Game 82 Recap-
The Baltimore Orioles got solid contributions from both pitching and hitting, helping them rebound from 2 tough losses, beating the Kansas City Royals, 7-5 Tuesday night at Camden Yards in Baltimore. 2b Brian Roberts homered while C Ramon Hernandez and CF Adam Jones added 2 rbi each. Pleasant surprise RH SP Radhames Liz(3-0,5.46) got the win with 6 innings of 3 run ball.(Allowed 7 hits, struck out 4 with 1 walk)
Superstud Royals 3b Alex Gordon homered in the 1st for a 1-0 lead. The Os responded and scored over the next 3 innings. 1b Aubrey Huff singled in the 1st run, backup SS Brian Fahey doubled home Jones in the 2nd. Baltimore plated 4 in the 3rd via run scoring hits from Hernandez(2 run single) & Jones(same). Royals starter Luke Hochevar(5-6,4.91) was done after 6, having allowed 6 hits, 6 runs and 3 walks with 2 Ks. Royals RF Mark Teahen plated runs in the 5th & 6th with a solo homer and sacrifice fly. Roberts homered in the 7th for the last Os run.
The Baltimore pen suddenly looks strong with 2 stories tonight—- the return of ex-starter LH Adam Loewen(elbow injury) and his 2 shutout innings was HUGE. “After I got through the first inning, I just felt all the anxiety kind of melt away, all the anticipation of just getting into the game,” he said. “I could relax and it felt great to come back. To contribute to a win is even better.” This was Loewen’s 1st relief appearance since July 2006.
But the bigger story- both long and short term- might be the 27th save by George Sherrill(2-3,3.62). On a night when fans where treated to a free jersey with his name on it, he was shown confidence by his manager after 2 tough blown saves. After the Royals cut the lead to 7-5, Sherrill was summoned from the pen. He struck out Gordon to sescure the 7-5 win. He “It’s good to get this win and get the last two out of my system,” he said. Manager Dave Trembley even had his jersey on under his uniform!”I think enough of George Sherrill that I wore his shirt tonight,” Trembley said.
Star of the Game-
Trembley- class move with his 1st year closer. Players-both home and visitor- notice this and it helps during contract talks-LOYALTY!
Orioles Notes-
Jones, Hernandez & 1b Aubrey Huff all had 2 hits to lead the team….2 roster moves pre-game as LH RP Jamie Walker was place on the DL with a inflamed left elbow, Loewen took his roster spot. SS continues to be the team rollercoaster position, as Alex Cintron was DL-ed with a hamstring strain, Freddie Bynum was recalled from Triple A
Next Game-
Wednesday-7:05, Camden Yards
Os RH Danie Cabrera(5-4,4.53) vs Royals RH Gil Meche(6-8,4.66)
