Game 35 Recap-
SP Daniel Cabrera continued his strong comeback season with one of his best starts of his career, helping the Baltimore Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 in the opener of a 4 game series at Kauffman Stadium in Missouri Thursday night. The 6′9 RH who led the ML in losses last year and is known for his wildness and temper, pitched a complete game for his third win(3-1, 3.54 era) allowing 3 hits and 1 run while walking one batter and struck out 7.
Cabrera got all the help he needed over the first 3 innings with the Baltimore offense touching up young KC RH Luke Hochevar for 4 runs. The promising rookie was not bad but after a run scored in the 1st on a wild pitch, RF Nick Markakis hit a 3 run homer on in the 3rd. Hochevar pitched well outside of the pitch to Markakis, over 7 innings, 5 hits, 4 runs while walking 2 and striking out 5. 3 KC relievers followed him and did not allow a run over 2 innings.
The story of the game was clearly Daniel Cabrera, He carries a 4-0 career record vs the Royals(Orioles are 7-0 in those games). However, his lifetime era over 714 2/3 innings is 4.89 but vs KC it is 2.25. Tonight’s complete game was his 2nd over his career, as he won 7-1 vs the NY Yankees on September 28,2006. This,however, appears to be a more composed and consistent Cabrera, as he does not have the walk fests and melt downs we have seen earlier in his career. Manager Dave Trembley said after the game,”This is the best I’ve seen him pitch.”
Star of the Game-
Cabrera- clearly, maybe the easiest selection of the season. Will garner serious all star consideration if this season continues.
Orioles Notes-
The Orioles first game in 8 that was not decided by 2 runs or fewer….SS Freddie Bynum got the start and was the only Oriole with 2 hits, out of the 9 spot, he scored on Markakis’ homer
Next Game-
Friday Night- 8:10-Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
Orioles RH Steve Trachsel(1-4) vs Royals RH Gil Meche(2-4)
