Earl Weaver Rules

Game 81 Recap-

New star Orioles closer LH George Sherrill’s(2-3,3.68) slump continued as the KC Royals tied the game with 2 outs and then won it in the 11th to beat Baltimore 6-5 at Camden Yards Monday night. After giving up a walk off 2 run shot Sunday, Sherrill, who has been the team MVP, blew his 5th save(26 converted) when his ex Mariner’s teammate Miguel Olivo homered to left center with 2 outs. The team the lost the game in the 11th.

His teammates quickly rose to his defense, “George Sherrill has done a great job for us,” first baseman Kevin Millar said. “The last two sliders, they’ve done a good job hitting the ball out, Belliard and Olivo. That’s just baseball.”

LH Brian Burres(6-5,5.09 era),making his 1st start since battling a stomach ailment on Jue 19th, went 5 strong while allowing 5 hits with 1 run allowed. He walked 3 while K-ing the same amount.Royals 3b Alex Gordon doubled in the games 1st run for a 1-0 KC lead in the 3rd. Ramon Hernandez homered off of red hot Royals starter, Zack Greinke(7-4,3.65) in the bottom of the inning to tie the game.

The Os erupted for 4 runs in the 5th to take a 5-1 lead. The rally featured rbi singles from Millar & RF Nick Markakis. SS Alex Cintron and DH Aubrey Huff also plated runs with doubles. KC scored 2 in the 6th with 2 rbi singles. OFJose Guillen,  who is having an amazing year at .281-13-61, got the Royals within 1 when he he was balked home.

Sherrill quickly got 2 outs in the 9th and Olivo, pinch hitting, took an 0-2 slider out of the park to tie the score and shock the fans at Camden Yards. The game stayed tied until the 11th as Guillen singled in a run to make it 6-5. RH Joakim Soria(0-1,1.25, 21 of 22 on saves) closed out the game striking out 2 of 3 to put another devastating loss on the improved Orioles.

Star of the Game-

Guillen- Game winnings single, 61 rbi on the year

Orioles Notes-

2b Brian Roberts & Cintron led the team with 2 hits…Rookie rh Jim Johnson pitched 1 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball, lowering his season era at 1.17… Cintron left the game with a left hamstring strain in the 7th, Jay Payton took his place

Next Game-

Tuesday,7:05 at Camden Yards

Orioles RH Radhames Liz(2-0,5.70) vs Royals RH Luke Hochevar(5-5,4.60)

Game 80 Recap-

Nationals INF Ronnie Belliard hit a 2 run walk off homer to propel Washington to a thrilling 3-2 win in 12 innings over the Baltimore Orioles Sunday afternoon at Nationals Park in DC.  The win came with 2 outs and the Os 1 stike away from a win(and taking 2 of 3 in the series).

“It’s too bad it ended up the way it did,”Orioles Manager Dave  Trembley said. “I thought our guys gave it everything they had. We were one pitch away from getting it done. It didn’t happen.”

Both teams got great starts from young pitchers, Os LH Jeremy Guthrie(4-7,3.50) continued to be snakebitten with luck but was outstanding over 7 with 4 hits  & 1 run allowed,(1st inning fielders choice) He struck out 4 with 3 walks.  Nationals RH Jason Bergmann(1-5,4.26) matched Guthrie. His lone mistake over 7 innings was a solo shot by LF Luke Scott(#14) tied the game at 1.

The game became a battle of the bullpens with the Orioles taking the lead in the 12th vs Luis Ayala and RH Joel Hanrahan.  CF Adam Jones singled in RF Nick Markakis to put them up 3-2. Closer George Sherrill got 2 quick outs and then a walk and the killer homerun to Belliard.

Star of the Game-

Belliard- I have a rule- walk offs win this award!

Orioles Notes-

Markakis & Scott led the team with 2 hits apiece….  Rookie reliever RH Jim Johnson pitched 2 innings to lower his ERA 1.20 over 45 innings

Store this Away-

Walk off or no walk off, Sherrill(2-3,3.03,26 saves, 4 blown) has been outstanding for this club. This team is in last place without him.  To get this talent as well as Jones and other prospects for injury prone Erik Bedard was a great move by this front office. The Mariners are in the sewer and this move is a big reason why.

Next Game-

Monday,7:05

Start a 3 game series with the Kansas City Royals at Camden Yards

Os LH Brian Burres(6-5,5.29) vs  Royals RH Zack Greinke(7-4,3.40)

Game 79 Recap-

The Baltimore Orioles used a 14 hit attack to beat the Washington Nationals,9-1 Saturday Night in DC. The game was delayed for an hour in the 6th with a strong rain storm passing through the region.The Os scored multiple runs in the 3rd thru 6th innings, scoring 7 runs(4 earned). C Ramon Hernandez(1 on) & LF Luke Scott(solo) hit home runs for Baltimore.

Rookie LH Garrett Olson(6-3,4.76) started for Baltimore and was outstanding. He pitched 5 innings(99 pitches) with 6  hits and 1 run, he added 5 Ks while walking 3. The Nationals lone run scored on a rbi basehit from CF Lastings Milledge in the 1st. Long man RH Lance Cormier(1st save,2.22) took over after the long rain delay and pitched 1 hit ball over 4 with 2 strikeouts and a walk.

Nationals LH John Lannan(4-9,3.54) started and was hit hard by the Baltimore bats. The Os plated 3 in the 3rd with SS Alex Cintron(triple) and  1b Aubrey Huff having rbi hits,another run scored on an error. Scott homered & starting pitcher LH Garrett Olson helped his cause with a sacrifice fly to make it 5-1. Hernandez followed with a 2 run shot in the 5th for  a 7-1 margin. RF Nick Markakis and 3b Melvin Mora added rbi singles in the 6th to close the scoring at 9-1.

Star of the Game-

The Baltimore pitchers-  Olson(4.76) & long man  Cormier(2.22)  allowed 10 baserunners all game and 1 run with 7 strikeouts.

Orioles Notes-

CF Adam Jones led the team with 4 hits, Cintron, Mora & Scott all had 2…. Milledge left the game in the top of the 3rd with an apparent groin injury

Next Game-

Sunday, 1:35 Nationals Park, Washington,DC

Orioles RH Jeremy Guthrie(4-7,3.64) vs Nationals RH Jason Bergmann(1-5,4.60)

Game 78 Recap-

The Washington Nationals  rode an enthusiastic sell out crowd and some clutch hitting to beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-2 Friday night in the opener of a 3 game interleague series.  35,380 fans packed the beautiful new $611 million Nationals Park and saw some good pitching with timely run producing hits by the hometeam.

“It was nice to see it,” Nationals manager Manny Acta said. “I got to give it to our fans. They knew what they were getting into — and the [rebuilding] plan that we’re into — and we’re still averaging 30,000 people at night. There are teams in the major leagues in first, second place drawing 20,000 or 15,000. Tonight was great. I could tell right after batting practice it was going to be a great crowd because of the Orioles fans here, too.”

The Nationals scored 2 runs in the 1st off of Os starter, RH Daniel Cabrera(5-4,4.53) on rbi singles from CF Lastings Milledge and C Jesus Flores. Veteran Nationals starter,LH Odalis Perez(2-5,3.87), was working on a short pitch count in his 1st start since missing almost a month with shoulder tendinitis. He pitched 4 shutout innings with 3 hits allowed while walking 3 and K-ing the same number.

Baltimore tied the game with a run in both the 5th and 6th vs the long relief of Washington. RP Steven Shell(1.80 era over 5 innings) allowed an rbi groundout from RF Nick Markakis in the 5th and recent call up SS Brian Fahey singled in CF Adam Jones in the 6th to square the score at 2.

Cabrera pitched well but the Nationals got to him in the 7th. After a leadoff walk, PH Kory Castro doubled home the tie breaking run. RF Elijah Dukes singled in Castro to make it 4-2. RHs Joel Hanrahan(4.38) & Luis Ayala(18th hold) pitched the 7th and 8th without any damage for the Nats. 6′11 closer RH Jon Rauch(2.23) pitched the 9th for this 16th save on the year.

Star of the Game-

Nationals team— This team does not have a lot of resources but play hard. Acta is among the top managers in the game and this team shows up.

Orioles Notes-

Game start was delayed by rain for 13 minutes….Baltimore has been outscored 57-34 in the 1st inning…Jones led the team with 3 hits…Bad news regarding RH Matt Albers(3-3,3.49). The MRI  on his injured throwing arm showed a torn labrum, he is taking some time to decide whether to rehabilitate with(2 months or more) or without surgery(8-9 months)

Next Game-

Saturday 7:10 PM Nationals Park

Os LH Garrett Olson(5-3,5.01) vs Nationals LH John Lannan(4-8,3.34)

Game 77 Recap-

The Baltimore Orioles became the 2nd team to win a series in Wrigley Field this season, taking 2 of 3 from the Cubs with the 11-4 Thursday afternoon.  The Os scored runs in innings 3 thru 6 and rookie sp rh Radhames Liz(2-0,5.70) led the pitchers with 5 innings of work, while allowing 4 hits and 2 earned runs. He walked 4 and K-ed the same number vs a very tough lineup.

“I thought today the attitude of the club was, we’re going to go out and score a bunch of runs,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. Cubs starter,  RH Jason Marquis (6-4,4.96) bor the brunt of that attitude, being hit hard and often. Over his 4 innings, he gave up 7 hits and runs while walking and striking out 3. Baltimore took control of the game during  a 5 run 3rd, hilighted by 3b Aubrey Huff’s 2 run double and LF Jay Payton plated 2 with a single.

The Os all hit Thursday and the 11 runs showed it.  2b Brian Roberts had 2 hits and scored twice. RF Nick Markakis had a big day but only 1 hit. His stat line? Double, 2 runs, 2 rbi & 2 walks. Payton had 3 rbi with 2 hits. Backup C Guillermo Quiroz contributed 3 hits with a run and 2 rbi plus a walk. Cubs rookie OF Eric Patterson had a 2 run double to lead the Chicago attack.

Star of the Game-

Huff- 4 for 5 with 3 runs, 3 doubles and 2 rbi

Orioles Notes-

Team is 10-5 vs the NL and 14-9 for the month of June…RH Matt Albers was placed on the DL with shoulder inflammation,  RH Fernando Cabrera was recalled for Triple A…Huff’s 4 hits led the team and also set a career high… LH SP Brian Burres(6-5,5.29) pitched an inning of relief after missing his start Wednesday with an illness

Next Game-

Friday start a 3 game series vs the Washington Nationals

7:05 Nationals Park

Orioles RH Daniel Cabrera(5-3,4.46) vs Nationals LH Odalis Perez(2-5,4.09)

Game 76 Recap-

The Chicago Cubs jumped on Baltimore spot starter RH Matt Albers(3-3,3.49) for 4 early runs and that was more than enough as they posted a 7-4 victory.Albers took the ball because scheduled starter, LH Brian Burres(6-5,5.24) was scratched pre game due to a stomach ailment. Rookie C Geovany Soto had 3 rbi and early season acquisition CF Jim Edmonds homered for the Cubs.

Chicago starter, LH Ted Lilly(8-5,4.74) pitched a strong 7 innings, allowing 5 hits & 4 runs with 2 walks and 4 Ks. His only mistakes occured when CF Jay Payton came to the plate, as the platoon player took him deep twice with a runner on. The Cubs scored 4 big runs in the 1st on 3 rbi hits from 3b Aramis Ramirez, Soto(2 run) and RF Mark DeRosa.

In the Os 2nd, Payton hit his 1st homer with C Ramon Hernandez aboard. Edmonds and Soto answered in the bottom of the inning with run producing hits. Payton’s 2nd homer in the 4th with LF Luke Scott aboard made it 6-4 Chicago, Edmonds rounded out the scoring with his solo homer in the home 4th. The power trio of RH Carlos Marmol(21st hold, 2.93) & closer Kerry Wood(20th save,2.50) finished the final 6 outs with 5 Ks and 1 hit allowed!

Star of the Game-

Lilly- If he only did not have to face Jay Payton!

Orioles Notes-

Albers left the game himself after getting 1 out with shoulder pain….Payton and Scott had 2 hits apiece to pace the club which only totaled 6 hits…Hats off to long men RHs Lance Cormier(2.59) & Ryan Bukvich(4.91) for taking the ball and saving the pen with 5 2/3 innings of 3 run ball

Next Game-

Thursday,2:20 Wrigley Field

Baltimore RH Radhames Liz(1-0,6.27) vs Cubs RH Jason Marquis(6-3,4.43)

Game 75 Recap-

The Baltimore Orioles jumped out to a 7-1 lead and need it, winning 7-5 in an interleague series opener vs the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The win stopped the Cubs 14 game home winning streak and  saw history as Orioles 2b Brian Roberts reached 1000 hits.

Baltimore RH Jeremy Guthrie pitched great vs a very good lineup that has been hitting the heck out of the ball at home. The youngster won his 4th game(4-7,3.64) going 6 innings, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs with 1 walk and 2 ks. The team scored all of its runs in the 4th(2), 5th(2) & 6th(3). The big blows were from LF Luke Scott(2 run triple) & RF Nick Markakis(2 seperate rbi hits).

Cubs LH Sean Marshall(0-1,5.40) did not last 5 innings, over 4 2/3 he allowed 7 hits and 4 runs with 7 Ks and 1 walk. Rh Michael Wuertz(1-1,12.48) followed and gave up the final 3 runs.   Red hot CF Jim Edmonds(#6) had a 3 run shot in the 7th and super rook RF Kosuke Fukudome also added a solo shot.

Baltimore closer LH George Sherrill(2-2,3.09) allowed the Cubs to load the bases in the 9th but struck out the side for his 26th save. This man has a been a HUGE addition to the club and has the right approach for his job,”It makes it a little more stressful, but I don’t get nervous out there,” Sherrill said. “I get nervous when it’s someone else, not me.”

Star of the Game-

Roberts- Rumored to be a Cub for close to a year, had 3 big hits and was on base all game

Orioles Notes-

Roberts 3 hits led team, Markakis, Scott and C Ramon Hernandez added 2 apiece….Sherrill only trails LAA Angels closer Francisco Rodriquez(31) in saves.. Baltimore Manager Dave Trembley mentioned the team will look to upgrade at SS with Freddie Bynum released, Luis Hernandez struggling and  being demoted to the minors

Next Game-

Wednesday 8:05 Wrigley Field, Chicago

Orioles LH Brian Burres(6-5,5.24) vs Cubs LH Ted Lilly(7-5,4.71)

Game 74 Recap-

The Baltimore Orioles could not get the big hit and the Milwaukee Brewers got 4 , helping them win the  third game of this interleague series, 7-3 Sunday at Miller Park in Wisconsin.  The Brew crew had 4 home runs- 2 by 1b Prince Fielder, 1 each by 3b Bill Hall and red hot RF Corey Hart- while the Os could not plate take advantage of a wild Brewers pitching staff(10 walks- one scored) with Baltimore bats going 1 for 12 with runners in scoring postion and hitting into 5 double plays.

“It’s a crazy game,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “Things happen and there really isn’t any rhyme or reason to it as how it works out. It don’t figure.” Amazingly, the team still left 9 runners on base!

LH Manny Parra(7-2,4.29) was effectively wild, 5 innings, 5 hits, 3 runs with 6 walks and a K. Baltimore scored 2 runs in the 1st after RF Nick Markakis doubled for the 1st run & 1b Kevin Millar scored him on a groundout. Hart hit a 2 run shot to tie the game in the 2nd off of Os starter LH Garrett Olson(5-3,5.01). Olson battled for 5 IP, allowing 4 hits & 4 runs wit h 1 walk and 2 strikeouts.

Millar doubled in Markakis n the 5th to  make it 3-2 Baltimore. However, Hall homered and SS JJ Hardy singled  in another run to put the Brewers up for good 4-3. Fielder them homered in consecutive innings vs different pitchers(solo shot vs rookie Rick Bukvich in the 6th then a two run bomb vs LH Jamie Walker in the 7th) to cap the scoring at 7-3.

Star of the Game-

Fielder- 3 for 4, 2 homers, 3 runs and 3 rbi, hitting .341 with his 11 home runs in his last 36 games

Orioles Notes-

2b Brian Roberts has a 10 game hit streak after his 1st inning double… Team has lost 11 consecutive Sunday games….SS Freddie Bynum was designated for assignment, the team has 10 days to trade, release or send him to the minors. ML veteran Alex Cintron takes over at SS and RH RP Brian Bukvich was recalled to fill the roster spot…Team went homerless for the 1st time in 9 games…Pen gave up 3 runs ending a run of 16 2/3 scoreless innings

Next Game-

Team is off Monday, start a 3 game Inter-league series Tuesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago vs the Cubs— 8:05 start Tuesday & Wednesday 2:20 Thursday

Game 73 Update-

OF Corey Hart and RH Seth McCLung continued their strong June(3-1,2.55 era in the month) and helped the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 Saturday at Miller Park inWisconsin.

The Brewers scored a single run in the 1st via 1b Prince Fielder rbi groundout.  RF Corey Hart hit a 2 run shot in the 3rd for a 3-0 Milwaukee lead.  Os RH Daniel Cabrera battled and kept the team in the game, over 6 innings, he allowed 7 hits and 3 runs with a season high 8 strikeouts and 3 walks. McClung tired in the 7th and allowed a 2 run homer to PH Oscar Salazar for a 3-2 score. LH Brian Shouse(2.05 era) got the team thru the 8th and  closer Salomon Torres(2.30 era) pitched the 9th for his 11th save.

Star of the Game-

McClung-6 2/3 innings, 3 hits &2 runs with 6 Ks and 5 walks, only the Salazar homer dents his day

Orioles Notes-

C Ramon Hernandez is scheduled to have Sunday off… Salazar has 3 home runs in 35 ML at bats…RH Matt Albers pitched a scoreless  7th and 8th to lower his era to 2.77

Next Game-

Sunday 2:05 Miller Park, Milwaukee

Orioles LH Garrett Olson(5-2,4.80) vs Brewers LH Manny Parra(6-2,4.22)

Game 71 Recap-

The Baltimore Orioles hit 3 home runs and got solid starting pitching from rookie LH Brian Burres, helping them finish a 3 game sweep of the Houston Astros 7-5 Thursday at Camden Yards. SS Alex Cintron, C Ramon Hernandez & 1b Aubrey Huff all hit homers to lead the 11 hit Oriole attack. Burres won his 6th game on the season(6-5,5.24) going 5 2/3 innings while allowing 7 hits and 3 runs with 2 walks and 3 strike outs.

This was a huge series for the Os, they now go on the road for 3 3 game series vs NL clubs in the Brewers, Cubs and Nationals. “When you get a sweep, I don’t care if it’s easy, hard, indifferent or whatever, you’ll take it,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “It’s a positive occurrence around here. … So on we go to National League-style baseball for the next nine days and we’ll see what we got.”

Astros veteran starter, RH Shawn Chacon(2-3,5.04) had a rough night after being given a lead; Houston scored single runs in the 1st(1b Lance Berkman rbi single) & 2nd(HR by RF Hunter Pence). The Os started to peck away in the 3rd(Kevin Millar bases loaded walk) and 4th(Hernandez and Cintron homers) to take a 3-2 lead. Baltimore added 3 runs in the 6th via a Millar rbi double and OF Jay Payton’s 2 runs in single, quickly the spread was 6-2.

The teams exchanged homers in the 6th and 7th, as ex Oriole SS Miguel Tejada & Huff put one in the stands. The ‘Stros staged a mini rally in the 9th vs RH Dennis Sarfate but Os closer LH George Sherrill(2-2,3.31) kept the damage to a minimum and sealed the win at 7-5, thus earning his 24th save.

Star of the Game-

Orioles Notes-

Cintron lead the team with 3 hits, he might be in line for more playing time with rookie Freddie Bynum(.204) struggling….Os are 22-12 at home, 15-22 on the road
Next Game-

Friday, Start of a 3 game series at 8:05 vs the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park

Orioles RH Radhames Liz(1-0,4.32) vs Brewers RH Jeff Suppan(4-4, 3.68)

Game 70 Recap-

Veteran 1b and leader Kevin Millar singled in 3b Melvin Mora for the decisive run, helping the Baltimore Orioles beat the Houston Astros 2-1 in 10 innings Wednesday at Camden Yards in Maryland. In a game where both teams pitched great and played solid defense, each club plated runs on solo home runs in the 7th for the 1st 9 innings.

Os LH Jeremy Guthrie(3-7,3.51) continued his tough luck season with a great performance over 8 innings, only allowing 3 hits & 1 run with 8 Ks and 1 walk. Astros veteran RH Brian Moehler(3-3,4.35) worked into the 7th, going 6 1/3 innings, giving up 6 hits with 1 run plus 4 strikeouts and 2 walks. Each pitchers only mistake resulted in a solo shot as Os LF Luke Scott(#12) and Astros 1b Lance Berkman(#20) connected.

The Orioles winning rally in the 10th started with a ground out. 3b Melvin Mora then singled off of ‘Stros closer Jose Valverde(2-2,16 saves,3.71). As ex Os SS Miguel Tejada broke to cover for the steal, Aubrey Huff singled towards the hole and Mora took 3rd. Millar followed with a single to center, making a winner out of veteran RH Chad Bradford(2-2,2.25).

Baltimore has now played  4 consecutive 1 run games, winning 3. “It’s one of those things right now,” Millar said. “You don’t want to make a living doing that. We’re just going through a stage where every game’s a battle, every game’s a dogfight.”

Star of the Game-

Guthrie- Probably been the best starter on the Os, NEEDS SOME RUNS!!!!

Orioles Notes- 

CF Adam Jones led the team with 2 hits….2b Brian Roberts has hits in 14 of 15 games.. team allowed 5 base hits… Baltimore is 17-10 in 1 run games after going 13-31 in 2007

Next Game- 

Thursday at Camden Yards,7:05

Orioles LH Brian Burres(5-5,5.28) vs Astros RH Shawn Chacon(2-2,4.69)

Game 69 Recap-

The Comeback kids,aka the 2008 Baltimore Orioles, scored the last 3 runs of the game in the 7th & 8th to win the opener of a 3 game interleague series vs Houston Astros 6-5 Tuesday night at Camden Yards. RF Nick Markakis homered in the 7th for the 1st run and 3b Mevlin Mora doubled in the winning runs in the 8th for the final blow of the rally. Rookie RH RP Jim Johnson(2-2,1.1) pitched the 8th for the win(2 Ks) and closer LH George Sherrill(2-2,3.37) K-ed a batter in the 9th to help get his 23rd save.

Comebacks have become old hat for this club. It is almost expected! ” When Nick hit the home run,” manager Dave Trembley said, “that told me we were going to do it again.”

The clubs went after both starting pitchers early and they competed. Os starter, rookie LH Garrett Olson(5-2,4.80) gave up a run in the 1st via a ground out, he was chased in the after CF Michael Bourn(single) and 2b Kazuo Matsui(2 run double) drove in runs in the 5th. His final stat line? 4 2/3 innings, 6 hits, 4 earned runs with 4 strike outs and 1 walk.

Astros RH Brandon Backe(4-8.4.99) was effective over his 5 2/3 innings. Dh Aubrey Huff hit a 2 run homer in the 3rd and rookie SS Freddie Bynum singled in another run in the 4th for a 3-1 Baltimore lead. Houston scored the runs in the big 5th inning and LF Carlos Lee homered off of RH Matt Albers(3-2,2.96) to put the lead at 5-3 before the Os 7th and 8th inning heroics.

Star of the Game-

Lets go with the entire Os team- at the 69 game mark 35-34 and highly competitive. Many writers(including this one!) thought this team would be horrid. Great job by the players, front office and Manager Dave Trembley.

Orioles Notes-

Sherrill pitched great after complaining of a tired arm after Sunday’s game, apparently Monday’s day off did him wonderrs, “I think George turned it up a notch tonight,” Trembley said…. Markakis tied Luke Scott, Huff and Kevin Millar for the team lead with his 12th homer…Markakis, Huff,Ramon Hernandez and Adam Jones led the team with 2 hits apiece.
Next Game-

Wednesday-7:05 Camden Yards

Orioles RH Jeremy Guthrie(3-7,3.71) vs Astros RH Brian Moehler(3-3,4.76)

Where the team stands at 68 games-34-34,(19-12 at home) 8 games back in the AL East& trail the Wildcard by 5.5. 298 runs scored, 314 allowed

Game 68 Recap-

In the finale of an exciting and entertaining interleague series, the Pittsburgh Pirates came back after a back breaking game tying homer in the 9th to win in 10, 5-4 over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards in Maryland Sunday. The series had added luster with ceremonies and the like with the 1979 World Series “rematch” angle. In each game, the Pirates built large leads and the Os came back. Just fun baseball from two of the more improved teams in MLB .

Pirates Manager John Russell agreed, saying “I’ve never seen nothing like it, two teams keep coming back at each other,” Russell said. “It was an amazing series.”

The game featured solid performances from 2 good young starters in Pirates LH Paul Maholm(4-5,4.45) & Os RH Daniel Cabrera(5-2,4.45).Cabrera, who has shown drastic improvement in both performance and approach this year, was wild(5 walks) for one of the few times this season. He lasted 6 innings, allowed 6 hits and 4 runs with 2 strikeouts. Maholm matched and surpassed the talented Cabrera, over 6 innings, he allowed 4 hits and 2 runs with 3 walks and 4 Ks. He was hurt by 2 solo homers(5th by Guillermo Quiroz, 6th by 3b Aubrey Huff) among his 4 hits.

The Pirates,as we have seen throughout the series, built a 4-0 lead by the 5th inning. They plated 3 in the 3rd after CF Nate McLouth homered and RF Jason Michaels added a 2 run single. Hot 3b Jose Bautista singled in another run in the 4th. The game settled down with the pens pitching well.

Then the game became about two slumping closers, Pirates RH Matt Capps (2.88,16 saves but 2 blown saves this week including the Saturday night game in this series) and Orioles LH George Sherrill(3.48, 22 saves). Capps had two outs in the 9th then 2b Brian Roberts hit a shocking 2 run shot to tie the game. Sherrill, who also blew a save Saturday, allowed a walk and single then the decisive rbi single by 1b Adam Laroche.

“I guess it just shows you he’s human. It happens to the best of them,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said of Sherrill, whose ERA rose from 2.73 to 3.48 over the weekend.”I guess it just shows you he’s human. It happens to the best of them,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said of Sherrill, whose ERA rose from 2.73 to 3.48 over the weekend.

Capps then showed tremendous fortitude and courage, taking the ball in the 10th. He struck out 2 of the 3 batters he faced in the 10th and gave the club a huge lift as well as a win He clearly wanted the ball, “I wanted it. Whatever the situation. Whether it was still tied or we had scored 10 runs or one run like we did, I wanted it,” the right-hander said. He also expressed remorse for letting the win get away from deserving starter Maholm, “Obviously it would have been a whole lot better to have the game end in the ninth inning,” Capps said. “But I am what I am. I am who I am.”

Star of the Game-

Maholm- Pitched a great game vs a good hitting club and in a launching pad. Deserves more than 4 wins.

Orioles Notes-

3b Melvin Mora was out with a swollen left leg, Huff took his spot at 3b and regular 1b Kevin Millar went to DH with call up Oscar Salazar playing 1b. Mora pinch hit and flew out in the 7th…. RH RP Dennis Sarfate(3.38) missed the game tending to his family with his wife giving birth Sunday Morning

Next Game-

Monday the team is off—

Tuesday they start a 3 game inter-league series vs the Houston Astros at Camden Yards, all games at 7:05

Game 67 Recap-

The comeback kids,aka the Baltimore Orioles, rallied on 3 seperate occasions and won Saturday 8-7 vs the Pittsburgh Pirates at Camden Yards. The Pirates hit 3 home runs & could not hold 3 different leads at 2-1,5-4 and 7-6. Baltimore is now 15-9 in 1 run games after 13-31 over the same situation in 2007.

“For the guys to come back like they did — not once, not twice, but three times … that’s just incredible,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said.

This was an exciting back and forth game with no lead being safe. RF Xavier Nady homered in the 2nd for a 1-0 Pittsburgh lead. 2b Brian Roberts doubled in a run for the Os to tie in the 3rd. Pirates 2b Freddy Sanchez homered to left for a 2-1 score. Roberts answered in the 5th with another rbi double to square the game at 2-2. SS Alex Cintron hit a huge 2 run double to put the Orioles ahead 4-2 in the 6th. Pirates SP LH Zach Duke(4-4.4.00) was done after 6 , allowing 9 hits & 4 runs with 2 strikeouts.

Pittsburgh pecked away at Orioles SP,RH Radhames Liz(1-0,4.32) and chased the youngster in the 7th, over 6 1/3 innings he allowed 4 hits and 4 runs with a walk and 5 strikeouts. RH Matt Albers(3-2,2.91) recorded an out and then 3b Jose Bautista hit a 3 run homer to put the Pirates up 5-4. Unfortunately, LH John Grabow(4-2,2.43) gave it back with a 2 run shot by Orioles RF Nick Markakis in the 7th.

Baltimore led 7-6 going into the 9th and turned the game over to their new star closer LH George Sherrill(2-1,3.23,22 saves). 1b turned DH Adam Laroche shocked the crowd with a 2 run homer to retake the lead for the Pirates. Pirates closer Matt Capps(0-2,2.51,16 saves) immediately gave up a solo shot to fill in 3b Oscar Salazar. A walk and steal put the winning run at 2b and C Ramon Hernandez singled him in for a thrilling Orioles victory and tough Pirates defeat.

(Co-)Stars of the Game-
Markakis & Roberts- 4 hits, 2 runs & 4 rbi between 1& 2 hitters

Orioles Notes-

3b Melvin Mora was removed with a knee contusion in the 1st, Salazar replaced him at 3b… Team has doubles in 21 consecutive games…Roberts & CF Adam Jones led the team with 3 hits

Next Game-

Sunday, 1:35 at Camden Yards,Baltimore

Pirates LH Paul Maholm(4-5,4.55) vs Orioles RH Daniel Cabrera(5-2,4.35)

Game 66 Recap-

The Baltimore Orioles rallied from a 5 run deficit, scoring 7 runs over the last 4 innings, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-9 Friday Night at Camden Yards in a 3 game series opener. The home team was honoring the 1979 World Series runner ups(the teams played in the 79 series, Pirates winning in 7 at old Memorial Stadium in Baltimore) and had several key members of that club present including SP Scott McGregor, 3b Doug DeCinces & legendary manager Earl Weaver.

The Orioles scored a run on ground out by DH Aubrey Huff in the 1st off of Pirates SP, LH Phil( Dumatrait(Season-3-3,3.84-Game-5 IP, 5 hits,5 runs, 5 walks and 3 Ks). The Pirates responded with runs in 3 consecutive innings vs Os LH Brian Burres(5-5,5.28) starting with SS Jack Wilson’s rbi single in the 2nd. 1b Doug Mientkiewicz added an rbi single of his own in the 3rd for a 2-1 lead. After RF Jason Michaels hit a 3 run homer in the 4th, the spread was 6-1 and looking good for the boys from Pittsburgh.

The pesky Baltimore bats came to life gradually vs Dumatrait, scoring a single run in the 4th following a double by C Ramon Hernandez. The Os got 3 more in the 5th to close out the young lefty’s night on another rbi ground out by Huff and a HUGE 2 out single by hobbled 1b Kevin Millar to make it 6-5.

RH Franquelis Osoria took over and gave up the lead for good in the 6th vs the relentless Baltimore bats. 2b Brian Roberts and 3b Melvin Mora posted rbi singles for the 7-6 score. Burres was huge key here, after his early struggles, he battled and kept the team from blowing out the bullpen, lasting 6 innings, he allowed 8 hits, 6 runs with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts.

Pittsburgh LH Sean Burnett(7.53) allowed 2 tack on runs in the 7th(LF Luke Scott 11th homer) & 8th(Mora rbi single) to push the score to 9-6. Orioles rookie stud reliever rh Jim Johnson(10 holds, 1.24) 1-2-3 7th and 8th innings using only 21 pitches. LH closer George Sherrill got 3 outs for his 22nd save in the 9th.

Star of the Game-

Millar- 3 walks, hit & 2 rbi on a bad wheel

Orioles Notes-

Mora led the team with 3 hits… team has come back in 18 of their 33 wins…. Os wore the orange and white uniforms of the 1979 club…4th sellout of the season at Camden Yards

Next Game-

Saturday Night-7:05 Camden Yards

Pirates LH Zach Duke(4-4,4.10) vs Orioles RH Radhames Liz(1-0,3.48)

Game 65 Recap-

The Boston Red Sox used 3 home runs to produce 8 of their 9 runs, beating the Baltimore Orioles 9-2 Thursday night at Fenway Park. 3b Mike Lowell’s 5th inning grand slam was the key blow, 1b Kevin Youkilis(7th) & RF JD Drew(8th) each hit 2 run shots to aid the cause.

Orioles RH Jeremy Guthrie(3-7.3.71) was solid but made the big mistake to Lowell to dirty up his stat line. Over 4 2/3 innings, he allowed 7 hits and 5 runs with 5 BIG walks and 1 strikeout. Boston is a grind out, ,make you work offense & even without superstar DH David Ortiz in the lineup, they can jack up pitch counts. Guthrie threw 107 pitches and only 59 were strikes.

Boston LH Jon Lester(5-3,3.43) is not just a great human interest story(cancer survivor), he is pitching great. He went 7 innings, allowing 7 hits & 2 runs with 1 walk & 3 Ks. By comparison to Guthrie, he threw 69 strikes on 100 pitches. The Os got their runs in the 6th on 3 doubles in a row by 2b Brian Roberts, 1b Oscar Salazar & DH Aubrey Huff. Outside of this outburst, the Baltimore bats did not mount much offense.

Star of the Game-

Lowell- Grand slam was the big blow of the game and he was pitched to after Baltimore Manager Dave Trembley made the correct strategic play of walking future hall of famer Manny Ramirez to load the bases

Orioles Notes-

Team has gone 20 straight games with a double …1b Kevin Millar fouled a ball off of his left knee in the 2nd and was removed. The knee is bruised and will be day to day, the popular Millar said he will not on the DL. Post game X rays came back negative.. C Ramon Hernandez & DH Aubrey Huff led Baltimore with 2 hits

Next Game-

Friday,7:05 PM- Opener of 3 Game interleague series with the Pittsburgh Pirates

at Camden Yards, Maryland

Pirates LH Phil Dumatrait(3-3,3.44) vs LH Brian Burres(4-5,4.96)

Game 64 Recap

The Boston Red Sox used a big opening inning and another strong performance from comeback of the year candidate Bartolo Colon to beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-3 Thursday night at Fenway Park. The 1st place Red Sox jumped on Os rookie starter, LH Garrett Olson(5 1/3 innings,7 hits, 6 runs & 3 walks) for 5 runs in the bottom of the 1st and Baltimore never recovered.

“It’s a lot easier to pitch when you get five runs before people sit down in their seats,” Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said.

Red Hot Sox RF JD Drew(.517 with 5 home runs and 12 rbi in June) doubled in the 1st run then scored on a wild pitch for the opening 2 runs. Boston captain C Jason Varitek hit a long 3 run homer over the green monster in left for a 5-0 score. That was more than enough for Sox RH Bartolo Colon to earn his 4th win in 6 starts. Over 6 innings, the former 2005 AL CY Young winner allowed 5 hits & 1 run while walking 1 and striking out 7. LF Luke Scott touched the veteran with a solo shot in the 5th, Colon  closed his performance by striking out DH Aubrey Huff & 1b Kevin Millar in the 6th.

“He’s been tremendous for us,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “To get a guy you didn’t have when spring training started and all of a sudden he’s right in the middle of the rotation helping us win games, it’s been big.”

After 3b Mike Lowell hit a solo shot in the 8th, the Orioles staged a mini rally in the 9th. Veteran RH Mike Timlin(6.16) gave up 2 runs(1 earned) on 3 hits(rbi double by Millar) & an error by Red Sox 2b Dustin Pedroia plated the 2nd run.  All star closer Jonathan Papelbon(1.84 era) got 2b Brian Roberts to ground out for the final out and his 19th save.

Star of the Game- 

Colon- Huge for  a team with starting pitchers injured- Schilling, Dice K and Bucholz all down

Orioles Notes- 

RF Nick Markakis has hits in 12 of 13 games…. Huff & Scott both had 2 hits to lead the team… Red Sox moved game time for Thursday up to 6:05 so Boston fans could watch the Celtics NBA Finals game, as they did on Tuesday as well

Next Game- 

Thursday Night- 6:05 start- Fenway Park,Boston

Red Sox LH Jon Lester(4-3,3.50) vs  Orioles RH Jeremy Guthrie(3-6,3.40)

Game 63 Recap

The Baltimore Orioles won a battle of bullpens vs one of the better ones in the game, beating the Boston Red Sox 10-6 in the opener of a 3 game set at Fenway Park in Massachusetts. The only stat you need from this game is this-Red Sox relievers allowed 6 runs(5 earned) in 3 and the Orioles zero over 4. This was big for Baltimore, the World Champions have only lost 2 times in their last 17 home contests.

The game appeared to be set up to be a battle of young stud starters in Baltimore’s RH Daniel Cabrera(5-2,4.35) & Sox RH Josh Beckett(6-4,4.22) but both had average nights. Cabrera pitched 5 innings with 7 hits and 6 runs allowed while walking 4 & striking out 3. Beckett was bit better during his 6 frames, he allowed 8 hits & 4 hits, adding 3 strikeouts with 1 walk.

Baltimore led 4-1 after 2 innings, Boston scored in the 1st on a double play groundout. SS Freddie Bynum doubled home 2 runs in the 2nd and 2b Brian Roberts matched it for the 4 runs. Boston scored 2 runs on ground outs in the 3rd to cut the lead to 4-3. Cabera hit the wall in the 5th and he was touched for homers by two red hot Red Sox. RF JD Drew hit a two run shot and DH Manny Ramirez followed with a solo shot & a 6-4 Boston lead.

Beckett was done after 113 pitches in sweltering 90+ degree temperatures. In the 7th, Sox All Star set up man, Hideki Okajima(1-2,2.89 era) entered the game. This is a good match up for the Baltimore bats, however. The lefty has a 13.50 era vs the Orioles in 5 1/3 innings as opposed to the rest of MLB, he has allowed 1 earned run in 22 2/3 innings with an .40 era!!! DH Aubrey Huff drove in the first 2 runs with a double. 1b Kevin Millar put the Os ahead for good with a sacrifice fly.

The teams evened out and settled down in the 8th, however, Baltimore scored 3 more insurance runs in the 9th off of young Sox RH Craig Hansen(5.09) with C Ramon Hernandez( 2 rbi) & OF Jay Payton getting rbi. Boston went quietly versus Os closer George Sherrill in a rare non-save situation to cap this 10-6 win.

Star of the Game-

The Baltimore bullpen-RH Dennis Sarfate, LH Jaime Walker, RH Chad Bradford, RH Jim Johnson and Sherrill pitched 4 innings, allowing 1 hit with 1 walk and struck out 3.

Orioles Notes-

Team designated veteran RH SP Steve Trachsel for assignment. He was 2-5 with a 8.39 era in 10 games…Club wore black arm bands in memory of sports casting legend Jim McKay, part owner of the team…Huff led the team with 4 hits

Next Game-

Wednesday -7:05 Fenway Park, Boston

Orioles LH Garrett Olson(5-1,3.86) vs Red Sox RH Bartolo Colon(3-1,3.91)

Game 62 Recap-

The Blue Jays stars came out Sunday and helped the Blue Jays salvage the third game of the series,5-4, in Toronto. CF Vernon Wells had 3 hits including the decisive solo home run in the 6th & Jays ace Roy Halladay was his solid self(7 2/3 innings, 8 hits,4 runs allowed with 7 walks) to lead the home team.

Orioles RH SO Radhames Liz(3.48) pitched another solid game(5 IP,4 hits,2 runs with 3 walks &3 strikeouts). Offensively, the team was led by LF Luke Scott(2 homers,3 rbi) but the team only mustered 8 hits-total.

Toronto’s Wells got some support from C Rod Baragas(2 hits, run & rbi) and 2b Marco Scutaro.(hit,2 rbi). LH specialist Scott Downs(1.73) got a huge out to end the 8th and closer BJ Ryan earned his 13th save in the 9th.

Star of the Game-

Wells- Huge if his bat picks up, great,great player who is back from health issues.

Orioles Notes-

LHP Adam Loewen continues his rehab in the minors from a left elbow injury. When he is back with the big club, he wll pitch out of the pen…..2b Brian Roberts had 3 hits

Next Game-

Team off Monday- back Tuesday at Boston for a 3 game series

Game 61 Recap-

Orioles reserve outfielder Jay Payton had a huge game with 5 rbi to lead the way and help Baltimore beat the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2nd consecutive game, 9-5 at Rogers Center in Canada Saturday. Hard luck RH Jeremy Guthrie(3-6,3.40) finally got some help with the bats and pitched 7 strong to earn his 3rd win.(7 innings, 6 hits, 1 run and 6 strikeouts)

Baltimore’s hitters had a solid game plan vs talented Jays Sp, RH AJ Burnett(5-6,4.98- PATIENCE!!! “If you go after first or second pitches you’re playing right into his hands,” Orioles Manager Dave Trembley said. “You don’t really want to get two strikes on you because the guy has got devastating stuff. You just have to show a lot of patience with him, and you’ve got to be able to fight off good pitches with two strikes.”

With the game tied at 1 after each club scored in the opening frame,(Os RF Nick Markakis rbi singe & Jays OF Alexis Rios matching) Payton plated 2 runs with a single to make it 3-1. The big explosion followed in the 5th with Payton’s 3 run double starting the run, C Guillermo Quiroz followed with another double and it was quickly 7-1.  After another hit, Burnett was gone and his stat line( 4 1/3 innings,10 hits,8 runs,4 BB & 5 strike outs) was not pretty after another scored on a sacrifice fly.

1b Kevin Millar added a tack on run in the 6th via an rbi single. Veteran Baltimore RH Steve Trachsel(2-5,7.94) came on in mop up role in the 8th and escaped with no runs. He was pulled in the 9th after 2 runs scored(walks,errors did not help) and rh rp Dennis Sarfate(1-0,3.12)  finished the game but allowed the Jays two runs on outs for the final 9-5 tally.

Star of the Game- 

Payton- 5 rbi for one of the better 4th OFs in the game

Orioles Notes- 

SS Freddie Bynum’s 9th inning error was the teams first since May 31, spanning a 66 2/3 inning error less streak…LH SP Brian Burres(4-5,4.96) will get an extra day of rest before his next start, Friday vs Pittsburgh in Interleague play. He has 1 win in his last 8 starts…. Payton and Markakis each had 3 hits

Next Game- 

Sunday-Orioles go for 3 game sweep-1:07 Rogers Center,Toronto

Orioles RH Radhames Liz(1-0,3.38) vs Jays RH Roy Halladay(7-5,2.94)

Game 60 Recap-

The resilient Baltimore Orioles once again came back, rallying for a 6 run eighth inning, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5 Friday night at the Rogers Center. The Os, dominated all night by RH Shaun Marcum(5-3,2.52), punished the Jays relief corps and hit 3 homers in the 8th to hi-light the comeback, CF Adam Jones & 3b Melvin Mora hit 2 run homers and 1b Kevin Millar a solo shot.

Rookie LH Brian Burres(4-5,4.96) did not have his best game or stuff but he kept the damage to a minimum over his 4+ innings.(4 1/3 innings,5 hits, 3 runs with 3 walks and 1 strikeout) In the 2nd, Burres gave up rbi singles to C Rod Barajas and RF Brad Wilkerson. The Jays scored another run in the 3rd via a sacrifice fly by LF Kevin Mench. RH Lance Cormier worked the next 2 1/3 and allowed a run in the 6th on a sac fly from SS David Eckstein.

After Baltimore RH Dennis Sarfate(3-1,3.24) got an out to end the 7th, the Orioles rally was on. Marcum tired after 7 innings of 7 hit ball(1 run, 2 walks and 4 strike outs) and after allowing a double to 2b Brian Roberts to lead off the inning, he was gone. The Orioles destroyed LH Brian Tallet(1/3 innings,2 runs) and veteran ex Oriole RH Armando Benitez(2/3 innings,2 runs). RF Nick Markakis rbi single got the ball rolling and an error plus the 3 home runs made it 6-4 Orioles.

The Jays scored a run in the 8th vs veteran RH side-armer Chad Bradford(2.79 era) on this unusual combination:walk, bunt single,passed ball, ground out, 6-5 Baltimore. Orioles closer LH George Sherrill(1-1,2.93) struck out the 1st and last batters in the 9th for his 21 save in 23 chances.

Star of the Game-

How about the Erik Bedard twins? Jones and Sherrill came in that trade and have been big parts of this team. Game winning homer and a 21st save….. not a bad combo!

Orioles Notes-

Team is .500 at 30-30…. Club has 13 wins when trailing after 2 runs or more, tied for the most in the Majors(Philadelphia Phillies) … Markakis had 4 hits, Roberts and Millar 2

Next Game-

Saturday at Toronto

1:07

Orioles RH Jeremy Guthrie(2-6,3.58) vs Jays A.J. Burnett(5-5,4.32)

Game 59 Recap-

A day after he made a huge error to help lose a game, young Baltimore CF Adam Jones came back big time, hitting the game winning homer(#3) to help the Orioles beat the Minnesota Twins, 3-2 Thursday afternoon at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Jones, who slipped after making a catch in the OF,allowing the winning run to score , showed mental toughness and hit one out to left in the 7th for the decisive run.

Orioles rookie LH Garrett Olson(5-1,3.86 era) continues to be a huge story and was very strong. Over 6 1/3 innings, he allowed 8 hits and 2 runs with 1 walk and strike out. Twins starter RH Scott Baker also pitched well , going 5 innings with 5 hits and 2 runs allowed. He K-ed 3 and walked 1. Rookie RH Brian Bass(2-2,5.30) took over and gave up the homer to Jones in the 7th. The Orioles pen, a team strength, was great again tonight. RH Matt Albers(2.16) and Jim Johnson(1.35) pitched 2/3 and 1 inning of shutout ball. Closer George Sherill struck out 2 in the 9th for his 20th save in 22 chances.

Offensively, not much scoring. Twins C Mike Redmond(.289) doubled in a run in the 1st for a 1-0 lead. Orioles RF Nick Markakis homered(#10) with a runner on in the 3rd for a 2-1 score. Promising Twins 2b Alexi Castilla ’s 5th inning single tied the game at 2-2 setting the stage for Jones’ heroics.

Orioles Notes-

Jones and Markakis led the Baltimore bats with 2 hits a piece…..Manager Dave Trembley said the will see more of Alex Cintron in the field with SS rookie Freddie Bynum struggling at .212 with 2 rbi in 66 ABs

Next Game-
Start of a 3 game series at the Blue Jays

7:07 at Toronto, Rogers Centre

Orioles LH Brian Burres(4-5,4.87) vs Blue Jays RH Shaun Marcum(5-3,2.63)

Game 58 Recap-

Twins C Joe Mauer hit two balls very far and got great results, helping the Minnesota Twins beat the Baltimore Orioles 7-5 Wednesday Night at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Mauer’s first run producing swing was an unusual play, in the 5th he came to the plate with runners at 2nd and 3rd and the Twins down 5-2. He hit a fly ball to the warning track in centerfield and Adam Jones caught the ball making the score 5-3. However, he slipped on the relay throw allowing speed Twins CF Carlos Gomez to score all the way from 2nd for a huge run & a 5-4 score.

The Orioles jumped out to an early 3-0 lead with runs in the 1st two innings, in the 1st 3b Melvin Mora and 1b Kevin Millar each hit solo home runs. 2b Brian Roberts rbi single made it 3-0 in the 2nd. Minnesota scored 2 runs in the 2nd to get within a run at 3-2. Baltimore answered with 2 runs in the 4th vs Twins starter, LH Glen Perkins.(4 IP, 9 hits,5 runs(4 earned) with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts)

Mauer’s big 2 run sac fly got the Twins within a run in the 5th vs Orioles RH Daniel Cabrera(5-2,3.98), who did not have his best night and looked uncomfortable. “I just feel bad. Bad the whole way. I’m just not feeling like I need to be.”, Cabrera was quoted as saying postgame. His stat line was reflected that- 6 IP, 8 hits, 6 runs with 3 strike outs. He matched his season high in runs allowed (6 runs on April 2 vs Tampa) but should not diminish his breakthrough type season, both mentally and physically.

The Twins plated the winning runs in the 6th with a Triple by DH Jason  Kubel tying the game and OF Delmon Young driving him in on another sacrifice fly to make it 6-5.  Mauer homered off of LH Jamie Walker in the 7th for the final 7-5 spread. The Twins bullpen pitched great and elite closer RH Joe Nathan got a strike out and his 16th save in the ninth.

Star of the Game- 

Mauer- 2 hits plus a run and 3 rbi.  Coached a young pitcher thru some early uneasiness to save the pen.

Orioles Notes- 

Veteran Alex Cintron drew a start at SS and was 1 for 2 with a sacrifice….After a strong start Tuesday, RH Radhames Liz(1-0,3.38) will remain in the rotation with struggling veteran Steve Trachsel(2-5,8.15) pitching in long relief…LH Adam Loewen’s extended spring training session went well and he will throw a simulated game Saturday. Team plans to have him pitch in rehab assignments to test his left elbow, best case scenario has him back in late June

Next Game- 

Thursday, 1:10 Metrodome

Orioles LH Garrett Olson(4-1,4.03) vs Twins RH Scott Baker(2-0,4.09)

Game 57 Recap-

Recent Triple A recall Radhames Liz looked like a brand new man and helped the Baltimore Orioles win the opener of a three game series in Minnesota, beating the Twins 5-3. Liz, brought up Monday, was solid for 5 1/3 innings plus, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs with 1 walk and 4 strikeouts. In 2007, He pitched in 9 games with 4 starts over his 24 & 2/3 innings posting a 6.93 era.

The Baltimore bats made the youngsters life easier in the 2nd with some early run support, as 1b Kevin Millar homered and CF Adam Jones plated a run with a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0 off of Twins RH Kevin Slowey.(6 IP, 7 h,4 r, 2 strike outs) 2b Brian Roberts tripled in a run in the 5th and 3b Melvin Mora’s homer(6th) made it 4-0. 3 consecutive doubles (CF Carlos Gomez,2bAlexi Casilla, C Joe Mauer)in the 6th chased Liz but RH Matt Albers(2.20 era) ended the rally at 4-2.

Improving CF Jones singled in an insurance run for the Orioles in the 7th to get the lead back to 3 at 5-2. The Twins did not quit and SS Brendan Harris rbi single cut the deficit to 5-3. Baltimore super rookie RH Jim Johnson(1.39 era) pitches a strong 8th and closer LH George Sherrill struck out 1 in getting his 19th save in the 9th.

Star of the Game-

Liz- Nice story and adds to the young stable of Orioles pitchers

Orioles Notes-

Team broke up a nine game losing streak to Minnesota with tonight’s win…. club is 25-8 when scoring 4 runs or more…. In recalling Liz, team designated SS Luis Hernandez for assigment, also making it clear rookie Freddie Bynum is the everday starter at short…. LH SP Adam Loewen will throw an inning at extended spring training Wednesday, if things go well, he will go on a rehab assignment

Next Game-

Wednesday, 8:10 Metrodome

Orioles RH Daniel Cabrera(5-1,3.60) vs Twins LH Glen Perkins(2-2,3.90)

Game 56 Recap-

The Baltimore Orioles rallied versus one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball in the 8th to rally and beat the Boston Red Sox, 6-3 Monday night at Camden Yards. The Os posted 4 runs off of All Star LH Hideki Okajima and avoided a 4 game sweep with the win. The runs were the first allowed in 14 innings by the Boston bullpen.

The Orioles scored 2 runs in the 4th off of Boston veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield(3-4,4.50) via a rbi hits by DH Aubrey Huff(double) and 1b Kevin Millar(single). The Red Sox tied in the sixth vs Baltimore hard luck starter LH Jeremy Guthrie(2-6,3.58) with Manny Ramirez hitting his 3rd homer in as many games. C Kevin Cash produced the 2nd run with a double.

Promising Baltimore rookie RH Jim Johnson(1-2,1.44) was touched up for a run by 3b Mike Lowell in the 8th to make it 3-2. After 3 consecutive batters singled to start the 8th, Millar hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 3. After another out and walk, CF Adam Jones narrowly missed a grand slam with a drive to left to clear the bases and put the Os up 6-3. Orioles closer, LH George Sherill, struck out the 1st two Boston batters in the 9th, he then walked two and got Ramirez to fly out to right for a huge Orioles win and his 18th save.

Star of the Game-

Jones- Double cleared the bases and won the game

Orioles Notes-

Manager Dave Trembley was ejected for arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Alfonso Marquez….Baltimore prevented the first Boston sweep since September 2003… DH Aubrey Huff and LF Luke Scott each had 2 hits to lead the club… Guthrie is 0-3 with a 2.33 era over his last 4 starts

Next Game-

Start a 3 game series with the Twins in Minneapolis

Tuesday, 8:10 Metrodome, Minnesota

Orioles RH Radhames Liz(0-2,6.93) vs Twins RH Kevin Slowey(2-4,3.38)

Game 55 Recap-

The Boston Red Sox rode a 16 hit attack and another strong performance from bargain basement signing RH SP Bartolo Colon(3-0,3.50) to beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-4 Sunday at Camden Yards. Boston hit 3 home runs, including #501 career from LF Manny Ramirez(3 hits,3 rbi) .

LH SP Brian Buress(4-4,4.87) recent struggles continued in this game. Over 4 innings, he gave up 12 hits and 7 runs. Over his last two starts, his totals are 15 runs and 22 hits. The 2nd year player might be hitting a midseason type slump, his strikeout and walk number are low and a lot of early balls in counts are being put in play.

RH SP and new Red Sox reclamation project , ex CY Young Winner, Bartolo Colon, was strong again, going 6 with 7 hits allowed and 4 runs against. He walked 2 and struck out 5. 3 other Boston relievers pitched a single inning and did not allow another run. Baltimore DH Luke Scott was a bright spot, with 2 hits(2 run homer in 4th) plus 2 runs & rbi.

Star of the Game-

Colon- Now vital to Sox repeat hopes with injuries to Schilling, Dice K and Buchholz. Tremendous move by GM Theo Epstein

Orioles Notes-

Veteran RH Steve Trachsel pitched 5 innings in long relief and looked good, he allowed 4 hits and 2 earned runs(1 home run to RF JD Drew( with 3 walks….. Baltimore has lost 4 straight and 9 of 11

Next Game-

Game 4 of series vs Boston

Monday, 7:05 Camden Yards

Boston RH Tim Wakefield(3-4,4.70) vs Baltimore LH Jeremy Guthrie(2-6,3.64)