds managed just five hits in the game; Matt Wieters had an RBI single in the fifth and Luke Scott launched a solo shot to center field in the seventh. It was Scott's second homer in the past two games, and he leads the club with 16 dingers.
The top of the lineup, Brian Roberts, Adam Jones and Nick Markakis, combined to go 0-for-12 with five strikeouts...
The Birds go at it again on Friday night...David Hernandez takes the mound...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
Jeremy Guthrie (6-8) pitched well, but was again hurt by the home run. After throwing three scoreless innings, Guthrie allowed a solo shot in the fourth and a 3-run bomb in the fifth. Guthrie leads the league in home runs allowed with 19...he lasted seven innings and allowed five runs on nine hits while walking two and fanning five. Chris Ray worked the eighth inning and allowed two hits but no runs.
The O's offense was silenced by John Lackey (3-3)...the Birds managed just five hits in the game; Matt Wieters had an RBI single in the fifth and Luke Scott launched a solo shot to center field in the seventh. It was Scott's second homer in the past two games, and he leads the club with 16 dingers.
The top of the lineup, Brian Roberts, Adam Jones and Nick Markakis, combined to go 0-for-12 with five strikeouts...
The Birds go at it again on Friday night...David Hernandez takes the mound...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- Some strange stats for O's pitching...this season the Birds have the second worst ERA in the AL (5.01) and have now allowed the most homers (100). The Birds have reversed the trend in walks, with only 250, second best in the AL, and are tied for fourth in hit batters (but I guess that's what happens when you let Daniel Cabrera go...)
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!
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!
Greatest...Comeback...EVER!!!
The O's rallied back from a 10-run deficit to beat the visiting Boston Red Sox 11-10 on Tuesday night.
Yeah...you read that right! It was the largest comeback ever in the history of the Orioles' franchise, and it was against Boston! I'm still speechless, but here goes...
The Birds were down early from the very start...O's starter Rich Hill lasted just 3 1/3 frames and was charged with nine runs (seven earned) on nine hits, while walking three and striking out three.
Down 4-0, the O's scored a run in the third on a Felix Pie triple, but the Sox came right back to score five times in the fourth and turn a close game into a massacre...9-1, Boston...honestly, this was the first time I ever PRAYED that a rain delay would stop the game...the teams endured a delay of over an hour before play resumed...since the O's hadn't come to bat in the fifth inning, the game wasn't official...
But the delay may have been what the O's needed, after all. I don't know what skipper Dave Trembley said to his club, but it had to have been good...relief pitcher Mark Hendrickson allowed the Sox to take a 10-1 lead in the top of the seventh, but the Birds scored five runs in the bottom of the inning and another five in the eighth to take an 11-10 lead, and George Sherrill struck out two in the ninth to seal the deal and give the O's their first win over Boston this season.
If you missed this game, do whatever it takes to watch it (at least the last three innings!). It was an absolutely amazing comeback...I've never seen anything like it. It just goes to show that these O's play every out, and play with heart. Hopefully this is the turning point in the season...the Birds should get hot now and go on a streak before the Break...
The two teams partake in the rubber-match later Wednesday afternoon...Boston sends their ace Josh Beckett to the mound, and the Birds counter with Brad Bergesen...should be good...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
Yeah...you read that right! It was the largest comeback ever in the history of the Orioles' franchise, and it was against Boston! I'm still speechless, but here goes...
The Birds were down early from the very start...O's starter Rich Hill lasted just 3 1/3 frames and was charged with nine runs (seven earned) on nine hits, while walking three and striking out three.
Down 4-0, the O's scored a run in the third on a Felix Pie triple, but the Sox came right back to score five times in the fourth and turn a close game into a massacre...9-1, Boston...honestly, this was the first time I ever PRAYED that a rain delay would stop the game...the teams endured a delay of over an hour before play resumed...since the O's hadn't come to bat in the fifth inning, the game wasn't official...
But the delay may have been what the O's needed, after all. I don't know what skipper Dave Trembley said to his club, but it had to have been good...relief pitcher Mark Hendrickson allowed the Sox to take a 10-1 lead in the top of the seventh, but the Birds scored five runs in the bottom of the inning and another five in the eighth to take an 11-10 lead, and George Sherrill struck out two in the ninth to seal the deal and give the O's their first win over Boston this season.
If you missed this game, do whatever it takes to watch it (at least the last three innings!). It was an absolutely amazing comeback...I've never seen anything like it. It just goes to show that these O's play every out, and play with heart. Hopefully this is the turning point in the season...the Birds should get hot now and go on a streak before the Break...
The two teams partake in the rubber-match later Wednesday afternoon...Boston sends their ace Josh Beckett to the mound, and the Birds counter with Brad Bergesen...should be good...Go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- Adam Jones robbed Kevin Youkilis of a homer for the second straight game...but lost his glove over the center field wall when he crashed into it...Jones should be fine and is listed as day-to-day
- Felix Pie replaced Jones at center and knocked in two runs...he also threw a runner out at the plate...it would have been Boston's 11th run
- Brian Roberts snapped an 0-for-18 streak with his RBI single in the eighth
- George Sherrill picked up his 17th save of the season, and is now tied with Boston's closer Jonathan Papelbon with eight 1-run saves...this was Papelbon's second blown save of the year
- Oscar Salazar came off the bench to pinch hit for Melvin Mora in the seventh inning and hit a 3-run bomb...his first home run of the season
- It took over 50 years, but the O's set a new record...in 1956 the O's were down eight runs against...Boston...but came back to win
- A bit more history...this was the biggest comeback in baseball history by a last-place team over a first-place team...Go O's!! You won't be there for long...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
BoSox Beat Berken, Blank Birds
The O's have yet to beat the Boston Red Sox this season, and fell 4-0 on Monday night at Camden Yards.
It was a rough start for rookie Jason Berken (1-5), who allowed all four of Boston's runs. Berken lasted just five innings and allowed eight hits while walking two and striking out three. Brian Bass and Chris Ray combined for the final four innings of shutout relief, but the O's bats were unable to produce...
The Birds have never beaten Boston's starter Jon Lester, and were unable to get anything going offensively against him...Lester (7-6) allowed just five hits (all singles) in seven innings while walking none and striking out eight.
The O's are now 0-5 against the first-place Red Sox and have dropped two straight games...the two teams go at it again Tuesday night at Camden Yards...Rich Hill (3-2) takes on John Smoltz (0-1)...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
It was a rough start for rookie Jason Berken (1-5), who allowed all four of Boston's runs. Berken lasted just five innings and allowed eight hits while walking two and striking out three. Brian Bass and Chris Ray combined for the final four innings of shutout relief, but the O's bats were unable to produce...
The Birds have never beaten Boston's starter Jon Lester, and were unable to get anything going offensively against him...Lester (7-6) allowed just five hits (all singles) in seven innings while walking none and striking out eight.
The O's are now 0-5 against the first-place Red Sox and have dropped two straight games...the two teams go at it again Tuesday night at Camden Yards...Rich Hill (3-2) takes on John Smoltz (0-1)...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- He may have let a triple go over his head in the first inning, but the defensive play of the game goes to Adam Jones, who robbed Kevin Youkilis of a home run with a leaping catch at the wall in center field to end the fourth inning
- Cesar Izturis is recovering slowly but won't be able to play for three weeks...so much for my poll! (by the way, only 13 votes, but so far it's pretty tight: 7 votes for Andino, 6 for Izzy)
- The O's are 10-17 against the A.L. East so far this season
Monday, June 29, 2009
O's Can't Complete the Sweep
The Birds fell to the Washington Nationals 5-3 on Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards.
I guess all streaks have to end...the Birds 2-game winning streak ended, and my fiance and I, both 4-0 at the Yard this season, left the park as losers, as well...
The O's made plenty of mistakes in the game ( Luke Scott got caught straying from third in the first, Matt Wieters couldn't hold onto a ball on a play at the plate and overthrew third on a steal attempt, Aubrey Huff got thrown out at second trying to stretch a single into a double with the tying run coming to the plate in the bottom of the eighth...) but still took two of three from the Nationals. What's that? Too many mistakes? Yes, the Birds beat themselves again...
David Hernandez (1-2) wasn't perfect but looked decent in his outing, allowing three runs off eight hits in 5 2/3 innings while walking three and fanning three. Relievers Chris Ray and Mark Hendrickson each allowed a run to score late....Danys Baez pitched a scoreless ninth.
The last-place Birds take on the first-place Red Sox later today...Jason Berken takes the mound...go O's!
O' Yeah...
I guess all streaks have to end...the Birds 2-game winning streak ended, and my fiance and I, both 4-0 at the Yard this season, left the park as losers, as well...
The O's made plenty of mistakes in the game ( Luke Scott got caught straying from third in the first, Matt Wieters couldn't hold onto a ball on a play at the plate and overthrew third on a steal attempt, Aubrey Huff got thrown out at second trying to stretch a single into a double with the tying run coming to the plate in the bottom of the eighth...) but still took two of three from the Nationals. What's that? Too many mistakes? Yes, the Birds beat themselves again...
David Hernandez (1-2) wasn't perfect but looked decent in his outing, allowing three runs off eight hits in 5 2/3 innings while walking three and fanning three. Relievers Chris Ray and Mark Hendrickson each allowed a run to score late....Danys Baez pitched a scoreless ninth.
The last-place Birds take on the first-place Red Sox later today...Jason Berken takes the mound...go O's!
O' Yeah...
- Interleague Play is over...the O's tied a franchise best record with an 11-7 mark this season
Saturday, June 27, 2009
O's Use Long Ball to Sink Nats
The Birds smacked three home runs in a 6-3 victory over the Washington Nationals Saturday night at Camden Yards.
Gregg Zaun put the O's on the board with a solo shot in the second, Nolan Reimold gave the Birds the lead with a 3-run blast in the fifth and Aubrey Huff padded the lead with a solo homer in the seventh inning.
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie (6-7) looked horrible right from the start...he allowed two singles and three walks in the first inning, walking in two runs. Guthrie settled down after that and eventually got the win; he lasted five innings and allowed three runs on five hits and three walks.
After the Birds took a 4-3 lead in the fifth, reliever Brian Bass was called in to start the sixth...a walk, a double and another walk later, and the bases were jammed with none out. Skipper Dave Trembley went to relief pitcher Matt Albers, and Albers got the O's out of the jam with a ground ball force-out and a double play.
Jim Johnson went two scoreless innings and George Sherrill worked the ninth for his 16th save.
The Birds look for the sweep on Sunday afternoon; David Hernandez will make the start (replacing Koji Uehara, who will be placed on the DL). I'll be at the game...Go O's!!!
Gregg Zaun put the O's on the board with a solo shot in the second, Nolan Reimold gave the Birds the lead with a 3-run blast in the fifth and Aubrey Huff padded the lead with a solo homer in the seventh inning.
O's starter Jeremy Guthrie (6-7) looked horrible right from the start...he allowed two singles and three walks in the first inning, walking in two runs. Guthrie settled down after that and eventually got the win; he lasted five innings and allowed three runs on five hits and three walks.
After the Birds took a 4-3 lead in the fifth, reliever Brian Bass was called in to start the sixth...a walk, a double and another walk later, and the bases were jammed with none out. Skipper Dave Trembley went to relief pitcher Matt Albers, and Albers got the O's out of the jam with a ground ball force-out and a double play.
Jim Johnson went two scoreless innings and George Sherrill worked the ninth for his 16th save.
The Birds look for the sweep on Sunday afternoon; David Hernandez will make the start (replacing Koji Uehara, who will be placed on the DL). I'll be at the game...Go O's!!!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Bats Come to Life as O's Thrash Nats
The Orioles put on an offensive show at Camden Yards on Friday night, spanking the Washington Nationals 11-1.
Starter Brad Bergesen (5-2) continued his dominance in June, going six strong innings and allowing just one run on four hits while walking two and striking out five.
Bergesen left the game with the O's leading 3-1. The Birds then erupted for eight runs in the bottom of the sixth inning (tying a season high).
Melvin Mora, moved to the seventh spot in the lineup, had three RBIs in the inning and four on the day...coming into the game, Mora had just three RBIs during the entire month of June...thank-you, Dave Trembley, for making a long-overdue move. Nolan Reimold took Mora's place and batted fifth; Reimold went 3-for-4 with a walk...
Overall, the Bird's bats combined for sixteen hits (tying another season high) and 11 runs in the first game of the "Battle of the Beltway."
O's ace Jeremy Guthrie looks to continue the winning ways on Saturday night...go O's!!
O' Yeah...
Starter Brad Bergesen (5-2) continued his dominance in June, going six strong innings and allowing just one run on four hits while walking two and striking out five.
Bergesen left the game with the O's leading 3-1. The Birds then erupted for eight runs in the bottom of the sixth inning (tying a season high).
Melvin Mora, moved to the seventh spot in the lineup, had three RBIs in the inning and four on the day...coming into the game, Mora had just three RBIs during the entire month of June...thank-you, Dave Trembley, for making a long-overdue move. Nolan Reimold took Mora's place and batted fifth; Reimold went 3-for-4 with a walk...
Overall, the Bird's bats combined for sixteen hits (tying another season high) and 11 runs in the first game of the "Battle of the Beltway."
O's ace Jeremy Guthrie looks to continue the winning ways on Saturday night...go O's!!
O' Yeah...
- The Birds (33-40) would have to win their next eight straight games to be over .500 at the halfway point of the season (41-40 after 81 games)
- Koji Uehara will miss his scheduled start on Sunday...the O's will call up David Hernandez from Triple-A to fill his spot
O's swept out of Florida in a Blowout
The Birds lost to the Florida Marlins 11-3 on Thursday night...
Again, I just can't write about the game just yet...no one is paying me to do so, and it's late...all I can say is the O's looked absolutely pathetic in this series...it took nearly 20 innings for the team to score an earned run, and the pitching was terrible. O' Yeah...the defense stunk too.
Consistent. It's a word. The O's should look it up. After tying a season high five straight wins how can you get swept? After sweeping the reigning World Champs!!! I'll never know...
The O's were down 11-0 in the ninth before they finally got on the board...Nick Markakis went 4-for-4 with a walk and an RBI in the loss.
Anyway, the Washington Nationals come to town this weekend, and the Birds should be thinking sweep. The Boston Red Sox come to visit after the Nats, and the O's will need some winning momentum going for them...
Brad Bergesen starts for the Birds Friday night...go O's!
Again, I just can't write about the game just yet...no one is paying me to do so, and it's late...all I can say is the O's looked absolutely pathetic in this series...it took nearly 20 innings for the team to score an earned run, and the pitching was terrible. O' Yeah...the defense stunk too.
Consistent. It's a word. The O's should look it up. After tying a season high five straight wins how can you get swept? After sweeping the reigning World Champs!!! I'll never know...
The O's were down 11-0 in the ninth before they finally got on the board...Nick Markakis went 4-for-4 with a walk and an RBI in the loss.
Anyway, the Washington Nationals come to town this weekend, and the Birds should be thinking sweep. The Boston Red Sox come to visit after the Nats, and the O's will need some winning momentum going for them...
Brad Bergesen starts for the Birds Friday night...go O's!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
O's Drop Second Straight to Marlins
The O's beat themselves in a 5-2 loss to the Florida Marlins on Wednesday night.
The Birds looked good right off the bat, with two singles to start the game...Felix Pie hesitated on a double-steal attempt and was tagged-out at second, and Brian Roberts was stranded at third.
The Marlins took advantage of a throwing error by Melvin Mora in the bottom of the inning, and were up 2-0 after one. They ended up with a 3-0 lead before the O's took advantage of a fielding miscue and scored two runs in the sixth. The two unearned runs were all the offense the Birds could produce in the loss.
Two of the Marlins five runs were also unearned, and a throwing error from catcher Matt Wieters and a "mental mistake" from Pie cost the O's a run in the seventh inning... Wieters threw wildly to second base on a steal attempt, and the ball sailed into center field...Pie held the ball, and the runner advanced all the way home...pitiful.
O's starter Jason Berken (1-4) took the loss...he allowed three runs (two earned) in five innings, and gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three.
The Birds look to avoid the sweep Thursday night...Rich Hill takes the mound...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
The Birds looked good right off the bat, with two singles to start the game...Felix Pie hesitated on a double-steal attempt and was tagged-out at second, and Brian Roberts was stranded at third.
The Marlins took advantage of a throwing error by Melvin Mora in the bottom of the inning, and were up 2-0 after one. They ended up with a 3-0 lead before the O's took advantage of a fielding miscue and scored two runs in the sixth. The two unearned runs were all the offense the Birds could produce in the loss.
Two of the Marlins five runs were also unearned, and a throwing error from catcher Matt Wieters and a "mental mistake" from Pie cost the O's a run in the seventh inning... Wieters threw wildly to second base on a steal attempt, and the ball sailed into center field...Pie held the ball, and the runner advanced all the way home...pitiful.
O's starter Jason Berken (1-4) took the loss...he allowed three runs (two earned) in five innings, and gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three.
The Birds look to avoid the sweep Thursday night...Rich Hill takes the mound...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- It looks like Koji Uehara may not be able to make his next start...PLEASE send him to the 'pen
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Birds Battle Back, but Fall to Fish in Extras
The O's scored three times in the ninth to tie up the ballgame, but eventually lost to the Florida Marlins 7-6 on Tuesday night.
Brian Roberts slapped a lead-off double to start the game, and scored on a sac fly to give the O's an early 1-0 lead in the first inning...the Birds didn't get another hit until the eighth...
Meanwhile, O's starter Koji Uehara cruised until the fifth, when he allowed a solo shot that tied the game at one. Uehara ended up going six innings, allowing just the one run on seven hits while walking none and striking out two. Uehara definitely is living up to his billing as an "extreme strike thrower," as 59 of his 76 pitches were in the zone...still, it looks as if he can go five, maybe six innings tops, and would more than likely be better used as a long reliever in the bullpen.
Things unraveled for the Birds in the seventh inning...Danys Baez had his second straight bad outing, allowing five runs to cross the plate...Baez gave up four hits, one a grand slam, in just 1/3 of an inning...
On the plus-side, Chris Ray returned to the team from Norfolk and looked great, allowing just one hit in 1 2/3 innings, while walking none and recording a strikeout.
Down 6-1 in the eighth, Matt Wieters went deep for the second time this season, and the Birds pushed one more across the plate to make it a 6-3 ballgame. With two outs in the ninth inning, the O's struck for five straight singles, tying the game at six. It was truly unbelievable...
Jim Johnson and Brian Bass pitched the final frames, but the O's were unable to score again (due in part to a base-running blunder from Ty Wigginton, who tried to stretch a single into a double and was called out at second for the second out of the 11th inning...Gregg Zaun was stranded at third base after a fly ball from pinch-hitter Rich Hill, but may have been able to tag-up and give the Birds the lead, and the win).
Bass (4-2) walked the first batter he faced in the 12th, and the runner advanced on a wild pitch...an intentional walk and a single later, and the Marlins walked-off with a 7-6 victory.
The O's still showed a lot of heart in the game...down by three with one out left and tying the game...I really thought they had this one and would have won a season-high six straight. The Birds and Marlins go at it again Wednesday night...Jason Berken (1-3) takes the mound...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
Brian Roberts slapped a lead-off double to start the game, and scored on a sac fly to give the O's an early 1-0 lead in the first inning...the Birds didn't get another hit until the eighth...
Meanwhile, O's starter Koji Uehara cruised until the fifth, when he allowed a solo shot that tied the game at one. Uehara ended up going six innings, allowing just the one run on seven hits while walking none and striking out two. Uehara definitely is living up to his billing as an "extreme strike thrower," as 59 of his 76 pitches were in the zone...still, it looks as if he can go five, maybe six innings tops, and would more than likely be better used as a long reliever in the bullpen.
Things unraveled for the Birds in the seventh inning...Danys Baez had his second straight bad outing, allowing five runs to cross the plate...Baez gave up four hits, one a grand slam, in just 1/3 of an inning...
On the plus-side, Chris Ray returned to the team from Norfolk and looked great, allowing just one hit in 1 2/3 innings, while walking none and recording a strikeout.
Down 6-1 in the eighth, Matt Wieters went deep for the second time this season, and the Birds pushed one more across the plate to make it a 6-3 ballgame. With two outs in the ninth inning, the O's struck for five straight singles, tying the game at six. It was truly unbelievable...
Jim Johnson and Brian Bass pitched the final frames, but the O's were unable to score again (due in part to a base-running blunder from Ty Wigginton, who tried to stretch a single into a double and was called out at second for the second out of the 11th inning...Gregg Zaun was stranded at third base after a fly ball from pinch-hitter Rich Hill, but may have been able to tag-up and give the Birds the lead, and the win).
Bass (4-2) walked the first batter he faced in the 12th, and the runner advanced on a wild pitch...an intentional walk and a single later, and the Marlins walked-off with a 7-6 victory.
The O's still showed a lot of heart in the game...down by three with one out left and tying the game...I really thought they had this one and would have won a season-high six straight. The Birds and Marlins go at it again Wednesday night...Jason Berken (1-3) takes the mound...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- The O's #1-5 hitters (Roberts, Markakis, Jones, Huff and Mora) went a combined 3-for 24, with four walks and three strikeouts, and left eight men on base...what has happened to the top of the lineup???
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Guthrie, O's Complete First Road Sweep of the Season
The Birds won their fifth straight game Sunday afternoon, 2-1, sweeping the World Champion Phillies in Philadelphia.
In a battle of the aces, O's starter Jeremy Guthrie (5-7) wound up on top, as the O's handed Cole Hamels (4-3) the loss. Guthrie went seven strong innings and allowed just one run, a solo homer in the second inning. Guthrie allowed just three hits while walking two and fanning four in the victory...Hamels lasted eight innings and struck out 10, but took the loss...
For the second straight game, Brian Roberts came through with the winning hit...his RBI single in the eighth inning gave the O's a 2-1 lead, and the bullpen held on to give the Birds their first three-game road sweep in nearly two years.
It's amazing to see what this team is really capable of; it seems like they are finally reaching their true potential. The veterans are really stepping up their game...last week Aubrey Huff comes through twice late in the game to give the Birds the win(s), Roberts has been on fire in this series and Guthrie gave the O's just what they needed this afternoon. Jim Johnson has been lights-out, and George Sherrill just picked up his 15th save of the season. And the young players, the future of the O's organization, have really been impressive...
The O's have been streaky this season, but I'm hoping this winning streak is a sign of things to come. The Birds rest on Monday before taking on the Florida Marlins for a 3-game set beginning Tuesday night...Koji Uehara (2-4) is scheduled to take the mound...Go O's!!!!!!
O' Yeah...
In a battle of the aces, O's starter Jeremy Guthrie (5-7) wound up on top, as the O's handed Cole Hamels (4-3) the loss. Guthrie went seven strong innings and allowed just one run, a solo homer in the second inning. Guthrie allowed just three hits while walking two and fanning four in the victory...Hamels lasted eight innings and struck out 10, but took the loss...
For the second straight game, Brian Roberts came through with the winning hit...his RBI single in the eighth inning gave the O's a 2-1 lead, and the bullpen held on to give the Birds their first three-game road sweep in nearly two years.
It's amazing to see what this team is really capable of; it seems like they are finally reaching their true potential. The veterans are really stepping up their game...last week Aubrey Huff comes through twice late in the game to give the Birds the win(s), Roberts has been on fire in this series and Guthrie gave the O's just what they needed this afternoon. Jim Johnson has been lights-out, and George Sherrill just picked up his 15th save of the season. And the young players, the future of the O's organization, have really been impressive...
The O's have been streaky this season, but I'm hoping this winning streak is a sign of things to come. The Birds rest on Monday before taking on the Florida Marlins for a 3-game set beginning Tuesday night...Koji Uehara (2-4) is scheduled to take the mound...Go O's!!!!!!
O' Yeah...
- The O's announced that reliever Alberto Castillo will be sent back down to Triple-A...looks like Chris Ray will be rejoining the team!
- The O's and LA Dodgers are tied with the best Interleague records so far this season (9-3)...the Birds are now 9-7 in 1-run games
- New poll up...please vote...I'd love to know what you all think!!!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
O's Magic Continues in Philly
The Orioles scored three runs in the ninth inning to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-5 on Saturday night.
The O's teed-off on Philly pitching early, collecting 13 hits through the first seven innings...unfortunately, they managed just three runs but took a 3-0 lead into the seventh.
Starter Brad Bergesen had been masterful through the first six innings, allowing just two hits and striking out two...things unraveled in the seventh, when the Phillies knocked Bergesen out of the game...by the time the inning was over, the Birds were trailing 5-3.
Reliever Danys Baez was summoned to face Ryan Howard with runners on the corners, and served up a 3-run jack...it was Baez's first blown save of the season...
But these new "never say die" O's came back yet again in the ninth inning (marking the second time this season, and second time in the last three games!)...Gregg Zaun smashed a one-out solo shot to put the Birds within a run...then, with two down, Oscar Salazar slapped a pinch-hit single for Mark Hendrickson (who was credited with the win), bringing Brian Roberts to the plate...with two strikes and the crowd on their feet, Roberts ripped a 2-run bomb to center field, giving the Birds a 6-5 lead.
George Sherrill pitched a scoreless ninth and picked up his 14th save of the season...the O's have now won four straight and go for their first road sweep of the season on Sunday afternoon. It won't be easy, though, Jeremy Guthrie (4-7) is up against Phillies' ace Cole Hamels (4-2)...Go O's!!!!!
The O's teed-off on Philly pitching early, collecting 13 hits through the first seven innings...unfortunately, they managed just three runs but took a 3-0 lead into the seventh.
Starter Brad Bergesen had been masterful through the first six innings, allowing just two hits and striking out two...things unraveled in the seventh, when the Phillies knocked Bergesen out of the game...by the time the inning was over, the Birds were trailing 5-3.
Reliever Danys Baez was summoned to face Ryan Howard with runners on the corners, and served up a 3-run jack...it was Baez's first blown save of the season...
But these new "never say die" O's came back yet again in the ninth inning (marking the second time this season, and second time in the last three games!)...Gregg Zaun smashed a one-out solo shot to put the Birds within a run...then, with two down, Oscar Salazar slapped a pinch-hit single for Mark Hendrickson (who was credited with the win), bringing Brian Roberts to the plate...with two strikes and the crowd on their feet, Roberts ripped a 2-run bomb to center field, giving the Birds a 6-5 lead.
George Sherrill pitched a scoreless ninth and picked up his 14th save of the season...the O's have now won four straight and go for their first road sweep of the season on Sunday afternoon. It won't be easy, though, Jeremy Guthrie (4-7) is up against Phillies' ace Cole Hamels (4-2)...Go O's!!!!!
Friday, June 19, 2009
O's Take Out World Series Champs
The Birds took down the defending World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies Friday night, beating them 7-2 at Citizens Bank Park.
O's starter Rich Hill (3-1) looked sharp on the mound, and even knocked in the go-ahead run in the second inning. Hill lasted 6 2/3 innings, and was charged with two runs on five hits while walking four and striking out five. Jim Johnson and George Sherrill combined to shut down the Phillies for the final frames.
The Birds got on the board early...Matt Wieters slapped a 2-run double in the second inning and came around to score on Hill's RBI single. The Birds added a run in the sixth and then sealed the deal in the ninth, scoring three times. Nolan Reimold hit his eighth homer of the season.
The Birds play two more against the Phillies before heading to Florida to take on the Marlins. Brad Bergesen (4-2) takes the mound for the Orioles Saturday night...Go O's!!!!
O' Yeah...
O's starter Rich Hill (3-1) looked sharp on the mound, and even knocked in the go-ahead run in the second inning. Hill lasted 6 2/3 innings, and was charged with two runs on five hits while walking four and striking out five. Jim Johnson and George Sherrill combined to shut down the Phillies for the final frames.
The Birds got on the board early...Matt Wieters slapped a 2-run double in the second inning and came around to score on Hill's RBI single. The Birds added a run in the sixth and then sealed the deal in the ninth, scoring three times. Nolan Reimold hit his eighth homer of the season.
The Birds play two more against the Phillies before heading to Florida to take on the Marlins. Brad Bergesen (4-2) takes the mound for the Orioles Saturday night...Go O's!!!!
O' Yeah...
- I guess it's time for a new poll...I was wrong (Wieters didn't go deep that night), but the majority of us were right...it didn't take too long for Wieters to go Yard!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Huff's Heroics Lift O's in Ninth
The O's pulled out a huge win against the visiting Mets Thursday night as they defeated New York 5-4 in a walk-off victory.
This marked the first time all year that the O's won a game after trailing after the eighth inning...
O's starter Jason Berken was masterful through five innings before he ran into trouble...though he took a no decision, Berken kept the O's in the game and helped the team eventually pull out the win. Berken lasted 6 2/3, allowing four runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out eight.
Robert Andino put the Birds on the board with his first homer of the season in the third inning...it looked as if the O's would cruise after Berken's dominant performance, but it took an improbable ninth-inning rally for the O's to win the series and depart Baltimore with a 5-4 record on the homestand. Next up: the defending World Series Champs, the Philadelphia Phillies...Go O's!!!
This marked the first time all year that the O's won a game after trailing after the eighth inning...
O's starter Jason Berken was masterful through five innings before he ran into trouble...though he took a no decision, Berken kept the O's in the game and helped the team eventually pull out the win. Berken lasted 6 2/3, allowing four runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out eight.
Robert Andino put the Birds on the board with his first homer of the season in the third inning...it looked as if the O's would cruise after Berken's dominant performance, but it took an improbable ninth-inning rally for the O's to win the series and depart Baltimore with a 5-4 record on the homestand. Next up: the defending World Series Champs, the Philadelphia Phillies...Go O's!!!
Wieters Goes Deep as O's Beat Mets
The O's beat the Mets 6-4 0n Wednesday night (otherwise known as Adam Jones Bobblehead Night) at Camden Yards.
I was at the game, got my bobblehead and watched the Birds even the series...I'll be back later tonight with a full post from Wednesday's game and a new post from the rubber-match tonight...Go O's!!
First off, the Birds were looking good early...Koji Uehara went five innings, allowing just two runs off seven hits while walking none and striking out five. The 'pen wasn't as impressive as usual ( Mark Hendrickson walked in a run), but Jim Johnson earned the win and George Sherrill pitched a scoreless ninth for his 13th save in 15 tries.
The highlight of the game was Matt Wieters' first MLB homer this season...a 2-run shot in the second inning...my fiance called it, and I promised she'd get a full paragraph if she was right...first-pitch swinging and Wieters finally got the monkey off his back! Shaving cream pie and all...welcome to the 'Bigs' Matt...hope to see more from you soon! And to Nicole, my lovely fiance...Good Call!!!
The game wasn't over yet, though, it took another 2-run bomb from Aubrey Huff in the seventh to give the Birds the eventual win...
So far this season, this has been the best game to attend yet...An Adam Jones Bobblehead and the opportunity to witness first-hand Matt Wieter's first bomb...Go O's!
I was at the game, got my bobblehead and watched the Birds even the series...I'll be back later tonight with a full post from Wednesday's game and a new post from the rubber-match tonight...Go O's!!
First off, the Birds were looking good early...Koji Uehara went five innings, allowing just two runs off seven hits while walking none and striking out five. The 'pen wasn't as impressive as usual ( Mark Hendrickson walked in a run), but Jim Johnson earned the win and George Sherrill pitched a scoreless ninth for his 13th save in 15 tries.
The highlight of the game was Matt Wieters' first MLB homer this season...a 2-run shot in the second inning...my fiance called it, and I promised she'd get a full paragraph if she was right...first-pitch swinging and Wieters finally got the monkey off his back! Shaving cream pie and all...welcome to the 'Bigs' Matt...hope to see more from you soon! And to Nicole, my lovely fiance...Good Call!!!
The game wasn't over yet, though, it took another 2-run bomb from Aubrey Huff in the seventh to give the Birds the eventual win...
So far this season, this has been the best game to attend yet...An Adam Jones Bobblehead and the opportunity to witness first-hand Matt Wieter's first bomb...Go O's!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Ninth Inning Rally Falls Just Short for O's
The Birds dropped game one to the visiting Mets on Tuesday, 6-4, but they didn't go down without a fight.
Jeremy Guthrie took the loss, but a trio of errors didn't help his cause. Guthrie went 6 1/3 innings, allowing five runs (three earned) while walking two and striking out four...the best news...he didn't allow a single home run.
After a four-run fourth, Guth settled down and allowed the Birds to get back into the game...the Bird tacked on two runs in the sixth (Nick Markakis finally went deep), and the O's had the winning run at the plate in the bottom of the ninth...with runners at second and third and two outs, phenom Adam Jones had a chance to at least tie the game with a single or give the Birds a walk-off victory...he struck out to end the game.
I'm still proud of the effort the O's put forth...tomorrow is another day...Koji Uehara takes the mound, and I'll be there to support our O's! PLUS...ADAM JONES BOBBLEHEAD night! Can't wait! See you at the Yard! Go O's!
Jeremy Guthrie took the loss, but a trio of errors didn't help his cause. Guthrie went 6 1/3 innings, allowing five runs (three earned) while walking two and striking out four...the best news...he didn't allow a single home run.
After a four-run fourth, Guth settled down and allowed the Birds to get back into the game...the Bird tacked on two runs in the sixth (Nick Markakis finally went deep), and the O's had the winning run at the plate in the bottom of the ninth...with runners at second and third and two outs, phenom Adam Jones had a chance to at least tie the game with a single or give the Birds a walk-off victory...he struck out to end the game.
I'm still proud of the effort the O's put forth...tomorrow is another day...Koji Uehara takes the mound, and I'll be there to support our O's! PLUS...ADAM JONES BOBBLEHEAD night! Can't wait! See you at the Yard! Go O's!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Birds Thrash Braves in Finale
Man...I wish I could have seen it...the O's beat Atlanta 11-2 on Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards.
I was throwing my very first house-warming party (about 20 guests), and beside seeing a few plays, missed the most exciting game in weeks! Brad Bergesen even pitched a complete game! The Birds are off today, so I'll return after work to post the full blog...maybe MASN will replay the game (PLEASE???)
No such luck...so here's what I know...the Birds bats broke-out (on a Sunday!) and the O's were cruising to the tune of an 11-0 lead after five innings...the Birds bashed 15 hits in the game...
Brad Bergesen (4-2), the new O's "ace" in my opinion, pitched a complete game, and allowed just two runs off five hits (two of those hits were solo homers; otherwise, Bergesen was in complete control). He walked two and struck out three in a 112-pitch performance...and even struck out the final two batters of the game.
Meanwhile, the bats were HOT. Every O's starter had at least one hit, including Oscar Salazar, who came in to pinch-hit for Brian Roberts in the sixth. Ty Wigginton mashed two home runs, and Robert Andino went 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs and was credited with stealing home plate...
The Birds still left 12 on base, but who can complain with an outcome like this? Not me...
Beginning with Saturday's late explosion, the Birds have now scored 19 runs in their past two games...they had scored a total of 19 runs in their last 11 games beginning May 31st before the bats came to life...this is the offense that I think the players, coaches and fans expect...
Again, the team was off today before beginning a 3-game series against the New York Mets on Tuesday night...Jeremy Guthrie (4-6) takes the mound for the Birds...Go O's!!!
I was throwing my very first house-warming party (about 20 guests), and beside seeing a few plays, missed the most exciting game in weeks! Brad Bergesen even pitched a complete game! The Birds are off today, so I'll return after work to post the full blog...maybe MASN will replay the game (PLEASE???)
No such luck...so here's what I know...the Birds bats broke-out (on a Sunday!) and the O's were cruising to the tune of an 11-0 lead after five innings...the Birds bashed 15 hits in the game...
Brad Bergesen (4-2), the new O's "ace" in my opinion, pitched a complete game, and allowed just two runs off five hits (two of those hits were solo homers; otherwise, Bergesen was in complete control). He walked two and struck out three in a 112-pitch performance...and even struck out the final two batters of the game.
Meanwhile, the bats were HOT. Every O's starter had at least one hit, including Oscar Salazar, who came in to pinch-hit for Brian Roberts in the sixth. Ty Wigginton mashed two home runs, and Robert Andino went 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs and was credited with stealing home plate...
The Birds still left 12 on base, but who can complain with an outcome like this? Not me...
Beginning with Saturday's late explosion, the Birds have now scored 19 runs in their past two games...they had scored a total of 19 runs in their last 11 games beginning May 31st before the bats came to life...this is the offense that I think the players, coaches and fans expect...
Again, the team was off today before beginning a 3-game series against the New York Mets on Tuesday night...Jeremy Guthrie (4-6) takes the mound for the Birds...Go O's!!!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Big Bats Lift O's Over Braves
The Birds prevailed over the Braves, 8-4, on Saturday night at Camden Yards.
You knew something was special in the first inning, when after Brian Roberts singled to lead-off, Adam Jones followed with a 2-run blast to center field. It was the first time in over two weeks that someone other than Luke Scott or Nolan Reimold had homered for the Birds, and it was a positive sign of things to come...the Birds actually loaded the bases in the first inning before Matt Wieters struck out swinging...
Starter Rich Hill looked sharp until the fourth inning, when he allowed four runs to cross the plate...Hill was charged with four runs off five hits and three walks while striking out one.
Relief pitcher Brian Bass (4-1) continued to impress, and pitched a scoreless three innings before giving way to Danys Baez. George Sherrill completed the relief shutout with a scoreless ninth inning.
Of course, the pitching has been solid as of late...on Saturday night, the Birds' bats finally broke out...The O's batted around in the seventh inning, scoring six times to take an 8-4 lead that thankfully held up.
Some highlights...Brian Roberts went 4-for-5 with a run scored and a 2-run double, Melvin Mora went 3-for-5 with an RBI and Adam Jones finished the game with a homer and 3 RBIs.
We all knew that the offense was capable of piling on the runs...hopefully this was the breakout game that the O's needed to get back on track...
Brad Bergesen (3-2) takes the mound for the Birds Sunday afternoon in the rubber-match...let's keep the streak alive and win a series...Go O's!!
You knew something was special in the first inning, when after Brian Roberts singled to lead-off, Adam Jones followed with a 2-run blast to center field. It was the first time in over two weeks that someone other than Luke Scott or Nolan Reimold had homered for the Birds, and it was a positive sign of things to come...the Birds actually loaded the bases in the first inning before Matt Wieters struck out swinging...
Starter Rich Hill looked sharp until the fourth inning, when he allowed four runs to cross the plate...Hill was charged with four runs off five hits and three walks while striking out one.
Relief pitcher Brian Bass (4-1) continued to impress, and pitched a scoreless three innings before giving way to Danys Baez. George Sherrill completed the relief shutout with a scoreless ninth inning.
Of course, the pitching has been solid as of late...on Saturday night, the Birds' bats finally broke out...The O's batted around in the seventh inning, scoring six times to take an 8-4 lead that thankfully held up.
Some highlights...Brian Roberts went 4-for-5 with a run scored and a 2-run double, Melvin Mora went 3-for-5 with an RBI and Adam Jones finished the game with a homer and 3 RBIs.
We all knew that the offense was capable of piling on the runs...hopefully this was the breakout game that the O's needed to get back on track...
Brad Bergesen (3-2) takes the mound for the Birds Sunday afternoon in the rubber-match...let's keep the streak alive and win a series...Go O's!!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Braves Bash Berken, Birds
The Birds dropped their third straight game, falling to the Atlanta Braves 7-2 on Friday night at Camden yards.
What has happened to this team? They can't score a run to save their life...it's been over two weeks since a player other than Luke Scott or Nolan Reimold has gone deep...the team-wide offensive slump is getting old and frustrating.
Who's to blame? We're only in the first half of June and O's fans are already calling for manager Dave Trembley's head...and why not? Apparently the skipper called a meeting before the game...yet the end result was the same...another loss.
Both the Braves (30-30) and the O's (25-36) knocked out 12 hits on Friday night...but the Birds managed just two runs...the team left the bases loaded THREE times...simply inexcusable. Overall, the O's left 13 men on base, and went just 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
It's hard to believe that two weeks ago I stated what an exciting time it was to be an O's fan...just three games under .500...now the team is the laughing-stock of the league.
The O's are a better team than this...something has to be done to shake things up...
Rich Hill takes the mound for the Birds Saturday night...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
What has happened to this team? They can't score a run to save their life...it's been over two weeks since a player other than Luke Scott or Nolan Reimold has gone deep...the team-wide offensive slump is getting old and frustrating.
Who's to blame? We're only in the first half of June and O's fans are already calling for manager Dave Trembley's head...and why not? Apparently the skipper called a meeting before the game...yet the end result was the same...another loss.
Both the Braves (30-30) and the O's (25-36) knocked out 12 hits on Friday night...but the Birds managed just two runs...the team left the bases loaded THREE times...simply inexcusable. Overall, the O's left 13 men on base, and went just 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
It's hard to believe that two weeks ago I stated what an exciting time it was to be an O's fan...just three games under .500...now the team is the laughing-stock of the league.
The O's are a better team than this...something has to be done to shake things up...
Rich Hill takes the mound for the Birds Saturday night...Go O's!
O' Yeah...
- One piece of good news...every O's starter had at least one hit in the game...they just couldn't get the big hit when it mattered
- More bad news...it's been two weeks (Friday, May 29) since the O's have scored more than four runs in a game
Friday, June 12, 2009
Rain Cools Off O's Bats in Loss
Hey! The O's didn't show up tonight...why should I? Seriously though, the Birds lost 6-3 to the Seattle Mariners Thursday night.
The O's second straight loss put them 10 games under .500 for the first time this season...and 11 games out of first...
I'll be back Friday evening to finish this post...I don't want to be unprofessional, but you can't take words back after you say them...let's just say that I'm extremely upset with the Orioles and their management...
Comments?
O.K. I'm back...just what happened out there on Thursday? The O's gave Garrett Olson his first win as a Mariner...what an embarrassment. If Koji Uehara was on a strict pitch count (70-80 pitches), why even bring him back in after a rain delay that lasted nearly a half an hour, in his first start since coming back from the DL? So many questions...
And again, where was the offense? It looked like the Birds were going to knock Olson out of the game in the first inning, yet they managed just two runs and were completely lifeless after the delay...and it seems like the O's just conceded to defeat in the later innings...why is Gregg Zaun leading-off in the ninth, followed by Robert Andino (they both struck out) when Aubrey Huff, Matt Wieters and Oscar Salazar are sitting on the bench???
The O's begin Interleague Play on Friday night...they face the Atlanta Braves for a 3-game set before the New York Mets come to town...Jason Berken gets it started for the Birds...Go O's!
The O's second straight loss put them 10 games under .500 for the first time this season...and 11 games out of first...
I'll be back Friday evening to finish this post...I don't want to be unprofessional, but you can't take words back after you say them...let's just say that I'm extremely upset with the Orioles and their management...
Comments?
O.K. I'm back...just what happened out there on Thursday? The O's gave Garrett Olson his first win as a Mariner...what an embarrassment. If Koji Uehara was on a strict pitch count (70-80 pitches), why even bring him back in after a rain delay that lasted nearly a half an hour, in his first start since coming back from the DL? So many questions...
And again, where was the offense? It looked like the Birds were going to knock Olson out of the game in the first inning, yet they managed just two runs and were completely lifeless after the delay...and it seems like the O's just conceded to defeat in the later innings...why is Gregg Zaun leading-off in the ninth, followed by Robert Andino (they both struck out) when Aubrey Huff, Matt Wieters and Oscar Salazar are sitting on the bench???
The O's begin Interleague Play on Friday night...they face the Atlanta Braves for a 3-game set before the New York Mets come to town...Jason Berken gets it started for the Birds...Go O's!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Guthrie, O's Fall to Seattle
The Orioles lost to the Mariners 4-1 on Wednesday night.
Typical series thus far...the "win one, lose one" mantra that we've seen all season...it's still better than losing two.
O's "ace" Jeremy Guthrie (4-6) looked much better this time out but the long ball hurt him again...Guthrie allowed a solo shot in the second inning and then a 2-run bomb in the sixth. Guthrie allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits through six innings, while walking none and striking out two...his 16 homers allowed this season are the most allowed by a starter in the American League.
The O's offense continued to struggle...one run off seven hits...Wieters went 2-for-4 with a single, double and two strikeouts, and scored the lone run for the Birds in the fifth inning...
As usual, the 'pen was solid...Danys Baez and Matt Albers held Seattle scoreless through the final three frames, but the O's bats couldn't back them up...
The Birds could still win the series Thursday night...Koji Uehara returns from the DL and will make the start...he'll face former Oriole Garrett Olson...Go O's!
Typical series thus far...the "win one, lose one" mantra that we've seen all season...it's still better than losing two.
O's "ace" Jeremy Guthrie (4-6) looked much better this time out but the long ball hurt him again...Guthrie allowed a solo shot in the second inning and then a 2-run bomb in the sixth. Guthrie allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits through six innings, while walking none and striking out two...his 16 homers allowed this season are the most allowed by a starter in the American League.
The O's offense continued to struggle...one run off seven hits...Wieters went 2-for-4 with a single, double and two strikeouts, and scored the lone run for the Birds in the fifth inning...
As usual, the 'pen was solid...Danys Baez and Matt Albers held Seattle scoreless through the final three frames, but the O's bats couldn't back them up...
The Birds could still win the series Thursday night...Koji Uehara returns from the DL and will make the start...he'll face former Oriole Garrett Olson...Go O's!
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