Game 42 Recap-
The Baltimore Orioles jumped out to a an early 4-1 lead and continued their run of solid play in the early season, beating the Washington Nationals 6-5 Saturday night at Camden Yards. Rookie LH Brian Burres got his 4th win and was strong again, going 6 2/3 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs mixed in with 2 walks and 3 Ks. RF Nick Markakis and LF Jay Payton each hit 2 run homers to lead the offense.
Nationals starter, veteran LH Odalis Perez, pitched decent but the Orioles got to him early wit Markakis singling in a run in the 1st. After the Nats plated a run in the 2nd via a ground out, 3b Melvin Mora singled in another run and Markakis hit a 2 run shot for a 4-1 Baltimore lead. Payton homered in the 5th with a runner on to end Perez’ stat line at 5 innings pitched, 10 hits and 6 runs allowed with 2 walks and strike outs.
With Baltimore leading 6-2 in the 8th, the Nationals scored 3 runs off of 3 different Oriole relievers. 1b Aaron Boone drove in 2 with a single and another run scored on a wild pitch. Rookie RH Jim Johnson got the final out in the 8th with a k and set up LH closer George Sherrill in the 9th. Sherrill retired the side in order for his 17th save and the 4th win a row for the Orioles.
Star of the Game-
Markakis- 3 rbi, got the team started and had strong at bats all day
Orioles Notes-
Baltimore is 11-5 in 1 run games….. Burres has allowed 3 or fewer runs in 6 of 8 starts
Next Game-
Sunday-1:35- Camden Yards, Baltimore
Orioles RH Jeremy Guthrie(2-3) vs Nationals LH John Lannan(3-4)
