Game 98 Recap-
Orioles CF Adam Jones returned from a minor ankle injury and helped Baltimore defeat the Toronto Blue Jays,8-3 in the series opener Monday at Camden Yards. After tweaking his ankle in Saturday’s game, he was held out for precautionary reasons Sunday, Jones responded with 2 hits(2 run home run) and 2 runs, “He was determined to play tonight,” Baltimore Manager Trembley said of Jones. “He’s 22 years old. I think he’s got a great mind-set. Other than his ability and his tools and everything, the guy’s got his head on right.”
RH Radhames Liz (4-2,7.19) was solid over 5 2/3 innings, he allowed 5 hits & 3 runs with 6 walks and 4 Ks. He gave up a run in the 1st(3b Scott Rolen RBI single) & 2 in the 5th(RBI double from RF Alex Rios & a sac fly). The Os pen took over and allowed only 2 hits over 3 2/3 innings.
Jays RH Jesse Litsch(8-7,4.46) did not get out of the 5th and had a rough outing. After SS Brandon Fahey plated a run on a fielders choice, Jones homered with a runner on to right for a 3-1 Baltimore lead. The Os scored 3 runs in the 5th & never looked back. 3b Melvin Mora drove in 2 with single and LF Luke Scott followed with a single. C Ramon Hernandez added 2 huge insurance runs with a 2 run homer in the 8th.
Star of the Game-
Jones- Really coming on, has reached base in 20 games with a .372 avg and 15 rbi over the string, Also showed mental toughness playing thru injury. “I wanted to play [Sunday] but I treated it as an off day,” he said. “It didn’t hurt [Monday]. It felt just like a normal day. It didn’t hurt at all.”
Orioles Notes-
Jones, Mora & Hernandez all had 2 hits….RH Randor Bierd(1.76) made his 2nd appearance since being activated from the DL, did not allow a run… Hernandez is the 6th Oriole to reach double figures in home runs
Next Game-
Tuesday
Os LH Garrett Olson(6-5,5.79) vs Jays RH Shawn Marcum(5-4,2.65)
