Earl Weaver Rules

Team Needs:

Top Priorities:

1- Starting Pitching-After RHY Jeremy Guthrie(10-12,3.63), who has posted 2 sub 4 eras in the past two seasons, the team is filled with questions in the rotation. Daniel Cabrera(8-10,5.25) had a bad 2nd half and after 5 seasons, the Os look to be heading in another direction. Youngsters LH Brian Burress(7-10,6.65), RH Radhames Liz(6-6,6.72) and LH Garrett Olson(9-10,6.65) took lumps in the rotation last year. The club should sign 1 top 3 starter and a cheaper, 4-5 type option.

2- Shortstop-Baltimore trotted out 5 players at this spot in 2008 with all getting at least 30 games. Stat totals? 3 home runs, 49 rbi and .227 batting average. That must change, obviously!!! While they do not need Cal Ripken Jr. they do need at least .250 and solid D. The good news? The SS market has several good trade options and their are some low cost free agents that fit the bill as well.

3- First Base-Team has lost a valuable leader in 1b-DH Kevin Millar to free agency. His power stats were not great(20 homers,72 rbi) but he was a locker room pressence and took a walk. The team would love to add a power free agent bat here.

Other issues:

1-The Bullpen- LH George Sherrill(32 saves,3-5) saved the relief corps last season and rookie Jim Johnson was outstanding.(2-4,2.23,58 ks) The return of ex-closer Chris Ray and top set-up man Danys Baez from Tommy John surgery puts this unit in flux, A signing or two might be needed to offset the health concerns.

2- Contracts- Team is in talks regarding extensions with both RF Nick Markakis(club controlled) and 2b Brian Roberts . Roberts, DH Aubrey Huff, 3b Melvin Mora and C Ramon Hernandez contracts all expire after the 2009 season, so keep that in mind. Could the Os move these vets or will they let them walk in the offseason for draft pick compensation?

Free Agent Targets-

1- 1b Mark Teixeira- Will have some big market teams as competition(Angels,Red Sox, possibly Yankees) but he is from the Baltimore area and he is a tremendous all around talent. Store this away, the Orioles NL market rival -The Washington Nationals- are heavily involved in this sweepstakes.

2- SP AJ Burnett_ The 18 game winner will have half of baseball after him but he is the top 3 starter type the Os desperately crave. Dodgers FA Derek Lowe is also another option.

3- SS Orlando Cabrera-The White Sox FA is a perfect fit for Baltimore. He is a high character guy, a solid bat and as well as a great glove. He could also bat lead off and allow the Orioles to expand and extend their lineup, moving top of the order bats Roberts and CF Adam Jones down in the order.

Free agency starts today-Nov 14- Updates to follow….

AL MVP-

Dustin Pedroia-Had a huge year with several Boston stars injured or quitting(yes, u Manny!!!)… excellent defensive player and a complete pain in the butt to pitch 2… surprising power numbers for his small stature

AL CY YOUNG-

Francisco Rodriquez- Record setting season and in a contract year…. pitched a ton for a closer…..can be effective for another 5-6 years with his breaking pitches and change-up(see Trevor Hoffman)

AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR-

Joe Maddon- Changed a losing culture in a non-baseball city…Did a masterful job with a young rotation and a mix and match relief corps…Also emphasizes defense and speed, a rare tool in the AL

AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR-

Evan Longoria-

Tremendous power and glove at 3b… Team leader and energy guy…. One of the few in pro sports who has lived up to the hype

2009 TEAM TO WATCH-

Kansas City Royals-

Don’t laugh, have good pitching(sick closer in Joakim Soria) and good young talent, remind anyone of a team in Florida?… Added a strong bat at 1b with the Mike Jacobs trade…. Did u know this team finished 4th, ahead of th Detroit Tigers?

Please check out my report at www.piratesjournal.com….

The Orioles might have had a tough season in the minors from a record prospective, but they still have some blue chips minor league players.  Matt Wieters lived up the hype and he was the top hitter in the system.  Just looking at .355/.454/.600 makes you salivate to see him behind the plate.  David Hernandez was the the top pitcher and he struck out 166 batters this season, which was good for the second most in the minors.

Brian Matusz was the clubs top draft pick and while they supposedly got a keeper, he signed too late to pitch in the minors.  Xavier Avery, the second round pick, put together a solid season for the Gulf Coast League.

The weather is starting to turn so I’ve been trying to get the boys out for some last few cuts out on the field.  I bought my oldest a new baseball bat for his birthday and my middle kid is the proud new owner of some catchers gear.  I picked it all up at Baseball Rampage, which had by far the best selection of any site I could find out on the web.

Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays-

Series Keys-

1- Boston Health- I picked against Boston in the 1st rd mainly over health concerns. Mike Lowell is out, Josh Beckett looks about 50% and JD Drew looks about 75%. Is that enough to defeat the best team in the AL East? 

2- Set-up vs Closer- Tampa has a great 7-8th inning tandem in RH Grant Balfour(6-2,1.54,14 holds,4 saves,82 Ks in 58 1/3 innings) and LH J.P. Howell(6-1,2.22,14 holds,3 saves, 92 Ks in 89 1/3 innings) and a back up closer in RH Dan Wheeler(5-6,13 saves,26 holds,5 blown saves)  with veteran Troy Percival injured off and on all season. Red Sox set up unit of RH Manny Delcarmen(1-2,3.27,18 holds),Justin Masterson(6-5,3.16) and LH Hideki Okajima(3-2,2.61,23 holds) is good but not on that level. However, they feature an elite closer in RH Jonathan Papelbon(5-4,2.34,41 saves with 5 blown). What wins out? 

3- Team D- Both clubs have excellent fielding units, particularily Tampa with 1b Carlos Pena and SS Jason Bartlett among the elite in the game. Boston’s OF D is among the best since the late 7os units of Yaz, Lynn and Evans. C Jason Varitek could make you an effective ML pitcher. 

4- Hate- These teams do not like each other! Incidents going back 7-8 years culminated with the ugly June bench clearing brawl featuring Boston’s Coco Crisp and Rays LH James Shields. 

5-  Vets vs Kids- 7 of the 9 starters on Boston are returning from the World Championship 2007 club. Only SS Jed Lowrie and LF Jason Bay are new. Rays bench players Eric Hinske and Cliff Floyd have won but this Tampa club is new to this level of competition.

Wild card Players-

Boston has 2- Knuckleballing veteran Tim Wakefield owned the Rays till this season(0-2,5.87 in 3 starts and 15 1/3 innings) and either Mark Kotsay or Sean Casey must play at 1b with Lowell out. Those are big shoes to fill. Tampa’s hidden gem is the best player on their team- LF Carl Crawford(who missed 50+ games).

The Pick-

Los Angeles was the best team in the majors all season and Boston beat them. Tampa is a nice story but they will lose in 6.

Boston Red Sox vs Los Angeles Angels-

Boston Red Sox

Strengths-Balanced team, good all around with a good mix of youth and veterans…. Best right side of the infield in the AL in 2b Dustin Pedroia and 1b Kevin Youkilis…Great manager for this club in Tito Francona… Premier top 3 of the rotation as well as excellent 8th and 9th combo in Hideki Okajima and closer Jonathan Papelbon…. very good defense.. team works counts and draws walks… underrated bench and team speed

Weaknesses- Health issues with 4 starts in sp Josh Beckett, RF JD Drew and 3b Mike Lowell as well as the season long wrist issues with DH David Ortiz…. not very strong in the 6th and 7th innings of the pen…. tough year for C and Captain Jason Varitek

Los Angeles Angels-

Strengths- Balanced team, ala the Red Sox…. 4 good SPs and an excellent pen led by single season saves leader Francisco Rodriquez.. Good lineup with a mix of power and speed… Excellent manager in Mike Scioscia… Handled the Sox this season going 8-1 and outscoring Boston 42-17 in their last 6 games.. Great defensive CF in Torii Hunter

Weaknesses- Older OF that has had health issues with Vlad Guerrero and Gary Matthews missing time… Have not had success vs the Red Sox in postseason

Store this away… Papelbon has had 11 scoreless appearances vs the Angels and their current team is 1 for 35 vs him

Pick

Los Angeles– Best team in AL all season and an injured,beaten up Boston club will lose in 5

Chicago White Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays

CWS-

Strengths-Excellent team power…veteran team with a World series champion manager in Ozzie Guillen… Good SP and strong pen led by closer Bobby Jenks…. excellent catcher in A.J. Pierzynski

Weaknesses-Pitching is not set with late season run….slow, station to station slow pitch softball type team… not strong at 2b and SS

Tampa Bay Rays-

Strong-Very good starting pitching…. deep set up core in the pen… Good team speed and D… excellent corners in 1b Carlos Pena and 3b Evan Longoria… Manager of the year in Joe Maddon

Weaknesses-Closer spot in question with veteran Troy Percival breaking down.. average team power.. health of star LF Carl Crawford an issue… No success vs LH John Danks(4 runs in 19 1/3 innings over 3 starts)

Store this away-CWS hit 12 homers vs the Rays but TB pitchers also held them to 3 runs or fewer in 5 of 10 games.

Pick-TB- They are rested and set to go. Tough 5 game series win for the Rays.

Game 162 Recap-

CF Vernon Wells went 4 for 4 with 2 home runs and 5 rbi to lead the Toronto Blue Jays to a 10-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles Sunday at Camden Yards.Promising Jays RH Jesse Litsch(13-9,3.58) was outstanding, going 7 innings while allowing 3 hits and 1 run. He K-ed 5 and walked 1, using 106 pitches in his outing. He closed September with a 4-1 record.

Wells homered in the 2nd(solo) and 5th(3 run shot) while adding an rbi single in the 3rd to cap his big day. The Jays banged out 15 hits with SS Marco Scutaro adding 3.2b Joe Inglett scored 3 runs out of the leadoff spot, while 3b Scott Rolen and C Greg Zaun added 2 hits a apiece.

Baltimore’s 2nd half was about injuries and the team really had a problem at times finding pitchers to throw games. They lost 30 of 35 and all 12 series since August 17th. “The last six weeks were less than what we expect and what we want,” manager Dave Trembley said.The win total of 68 is the fewest since 2002.

RH Jeremy Guthrie(10-12,3.63)  returned from a shoulder injury that kept him out for almost a month.  He went 4 innings and allowed 3 runs on 6 hits. Guthrie said, “I felt pretty good. I was able to locate the fastball much better than I was the past couple of days. The breaking stuff was much better. I gave up a home run on the curveball, but I was pretty happy with the curveballs I threw.” His manager saw a shining light in this performance.”Well, on a positive note, it’s good that Guthrie is healthy. So we can leave and know that,” Trembley said.

Star of the Game-

Wells-Although he wishes his team was still playing, “It’s a good way to finish. Unfortunately, we’re finishing too early,” he said. “You live and you learn, and you try to get better for next year.”

Orioles Notes-

Aubrey Huff was named team MVP pregame…RF Nick Markakis had 3 hits…. Team closed at 5-20 on Sundays

please follow the team at mlb.com or at orioles.com. Back Sunday night….

Please follow the team at mlb.com or at orioles.com. Hopefully back with a column Thursday night.

Please follow today’s doubleheader at mlb.com or orioles.com. Column back Wednesday….

Game 155 Recap-

The playoff bound Tampa Rays needed only 3 hits to defeat the Baltimore Orioles 4-2 Monday night at Camden Yards.  The opportunistic Rays bats managed to drive in 3 runs with 2 of those hits and got strong pitching all around. The win,combined with a Boston loss, reduced the Rays AL East magic number to 4. Baltimore lost their 6th straight game.

Orioles rookie RH Brian Bass(3-4,5.08) pitched well but hit a wall in the 5th. He allowed no hits in 4 2/3 innings and K-ed 5 but walked 4. He was gassed after walking the bases full in the inning, RH Randor Bierd(0-2,4.75) entered and allowed a 2 run single to 2b Akinori Iwamura for a 2-0 Tampa lead. The Os answered with 2 run of their own vs rookie phenom David Price(1st ML start,2.38 era in 11 1/3 innings)with a bases loaded walk to SS Juan Castro and 2b Brian Roberts sacrifice fly.

Tampa again was able to make the Orioles pay for walks when they took the game with a 7th inning rally. Bartlett’s ground rule double off of rookie rh Rocky Cherry(0-3,4.86)  broke the tie and the 2nd bases loaded walk of the game(slugging 1b Carlos Pena) plated another run. The vastly improved Rays pen took over and collected 4 Ks over the last 2 innings of the game, as power arms LH J.P. Howell(2.26,14th hold) and RH Dan Wheeler(3.22,12th save) shut the game down.

Star of the Game-

Rays team- Unbelievable turnaround season, hope for Os fans?

Orioles Notes-

3b Melvin Mora missed the contest with a hamstring problem and might have played his last game in 08, according to Manager Dave Trembley… Team is 3-12 vs Tampa…C Ramon Hernandez had 2 hits

Oops…

Trembley was not pleased with rookie 1b Oscar Salazar, who was caught asleep in the 6th and doubled off on a rather routine fly ball. “To me, that’s a total mental breakdown on his part,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “To be honest with you, that’s embarrassing to me and the club and the people watching the game. I’m just saying, it’s not right.”

Next Game-

Tuesday, Double Header

Game #1-5:05

Orioles LH Garrett Olson(9-9,6.75) vs Rays RH James Shields(13-8,3.61)

Game #2-8:35

Baltimore RH Alfredo Simon(No record, 8.10 era over 3 1/3 ML innings) vs. Tampa RH Mitch Talbot(12.00 over 3 ML innings)

Game 154 Recap-

The New York Yankees won the last game ever at Yankee Stadium, 7-3 over the Baltimore Orioles Sunday night in the Bronx. Veteran lh Andy Pettitte(14-14,4.54) pitched 5 innings for the win while CF Johnny Damon hit a 3 run homer and C Jose Molina added a 2 run shot.

Rookie lh Chris Waters(3-4,5.06) battled for 5 2/3 innings, allowing 6 hits and 5 earned runs with 2 Ks and 4 walks. The two homers were big culprits, accounting for all 5 runs. The Yankees added rbis vs the Orioles pen with 1b Jason Giambi(single) and 2b Robinson Cano(sac fly) doing the damage.

The Orioles tried to put a damper on the festivities with an early 2-0 lead as LF Jay Payton and 3b Melvin Mora drove in runs in the 2nd and 3rd inning. After Damon’s homer made it 3-2 New York, 2b Brian Roberts singled in a run to tie the game in the 4th. Molina’s shot in the 4th proved to be the game winner and put the Yankees up 5-3.

The celebration of the stadium was incredible, as veterans ranging from Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra of the 50s and 60s, Mr October Reggie Jackson from the Bronx Zoo 70s clubs  to 90s star CF Bernie Williams returned. Yankees captain Derek Jeter spoke to the crowd post game as well.” Take the memories from this stadium, add it to the new memories that come with the new Yankee Stadium and continue to pass them on from generation to generation,” Jeter said. “We just want to take this moment to salute you, the greatest fans in the world.”

Something to think about-

Orioles young players got exposed to this circus atmosphere plus saw a historic event. Good experience for the kids. Their leader summed it up. “It was kind of like the seventh game of the World Series, the Super Bowl, the Mardi Gras. It was everything rolled into one,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said.

Star of the Game-

The Stadium- As a Red Sox and Mets fan, I hate this team. But give them their due, put on a good show. My favorite Stadium Moment… 2004 ALCS Game 7… no further explanation needed.

On 2nd thought… YANKEES LOSE!!! YANKEES LOSE!!!!! DAAAAAAA!!!!

Orioles Notes-

CF Adam Jones had 2 hits…Juan Castro started at SS… C Ramon Hernandez became Pettitte’s 200o strike out in the 2nd inning

Next Game-

Monday,7:05 start 4 game series vs the Tampa Rays

Orioles rh Brian Bass(3-4,5.15) vs. Rays lh David Price(3.00 in 6 ML innings)

Game 153 Recap-

2b Robinson Cano’s rbi single scored rookie Brett Gardner to end a pitcher battle and give the New York Yankees a 1-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. Starting pitchers Brian Burres(Orioles) and rookie rh Alfredo Aceves(Yankees) pitched brilliantly and allowed a combined 8 hits over 13 innings. The clubs combined for two extra base hits(1 for each team) and the game was fast moving.

Burres(7-9,5.98), who has pitched well in 5 September games(4.91 era  over 11 innings), battled hard for 7 innings, allowing 3 hits and striking out 2. His mound counterpart Aceves was equally effective. Over his 6 innings, he gave up 5 hits with 3 walks and 3 punch outs. Both will be strong candidates for rotation spots in 2009.

The lone run of the game scored after rookie rh Jim Miller(0-2,1.17) hit Yankee Captain Derek Jeter in the hand.(no injury, likely to play in tonight’s Yankee Stadium finale) Pinch runner Gardner stole 2nn and the Orioles walked the next batter. Alex Rodriquez then hit into a fielders choice and Balitmore manager Dave Trembley summoned LH specialist Jamie Walker(1-2,5.92). He struck out Jason Giambi and again, the Os walked a  batter to set up forces at all bases. Unfortunately, Cano singled to center for the decisive run.

Star of the Game-

Both pitching staffs- 1 run in an AL game is incredible

Orioles Notes-

Guillermo Quiroz drew the start at C and was 0 for 2 with a walk…Rookie Oscar Salazar Dh-ed and had 2 of the teams 6 hits… RHP Dennis Sarfate will have surgery this week on his fractured right clavicle and should be fine for 2009… 2b Brian Roberts reached base 3 times with a double and 2 walks

Next Game-

Sunday, Series finale, last game at Yankee Stadium

8:05

Orioles LH Chris Waters(3-3,4.75) vs Yankees RH Andy Pettite( 13-14,4.57)

Game 152 Recap-

Rookie CF Brett Gardner made 2 big defensive plays and drove in a run, helping the New York Yankees defeat the Baltimore Orioles,3-2 Friday Night at Yankee Stadium. 2b Robinson Cano homered for the winners and LH Carl Pavano(4-1,4.99) earned the victory with 5 solid innings. Orioles RH Radhames Liz(6-6, 6.69)  pitched 6 1/3 strong innings and was the hard luck loser.The loss was the 23rd in 30 for Baltimore.

Gardner robbed Luke Scott of extra bases with a grab against the wall in center during the 4th inning, It appeared to be a possible home run.  The rookie also threw out Nick Markakis at home in the 2nd to save another run. He topped his night with a rbi double in the 3rd .

The Orioles had some early success with runs in the 1st(Aubrey Huff rbi single) and 2nd(Lou Montanez sac fly) inning. However, Pavano settled down with 6 hits allowed,  2 runs allowed  with 2 Ks and a walk. However, the Yankees bullpen was outstanding as 5 relievers combined to allow 2 hits over 4 innings while K-ing 7.

Liz pitched very well and was done in by a wild pitch in the 5th to break a 2-2 tie. His final stat line: 6 1/3 innings, 8 hits and 3 runs with 1 K and 3 walks. “I felt like I made some good pitches in tough situations,” Liz said through a translator. However, the youngster was done in by the Yankees pitching and defense. Captain Derek Jeter erased a Orioles 9th inning rally with a strong throw for the the outfield on a ground out.  “It really came down to pitching and defense,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “Gardner had a great game in center field and Derek made a great play there in the ninth.”

Star of the Game-

Gardner- Starting CF in 2009?

Orioles Notes-

RH Daniel Cabrera officially had his season end as the club DL-ed him with elbow pain…3b Melvin Mora was back in the lineup after battling a reoccuring hamstring problem…Juan Castro was at SS and had a double in 3 ABs

Next Game-

1:05,Saturday, series continues at the Stadium vs the Yankees

Orioles LH Brian Burres(7-9,6.07) vs  Yankees RH Alfredo Aceves(1-0,1.50)

Game 151 Recap-

3b Jose Bautista homered in the 1st and Pinch hitter Greg Zaun’s 2 run double help support RH Jesse Litsch’s strong start, leading the Toronto Blue Jays over the Baltimore Orioles,3-2 Thursday night at Rogers Centre.  The Orioles have lost 9 series in a row and 19 of 22. They also are 2-17 in 1 run contests since June 18th, after going 18-10 in  previous games.

LH Garret Olson(9-9,6.75) got the start for the Os and pitched well. The loss was his 3rd in 4 starts, he was charged with 4 hits and 3 runs over 5 2/3 innings. This was a significant improvement over his last start vs Minnesota Sunday, when he did not get out of the 1st while allowing 6 runs. “I thought he was feeling for it early in the game but he settled down, he made some good pitches,” Baltimore Manager Dave Trembley said. “Obviously it was a big improvement from the last time he pitched.” Olson, for one, was not down post game. “It all comes down to those big pitches,” Olson  said. “I think we’re all capable of doing it but sometimes we just don’t get it done. Bottom line, if you make your pitch, more times than not you’re going to get out of that situation.”

Promising RH Jesse Litsch(12-8)  went 6 to earn his 3rd win in 4 starts, while allowing 4 hits and 2 runs with 6 Ks and 4 walks. He is 4-1 with 1.91 era in 7 starts since his recall from Triple A on August 14th. ” Ever since he’s come back up he’s thrown the ball a lot better, he’s used both sides of the plate,” Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said. “It seems he’s just getting better all the time.”

The 5 runs in this contest came after 3 swings. In the 1st inning, 3b Jose Bautista homered to left center for a 1-0 Jays lead. Litsch walked the bases loaded in the 5th and SS Alex Cintron singled in the two Orioles runs. The Jays pulled it out in the 6th after an infield hit and 1b Lyle Overbay’s single ran Olson. RH RP Jim Miller then threw a wild pitch to advance the runners. Zaun then hit his  2 run double down the right field corner for the 3-2 spread.  The outstanding Toronto bullpen took over and ex Oriole BJ Ryan earned his 31st save in the 9th.

Star of the Game-

Litsch- A Huge part of this pitching rich club, bright future

Orioles Notes-

RH Daniel Cabrera will not pitch again this season although an MRI on his injured elbow showed no further damage…RF Markakis  had his Al leading 16th assist… Luke Scott was back in LF and veteran Jay Payton was in CF

Next Game-

3 Game weekend series at New York, vs the Yankees

7:05 pm

Orioles RH Radhamez Liz(6-5,6.90) vs  RH Carl Pavano(3-1,5.26)

Game 150 Recap-

Travis Snider’s 8th inning sacrifice fly capped an amazing rally from 6-0 to defeat the Baltimore Orioles 8-7 Wednesday night at Rogers Centre. RF Alex Rios had a homer and 3 rbi while 3b Scott Rolen was 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, a triple, two runs and an rbi to lead the Jays attack. Aubrey Huff homered for the Os, while 2b Brian Roberts had 3 hits and 2 runs. Ex-Oriole BJ Ryan earned his 30th save.

The loss was the 18 in 23 for Baltimore and guaranteed a last place finish for the first time since 1988, “Nobody wants to be in last place,” third baseman Melvin Mora said. “Nobody wants to be a loser. It’s one thing we need to turn around next year.”Amazingly, Baltimore built a 6-0 lead over the first 4 1/2 innings, as 3b Melvin Mora(3 rbi) and Markakis had rbis, while Huff added a 2 run shot. However, The 2nd half has been a nightmare for Orioles fans and players as youth(not good to have lots of rookie pitchers in the American League!!!!) and injuries (to anyone who throws a ball in particular) have killed this team. The team had 14 hits and still lost. “It’s just a tough break,” manager Dave Trembley said. “You get that many hits and score that many runs and have that big of a lead and you don’t win the ballgame, that’s the tough part.”

RH Brian Bass(3-4,5.15) was great for 4 innings and then came apart in the 5th after being handed a 6-0 spread by the Os batters. RH Lance Cormier was in the game to give up a 2 run double to Rios, after Bass gave up rbi hits to Rolen, Snider and INF Marco Scutaro. The rookie offered no excuses post game.”As a starter you have to go out there and minimize damage or put up a zero after a huge inning like we had,” Bass said. “I didn’t do it and put the momentum right back in their dugout.” This was strange performance as the kid pitcher just flat lined and lost it all at once, like a knuckleballer.”Bass was throwing the ball real well,” Trembley said. “He was locating pitches down, getting ahead. After we scored the five, he went out and got stuck. He pitched up and he got hit.”

Toronto tied the game in the 6th and Rios homered to put the Jays ahead 7-6 in the 7th. However,PH Luke Scott singled home DH Oscar Salazar to tie the game at 7 in the 8th. That set the stage for young Snider’s heroics. Ryan capped the win with a 1-2-3 9th, hi-lighted by his K of C Ramon Hernandez to end the game.

Star of the Game-

Jays- Their season is over- although not mathematically- but to comeback from 6-0 in late September says a lot about the character of that club.

Orioles Notes-

RH Daniel Cabrera was sent back to Baltimore to have his elbow examined after he experienced elbow pain during his side session. He will not make his start this weekend vs the Yankees… Markakis, Mora and Huff all had 2 hits apiece… Juan Castro started at SS and was 1 for 3

Next Game-

Series finale vs the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Toronto

7:07

Baltimore LH Garrett Olson(9-8,6.84) vs Blue Jays RH Jesse Litsch(11-8,3.75)

Please follow the Os at mlb.com or at orioles.com. Due to a family emergency I have been away, back tonight with the Wed night game report….

Game 148 Recap-

The Baltimore Orioles used 5 home runs and 8 shutout innings from RH Radhames Liz(6-5,6.90) to defeat Minnesota Twins 7-3 Sunday afternoon at Camden Yards.  The 5 bombs tied a season high after the had hit 5 home runs in the past 6 games.

The Orioles used 5 home runs in the first  5 innings to build up a 7 run lead, with 4 of them coming off of rookie RH Nick Blackburn(10-9,3.89). RF Nick Markakis got it started with a 2 run homer in the 1st, with rookie 1b Oscar Salazar following with a two run bomb in the 2nd and solo shot in the 4th. LF Lou Montanez(4th) and Markakis(5th) capped the barrage with two more homers.

Liz was outstanding, over 8 innings, he allowed 5 hits with 4 ks and a walk. His control was outstanding(66 strikes over 109 pitches) and he also cited his mental game as key postgame.”I think I used my mind a little better, and my body,” Liz said. “I wasn’t trying to do too much, and let my emotion get to me with men on base.” Twins All star 1b Justin Morneau offered his assessment of the young Orioles hurler:”He’s got mid 90’s fastball, decent slider, pretty good split,” Morneau said. “He threw them all for strikes today, and that’s the key for him.”

Star of the Game-

The 3 rookies- Montanez,Salazar and Liz…. “It gives us something to be excited about for the future,” manager Dave Trembley said. “There are a lot of young guys who played and contributed, Radhames had a good game and we beat a good team. That’s got to give you some incentive for the rest of the season and also be a benchmark for what the possibilities are.”

Orioles Notes-

All star closer LH George Sherrill, back from a 3 week DL stint with shoulder inflamation, had a rough ninth(3 runs) and was pulled from rookie RH Jim Miller(final 2/3rds of the game). “George looked rusty,” Trembley said… 5 Os had 2 hits: 2b Brian Roberts, Markakis, 3b Aubrey Huff, Salazar and Montanez… Juan Castro started at SS, going 0 for 3

Next Game-

Team is off Monday, travel to Toronto for 3 game series vs the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre , starting Tuesday

please follow on mlb.com or orioles.com besides the unfortunate weather situation, I am at my buddies wedding!!! See you Sunday night….

Game 145 Recap-

The Baltimore Orioles got strong pitching from youngsters Brian Bass and Jim Miller, helping them defeat the Cleveland Indians 6-3 Thursday night at Camden Yards. This was the first game in a long time that the club won without scoring double figures.”I think it’s more the style we need to play in order for us to compete and to win and to be successful,” manager Dave Trembley said. “It’s probably as good a game as we’ve played in a while.”

RH Bass, obtained from Minnesota on September 5th, made his 1st ML statt and was solid, allowing 4 hits and 3 runs(1 earned) with 2 Ks and 3 walks. Rookie RH Miller earned his 1st ML save in the 9th. “The first time, yeah, it’s definitely a little bit more intense,” Miller said. “These guys, top to bottom in that lineup, if you make a mistake to one of them with two runners on, bam, it’s a tie ballgame.”

Offensively, the Os scored runs on a ground out and SS error(Both in the 5th inning) and another on Kevin Millar sacrifice fly.  Rookie OF Lou Montanez added an rbi double in the 3rd for the 1st Baltimore run. Cleveland starter Zach Jackson(0-3,5.63) was decent but paid for his mistakes over 6 innings. He allowed 8 hits and 5 runs(4 earned) with 2 Ks and 2 walks. Indians 3b Andy Marte’s rbi single in the 2nd opened the scoring. The Tribe’s other 2 runs crossed after a throwing error by Orioles RP Lance Cormier(2-3,4.08).

Star of the Game-

Orioles team- Results aside, team has played hard and tried for Trembley. Beat up and young pitching staff has hurt this team but effort is there and we see a pro product every night.

Orioles Notes-

Markakis had 2 hits to pace the team…. 3b Melvin Mora was back but not at 3rd. He was in the 3 hole but at DH and had a 2 run double …After a side throwing session Tuesday, look for closer George Sherrill(31 saves) to get activated Friday … Juan Castro played SS and was 1 for 4

Next Game-

Friday, start 3 game series vs the Minnesota Twins at Camden Yards

Orioles RH Daniel Cabrera(8-9,5.26) vs. Twins RH Scott Baker(8-4,3.66)

Game 144 Recap-

Scott Lewis(1-0) pitched 8 shut out innings in his ML debut, helping the Cleveland Indians defeat the Baltimore Orioles,7-1 Wednesday at Camden Yards.  Lewis used 96 pitches(67 strikes) to get the win, he struck out 3 and walked no one. The rookie did not seem to mind being yanked, “I can’t be disappointed about anything today,” he said. “I only pitched eight innings once before and that was a complete game loss.” The Orioles have lost 15 of 17.

Lewis is a great story(see Star of the Game) and had a great season in minors, going 8-4 with a 2.53 era during stops in double and triple A. ” I always stayed positive. You can’t get caught up in whether you are going to be hurt all of your career,” he said. “I always had a vision in the back of my head and it came true. It was better than I had hoped. … I never expected to do this well. I had hoped to get deep into the game and maybe only give up a few [runs]. I stayed pretty calm.”

Cleveland made young Lewis’ job easier by scoring early and often.  SS Jhonny Peralta(1st inning sac fly),2b Asdrubal Cabrera(4th inning 2 run double) and CF Grady Sizemore(sac fly in the 4th) had early rbis to make it 4-0 in by the 4th. C Kelly Shoppach supported his battery mate by hitting 2 solo homers in the 5th and 7th.

Orioles LH Chris Waters(2-3,5.73) did not pitch that poorly, he just picked the wrong night to throw! Over 5 2/3 innings, he allowed 9 hits and 5 runs with 6 Ks and 2 walks. RH Randor Bierd(0-2,3.66) allowed the final 2 Orioles runs to close the scoring.

Star of the Game-

Lewis- Great story having  missed almost 3 seasons with various arm injuries including elbow ligament replacement surgery .  His skipper was aware of his medical issues and talked about it post game. Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said, “We thought about taking him out after seven, but he coasted through the seventh effortlessly. We wanted to keep him under 100 pitches.”

Orioles Notes-

SS Alex Cintron had 2 of the Os 6 hits…. Ramon Hernandez was back at Cm while Oscar Salazar played 1B… 3b Melvin Mora tested his hamstring pregame and says he is about 70% and made himself available to pinchhit

Next Game-

Thursday, Series conclusion vs Indians at Camden Yards

7:05

Orioles RH Brian Bass(3-4,5.01) vs. Indians LH Zach Johnson(0-2,5.56)

Game 143 Recap-

LH Jeremy Sowers(3-8,5.60) pitched 8 innings of 4 hit ball while he backed by 12 hits, helping the Cleveland Indians defeat the Baltimore Orioles, 6-1 Tuesday night at Camden Yards. The Tribe scored single runs in the 1st,3rd,4th,5th,7th and 8th innings and never allowed the comeback kids from Baltimore to get back in the game.

Sowers was the difference in this game and finally  had a good performance vs the Orioles.(0-2,9.50 in four career appearances vs Baltimore). He gave up one run, walked one and struck out 7. He also conquered his struggles on the road(1-5,7.43 in 9 road starts) and was a happy camper post game, “I don’t think it really matters how you’ve been pitching. When you pitch well, you pitch well,” Sowers said. “I’m proud of it. It’s nice to be able to command all three pitches. That hasn’t happened too often.”

Orioles starter, rookie RH Radhames Liz(5-5) was competive but Sowers was better. In 4 2/3 innings, he allowed 8 hits and 4 runs(3 earned) with 5 Ks and 3 walks.  The control struggles jacked up his pitch count(102) contributing to his early shower. “Liz was improved. To his credit, he battled,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “He had [a lot of] baserunners in the first four innings, but he stayed away from the big inning. He was probably up more than he wanted to be.”. Back to back doubles by C Kelly Shoppach and 3b Andy Marte ended his night, “A couple of pitches, he probably wanted to have back,” Trembley said. “Otherwise, he left the game and still gave us a chance. But Sowers just pitched better.”

Star of the Game-

Sowers- Former #1 pick threw 96 pitchers(72 for strikes). His manager was pleased,”That’s the way you love to see Jeremy pitch. It goes back to what we’ve always talked about — being able to command his fastball, move it left to right on the plate, up and down,” Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said. “He did a pretty good job of strike one today; he worked ahead for the most part.”

Orioles Notes-

Team has been outscored 118-82 in the first inning… 6 Os had 1 hit apiece…Melvin Mora remains out with his left hamstring injury, which originally flared up on August 30th… Ramon Hernandez started at 1b and drove in the teams only run with a ground out in the 4th

Next Game-

Wednesday, Game 3 of 4 game set vs Cleveland at Camden Yards

Orioles LH Chris Waters(2-2,5.40) vs Indians LH Scott Lewis(ML debut)

Game 142 Recap-

The Baltimore Orioles used an seven-run sixth inning to  end a eight-game losing streak ,defeating the Cleveland Indians 14-3 Monday night at Camden Yards. DH Aubrey Huff,back from seeing his son born, hit a grand slam while CF Adam Jones added 4 rbi. LF Luke Scott and C Ramon Hernandez homered as well while LH Garret Olson(9-7) earned the win.

Cleveland jumped out to a 3-1 lead into the 4th, with Indians 2b  Asdrubal Cabrera drove in runs with seperate hits to lead the Tribe attack. Scott cut the lead in half with a solo shot in the 4th.  Cleveland RH Fausto Carmona(8-6,4.88) lost the game with one big inning as the Os exploded for the 7 runs. Rookie Oscar Salazar(2 run)  and Jones had rbi singles before Huff hit his granny off of RH Juan Rincon(5.88).

LH Garret Olson was solid for 6 innings, allowing 8 hits and 3 runs with 6 Ks and 3 walks. This was a marked improvement over his past 4 starts(0-2,11.81). ” My biggest focus tonight [was] not trying to press, just going out there and being myself the whole time,” Olson said. “Not trying to do too much, being aggressive and letting my defense play behind me. When you do that and you keep the team close as the game goes on, eventually the bats will start to come through. And sure enough, they did.”

Star of the Game-

Huff-  31 homers and 102 rbi from the 4 spot- and a team leader.  “We’ve been repetitive in saying he’s been a legitimate No. 4 hitter for us,” Manager Dave Trembley said. “He’s just been real good, especially with guys on base.”

Orioles Notes-

Team is 27-20 in series openers… Staff ace Jeremy Guthrie is scratched for the series with flu-like symptons… Rookie RH RP Jim Johnson will shut down for the season with a sore shoulder

Next Game-

Tuesday,7:05  Game 2 of 4 at Camden Yards vs the Cleveland Indians

Orioles RH Radhames Liz(5-4,7.91) vs Indians LH Jeremy Sowers(2-8,5.97)

Game 141 Recap-

Oakland A’s used 3 home runs and got 7 shutout innings from  rookie LH Greg Smith helping them defeat the Baltimore Orioles,5-1 Saturday at Camden Yards. The game was supposed to be part of a day-night doubleheader but Hurricane Hanna cost them the day session. “I’m just happy that we got the game in with the poor weather this morning,” A’s manager Bob Geren said. “To come out of here with a win, it’s a nice day for us. I’m happy that it cleared up and I’m happy that we took advantage of it.” DH Jack Cust(ex-Oriole) had 2 homers and 3 rbi while 3b Jack Hannahan also homered. Baltimore lost its 8th consecutive game and managed only 5 hits.

Smith(7-14,4.05) allowed only 3 hits but walked 5 and struck out 2. Ex-closer Huston Street(4.02) pitched then 8th and gave up the Os only run on a ground out by RF Nick Markakis after rookie LF Lou Montanez tripled.  Oakland rookie sensation rh Brad Ziegler(1-0,0.54) allowed a walk in the 9th but erased it with a quick double play.

Veteran Orioles RH Daniel Cabrera(8-9,5.26) did not have a strong outing and struggled mightly with his control. In 3 innings, he allowed 5 hits and 2 runs(1 on a Cust homer) but he walked 6(1 K).  Out of his 84 pitches, he threw 42 strikes. “It’s been bad for the whole team. It’s not just me,” Cabrera said after his shortest outing of the season. “It’s been bad for everybody here. Right now, we are not playing good baseball.”Cabrera set the tone early, in a negative way, by walking the first 3 batters.

Star of the Game-

Cust- 27 homers on the season, an OPS sensation for you stat geeks!

Orioles Notes-

Oscar Salazar started at 3b for the ailing Melvin Mora and had a hit.. 1b Kevin Millar had 2 hits to pace the club… RHs Lance Cormier(2 and 1/3 innings,4.21), Dennis Sarfate(1 inning,4.71) and Jim Miller(0.00) all pitched shutout relief stints

Next Game-

Team is off Sunday, start series vs Cleveland at Camden Yards Monday

Game 140 Recap-

The Oakland A’s punished the Baltimore Orioles bullpen for 8 runs in the decisive 8th, leading the way to a 11-2 victory Friday night at Mcafee stadium in Oakland. DH Rajai Davis’  grand slam highlighted the inning, while 1b Daric Barton had 3 walks and 2 runs. 3b Jack Hannahan added a hit, 2 runs, 2 walks and 2 rbi for the As. Rookie LH Dallas Braden(5-3,3.72) got the win with 5 good innings.

Orioles rooke LH Chris Water(2-2,5.40) did not pitch poorly- 5 1/3 innings, 5 hits, 3 runs with 3 walks and 2 Ks.  Baltimore totaled 6 hits and had 2 walks as well.  LF Lou Montanez had a run and rbi while 2b Brian Roberts drove in the other run.

This game turned in the 8th when Baltimore used 3 different pitchers who walked 6 batters- 4 with the bases loaded- and hit another batter.  RH Randor Bierd(3.69) then gave up Davis’ huge homer. The amazing part of this inning? Davis entered the game as  pinch runner for slow footed DH Jack Cust EARLIER in the inning. “To be honest with you, I’ve never seen an inning like that. Ever,” said Orioles manager Dave Trembley, who earlier in the day was told he would return for the 2009 season.

Star of the Game-

Davis- Grand slam huge blow in big inning

Orioles Notes-

Montanez led the Os with 2 hits… DH Aubrey Huff(.313,30,98) missed the contest to be with his wife, who had a baby boy Thursday… Hitting coach Terry Crowley sat out the game serving a suspension for his ejection vs the Red Sox Wednesday

Next Game-

Saturday,Game 2 of 3 game series

1:05

Orioles LH Garrett Olson(8-7,6.53) vs A’s LH Greg Smith(6-14,4.23)

Game 139 Recap-

The Boston Red Sox rallied from a 4-0 7th inning deficit to beat the Baltimore Orioles, 5-4 Wednesday afternoon at Fenway Park in Boston. CF Jacoby Ellsbury’s sacrifice bunt was thrown away by RH Jim Miller for the decisive run in the 9th. MVP candidate 2b Dustin Pedroia(3 for 4) started the comeback with a solo shot in the 7th while SS Alex Cora added 3 hits and the winning run.

The Orioles, depleted pitching wise to begin with, skipped staff ace RH Jeremy Guthrie(tired arm) and had to spot start RH Lance Cormier(2-3,4.37), his 1st start since  last September. Cormierwas great for 32 pitches and 3 innings, he allowed 2 hits and struck out 1. RH Dennis Sarfate(4-3,4.77) followed with his own 3 shutout innings, striking out 5 and one hit. If the Orioles relief corps(depleted with closer George Sherrill on the DL and set up man Jim Johnson also ailing) pitched well this was a win.

RH Daisuke Matsuzaka(16-2,2.88) started for Boston and gave a quality start. Over 6 innings, he touched 4 hits and 4 runs(3 earned) with 7 Ks and 4 walks. The Os scored a run in the first after 2b Brian Roberts led off with a double, he scored on an error. Baltimore scored 3 in the 4th. DH Luke Scott(rbi double), LF Lou Montanez(ground out) and C Guilermo Quiroz(rbi single) produced runs in the big inning.

After the homer by Pedroia, a bases loaded walk to Coco Crisp made it 4-2 in the 7th vs LH Jamie Walker(1-2,6.23). The game was tied in the 8th after 1b Mark Kotsay tripled to center off of rh Rocky Cherry(0-2,6.10). The Boston bullpen tandem of lh Javier Lopez(1 inning,2.75) and rookie rh Justin Masterson(2 innings, 5-4,3.24) pitched 3 strong innings to allow the comeback.

The Boston winning rally started with a single by Cora off of rookie rh Jim Miller(0-1,3.75). Crisp reached on a bunt single,advancing Cora to 2nd. Ellsbury’s bunt was misplayed by Miller and threw the ball into left field, missing 3b  3b Aubrey Huff.

Star of the Game-

Pedroia- 12 for 18 with 2 home runs and 7 rbi in 5 games in the cleanup hole, serious MVP candidate and the energizer bunny for the Red Sox

Orioles Notes-

Hitting coach Terry Crowley was ejected in the 9th inning for arguing balls and strikes…  Huff led the team with 2 hits… Alex Cintron started at SS

Next Game-

Team off Thursday, start 3 game series vs Oakland A’s at Camden Yards

7:05 Friday

Baltimore  LH Chris Waters(2-1,5.45) vs  Oakland LH Dallas Breaden(4-3,3.88)

Game 138 Recap-

The Baltimore Orioles ran into one of the hottest hitters in the game and paid, losing 14-2 to the Boston Red Sox Tuesday night at Fenway Park. Dustin Pedroia, the new cleanup hitter for Boston, had a double, homer(#16) and single with 5 rbis. He is hitting .600 over his past 7 games and is now leading the AL in batting at .330. Pedroia has been placed in the 4 hole with regulars 3b Mike Lowell and RF JD Drew on the DL and 1b-3b Kevin Youkilis beat up. “It was a quick move tonight,” Red Sox Manager Terry Francona said. “We put Petey in the four-hole and he just continues to get hits.” Baltimore has lost 10 of 11 and has major pitching issues.

The Night did not go well for Orioles starter RH Radhames Liz(5-4,7.91) as the patient and methodical Boston lineup made him work, labor and pay for mistakes. Over 3 1/3 innings, he allowed 9 hits and 9 runs with 3 walks and 2 Ks. The rookie’s poor performance continues the recent string of poor pitching overall. Over the last 5 games(all losses), Baltimore pitchers have walked 42 batters and allowed 55 runs.”You hope you get it out of your system,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “You’ve hit rock bottom and you would think that sooner or later it’s going to turn for you. That’s the only approach I think you can take.”

Every Boston starter posted a hit with Dh David Ortiz, Pedroia and CF Coco Crisp having 3. RF Mark Kotsay, C Jason Varitek and SS Alex Cora added 2 apiece. Rookie 3b Jed Lowrie had a big nightm, going 1 for 2 with 3 walks, 2 rbi and 3 runs. LH Jon Lester(13-5,3.37) continued his strong season with 5 innings of 1 run work.(99 pitches,6 hits, 4 walks and 5 Ks)

Star of the Game-

Pedroia and Ortiz- 3 and 4 hitters totals- 6 for 8, 9 rbi,3 runs

Orioles Notes-

C Ramon Hernandez had 2 hits and played some 1b late in the game…Rookie Oscar Salazar started at 3b and was 0 for 2 with 2 walks…CF Adam Jones was 0 for 4 with 1 walk in his 2nd game back from his DL stint

Next Game-

Wednesday,1:35, series conclusion at Fenway vs the World Champion Red Sox

Orioles RH Jeremy Guthrie(10-11,3.57) vs RH Daisuke Matsuzaka(16-2,2.82)

Day off for the Holiday- follow the Os on www.mlb, www.orioles.com or at espn.com.

Have a Happy and safe holiday and do not drink and drive… I want u back here to read my reports!

Game 136 Recap-

LH James Shields(12-8,) allowed one run over 7 innings and SS Jason Bartlett homered for the 1st time in over a year, helping the Tampa Rays beat the Baltimore Orioles,10-4 Sunday at Tropicana Field to complete a 3 game sweep. The win puts the Rays AL East division lead at 5 1/2 games and they finished the month at 21-8 for August, a team record for wins in a month. DH Rocco Baldelli was 3 for 3 and Bartlett 4 for 4.

LH Brian Burres(7-9,6.08) had another rough outing after getting recalled from Triple A for this start. In 5 innings, he allowed 9 hits and 7 runs while walking 4 and striking out the same number. LH Alberto Castillo(1-0,3.10) took over and had an interesting 6th inning, he hit the first two batters he faced then walked the next two!

Shields(12-8,3.66) , one of the more underrated pitchers in the game, allowed 6 hits and 1 run over 7. He walked 2 and struck out 1, using 101 pitches. He was focused on the big picture post game, the Pennant race! “This series was really good to go into September,” Shields said. “Our hitters are really on right now and our pitchers are pitching as good as ever. We’re really putting it together right now.”

This was not a good performance for the Os who have hit a rough patch here. The team scored 3 runs in the 8th(2 on an rbi double from LF Luke Scott) but has now dropped to 63-73 and a season-worst 10 games under .500, having lost 10 of 12. “We got flat-out beat,” Baltimore first baseman Kevin Millar said. Not a good omen going into Fenway Park to face the World Champion Boston Red Sox!

Star of the Game-

Orioles Manager Dave Trembley for telling it like it is post game: “In an understatement, not very pretty,” Trembley said. “Not real pleased, you’ve got to sit there and watch 180 pitches everyday. I’d rather have the fastball thrown over the plate and have people hit it instead of giving runs away like that. It will be addressed.” He promised a meeting with both the staff and Pitching coach Rick Kranitz before the Red Sox series.

Orioles Notes-

DL-ed CF Adam Jones will return from his foot injury and  play Monday… LHP Garrett Olson(8-6,6.38) will be recalled from Triple A Norfolk and pitch Monday’s game…3b Aubrey Huff and 2b Brian Roberts had 2 hits apiece

How bad was this series?

Rays 3 game series totals: 34 runs, 40 hits and 25 walks, 6 hit by pitches and twice drew four walks in a row… RH RPs Randor Bierd(2/3rds of an inning,3.64) & Jim Johnson(1 inning,2.23) did not allow runs in their appearances… Guillermo Quiroz started at C , giving Ramon Hernandez a day off

Next Game-

Monday,Start a 3 game series at Boston vs the Red Sox

7:05

Orioles LHP Garrett Olson(8-6,6.38)   vs. Red Sox RH Paul Byrd(9-11,4.55)

Game 135 Recap-

Rays DH Rocco Baldelli(2 for 3) doubled in the winning run in the 9th, helping the Tampa Rays defeat the Baltimore Orioles 10-9 at Tropicana Field in Florida. The hit spoiled a 9th inning game tying homer from RF Nick Markakis(4 for 5) and handed the Os their 9th loss in 11 contests. 3b Aubrey Huff had a homer(#30) and 3 rbi(98) while CF Jay Payton(HR) and C Ramon Hernandez had 2 hits apiece. Rays 3b Akinori Iwamura continued his big series with 3 hits, 1b Carlos Pena added 3 rbi and 3 runs.

Baldelli, a strong talent(2003 AL Rookie of the Year) who has battled a disorder that slows muscle recovery & causes fatigue, was done in many baseball insiders eyes with several legs injuries. “I didn’t think in spring training that I’d be part of anything like that,” said Baldelli, who was mobbed by teammates after his first career walk-off hit. “I wanted to, but I didn’t think it was a possibility. Sometimes you get things that you don’t expect. So it was nice.”

Orioles LH Chris Waters(2-1,5.45) had a rough outing, over 4 1/3 innings, he allowed 8 hits and 5 runs with 4 walks and 2 Ks. Waters, who grew up around an hour from Tampa in Lakeland, Florida, walked 4 straight to lead off the game.”Little bit of nervousness in my first game in my hometown,” Waters said. “Thirty people here to see me and I just let it overwhelm me.” Rays CF BJ Upton drove in 2 runs with a double in the 2nd and C Dioner Navarro rbi double in the 4th chased the hometown boy.

Rays RH Andy Sonnanstine(13-6,4.61) missed out on his 14th win and did not have a strong game. In 3 1/3 innings plus, he allowed 7 hits and 6 runs(5 earned) with 1 walk and 2 Ks while Huff and Payton touched him for homers. The game became a bullpen battle and Tampa’s was slightly better as ex Orioles Chad Bradford’s(2.19) inning and 2/3rds was huge. Rookie Rocky Cherry(0-2,4.66) took the loss and paid for a 1 out walk with the Baldelli double to left.

Star of the Game-
Baldelli- Great human interest story– imagine if this young man stays healthy how good this team could be… better yet, picture this club with a clean Josh Hamilton!

Orioles Notes-

Pitchers have allowed 18 walks and 24 runs in the last 2 games,”I think we’re making it a whole lot more difficult than we should,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said…Markakis(41) and Huff(42) are both over 40 doubles for the season… Lou Montanez started in LF and was 1 for 4

Next Game-

Sunday, series conclusion vs Rays in Tampa

Orioles LH Brian Burres(7-8,5.79) vs Rays LH James Shields(11-8,3.73)