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)
