tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14578005215155651272024-03-14T10:47:47.037-04:00Orioles Baseball 2011Buck's Birds are back and ready to compete in the tough AL East...follow the team right here after every game!Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-76208629307226228492011-10-02T10:44:00.006-04:002011-10-05T06:10:40.751-04:00O's 2011 Season In Review<div>The O's 2011 season has come to an end. The Birds started off the season on a tear, going 6-1 over the first week of play. After that, though, the team went into a slide and never recovered, finishing last in the AL East with a 69-93 record. I was convinced that the O's would finally break .500 for the first time since 1997, but the Birds have now lost 14 consecutive seasons. </div><div> </div><div><br />So, what went wrong? Obviously, it was a multitude of things...poor starting pitching, unexpected injuries, an inconsistent offense and just plain bad luck were all factors in a disappointing season. </div><div> </div><div>As promised, I'm going to break it down position-by-position in anticipation of the 2012 season:</div><div><br /></div><div></div><ul><li><strong>First Base:</strong> The O's started the season with Derrek Lee at first before trading him and picking up Chris Davis. But it was Mark Reynolds that was most impressive at the position. Reynolds was an error machine at third but looked like a Gold Glover at first. If the O's don't go for Prince Fielder, they have a big-bopper with a great glove at first.<br /></li></ul><ul><li><strong>Second Base:</strong> The O's thought this position was covered, but Brian Roberts injured himself early in the season and never returned. Blake Davis, Ryan Adams and Robert Andino all filled in admirably, but they don't bring what Roberts does to the game. Roberts still has a year left on his contract, so the O's won't be shopping for a second baseman over the off-season. Hopefully Roberts returns in 2012, if not, Andino has improved over the last few months and would probably get the nod.<br /></li></ul><ul><li><strong>Shortstop:</strong> J.J. Hardy was an absolute beast this season, setting a career-high with 30 homers. He missed a month of the season due to injury but put up solid numbers and was nearly flawless on defense. The O's signed him for the next three years, so if he stays healthy, this position is covered.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Third Base:</strong> Mark Reynolds was brought in as the starting third baseman but was a defensive liability at the position and looks much better at first. Josh Bell hasn't progressed and would be a long-shot. Chris Davis was given a few opportunities and looked decent. Again, this all depends on whether the O's go for Fielder...<br /></li></ul><ul><li><strong>Catcher:</strong> Matt Wieters went to his first All-Star Game and progressed both offensively and defensively this season. He is finally living up to the initial hype surrounding him. I wasn't impressed with Craig Tatum at back-up. The Birds should look for a replacement for Tatum, but Wieters has emerged as one of the best catchers in the game.<br /></li></ul><ul><li><strong>Left Field:</strong> Luke Scott was the starting left fielder but missed most of the season due to injury. Felix Pie was a bust and was released. Matt Angle doesn't have much power but his speed is impressive...I'd keep Angle as the fourth outfielder and give Nolan Reimold a chance to begin next season as the starter.<br /></li></ul><ul><li><strong>Center Field:</strong> Adam Jones continues to progress and put up his best numbers of his career this season. Jones was voted as the Most Valuable Oriole after his solid year. Hopefully the Birds offer him something long-term as he is one of the better center fielders in the league.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Right Field:</strong> Nick Markakis owns this position for the next few seasons. Markakis was as solid as ever on defense but his power numbers declined drastically this season. Hopefully Nick puts in some work during the off-season and gets some productivity back in 2012.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Designated Hitter:</span> The O's signed an aging superstar to bat fourth in the lineup, and for the most part, Vladimir Guerrero was a solid hitter. He led the team in batting average but lacked the power of a true cleanup hitter. His lack of speed cost the Birds on many occasions, and he grounded into far too many double plays. He was signed for only one season, and I'd be shocked to see him back in 2012. The O's have plenty of options at DH: Mark Reynolds, Chris Davis, Luke Scott and maybe even Prince Fielder?? We'll see what happens over the winter...<br /></li></ul><p> </p><ul><li><strong>Starting Pitching: <span style="font-weight: normal;">This was supposed to be the year that the starting pitching came around. It wasn't. Staff ace Jeremy Guthrie led the league in losses for the second straight season. Brian Matusz was injured early and never regained his 2010 form, winning just one game and setting a record for the worst-ever ERA in all of baseball. Jake Arrieta looked good but needed season-ending surgery. Zach Britton led the team in wins, but I was hoping for better than an 11-11 record in his rookie season. Chris Tillman and Brad Bergesen failed to make any progress. </span></strong>Justin Duchscherer never made it to the Majors. <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">The O's were forced to use Alfredo Simon, Chris Jakubauskas, Mitch Atkins and Jo-Jo Reyes to fill glaring holes in the starting rotation. I said it last year, but hopefully with another year of experience under their belts this young staff will gel and become a force to be reckoned with in 2012. Regardless, the O's need to bring in an experienced ace of staff next season...maybe even two. Let these kids earn their spots and take some of the pressure off of them in the process.</span></strong></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Relief Pitching:</span> The bullpen was inconsistent throughout the season. It seemed like if the starters excelled the 'pen would implode, or vice versa. Koji Uehara was amazing, and thus was traded to a playoff-caliber team. Michael Gonzalez was finally looking like the pitcher we expected him to be, but he was traded as well. Kevin Gregg was signed to be the closer, but his "style of pitching" is not what the O's need in the ninth inning or later (or any inning, really). Jim Johnson was a bright spot in the rotation...there was talk of him being stretched out as a starter but the team leaned on him heavily as the closer over the final few weeks. Pedro Strop emerged as a power arm but was never used in the closing role.</li></ul>So that about covers it. Obviously, the 2012 Orioles are a work-in-progress, but it seems as though the core nucleus in the field is set. I'd like to see the Birds go for a few proven starters, especially an ace of the staff, over the winter. Jeremy Guthrie, if he remains with Baltimore, would probably have more success as a number two or three in this rotation. If the young arms can come around next year, the O's should be able to break the barrier and become a winning club. This is my last official post of 2011, but I'll be following the club and will update you with any news I come across. Thanks for reading, and Go O's! See you in February 2012...<br /><div></div><div></div>Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-39855481910465405322011-09-30T05:47:00.002-04:002011-09-30T06:28:40.022-04:00O's End Season With A BangWhat a way to end the season...the Birds sunk the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sox</span> 4-3 on Wednesday night, nearly eliminating Boston from the playoffs. Just one minute later, the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Yankees in extra innings to take the Wild Card and send the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sox</span> home crying.<br /><br />It was simply amazing...I've honestly never seen a better ending to the regular season in my lifetime. You couldn't have scripted the fight for October any better.<br /><br />Boston went up 1-0 in the top of the third, but J.J. Hardy gave the Birds a 2-1 lead with his 30<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> homer of the season in the bottom of the frame. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sox</span> tied it in the fourth, scoring on a balk called on Alfredo Simon, and went ahead in the fifth on a Dustin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pedroia</span> solo shot.<br /><br />Boston led 3-2 before the game was delayed for nearly an hour and a half due to thunderstorms. Both clubs were then able to watch as Tampa Bay clawed their way back from a 7-0 deficit, tying the game in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. It was do-or-die for the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sox</span>...<br /><br />Play resumed, and the score stayed the same before the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">O's</span> broke through against Jonathan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Papelbon</span> in the bottom of the ninth...after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Papelbon</span> struck out Adam Jones and Mark Reynolds, Chris Davis doubled to give the Birds life. Nolan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Reimold</span> followed with a game-tying double, and Robert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Andino</span> won the game with an RBI single to left field. Orioles Magic.<br /><br />The crowd in St. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Petersburg</span> went wild when they saw the news, and a minute later Evan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Longoria's</span> blast barely cleared the left-field wall to give the Rays an 8-7 walk-off win over the Yankees. The playoff scene was set...<br /><br />The Orioles celebrated on the field like they were going to the playoffs...hopefully, after this amazing September, they will know that feeling soon.<br /><br />It's been a blast covering my team all season, but it's all over now. I will return this weekend for a final post, the Orioles' Season-In-Review. Stay tuned. Go <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">O's</span>!Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-83244917437368108332011-09-28T04:44:00.002-04:002011-09-28T06:13:15.184-04:00Birds Fall Just ShortThe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">O's</span> came close but fell to Boston 8-7 at Camden Yards on Tuesday night.<br /><br />With the tying run on second base and a run already in, Adam Jones worked a ten pitch at-bat against Jonathan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Papelbon</span> before grounding out to third to end the game and keep the Red Sox's playoff hopes alive.<br /><br />Zach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Britton</span> took the loss and finished his rookie season with an 11-11 record...I was certainly hoping for better, but the young lefty still shows plenty of promise and hopefully will continue to grow and improve. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Britton</span> allowed five runs on seven hits (two homers) and two walks in just 4 1/3 innings, fanning two. Jason <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Berken</span> and Zach Phillips both served up a long ball to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sox</span> as well...in fact, all eight of Boston's runs came via the home run.<br /><br />The Birds knocked Erik <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bedard</span> out in the fourth inning and went deep twice in the game: Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Wieters</span> slapped his 22<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">nd</span> homer in the fourth and Adam Jones went yard in the sixth. Jones celebrated two personal milestones in the game, hitting the 100<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> double and 75<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> homer of his career. It just wasn't enough...<br /><br />The Rays beat the Yankees, so Tampa Bay and Boston are still tied for the Wild Card with just one game left in the regular season. Alfredo Simon takes the mound for the Birds on Wednesday night, while Jon Lester will start for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sox</span>. Lester has never lost to Baltimore in his career...Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-32378968173363421902011-09-27T04:28:00.002-04:002011-09-27T05:21:34.383-04:00Andino Powers O's Past SoxRobert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Andino's</span> three-run inside-the-park-homer lifted the Orioles to a 6-3 victory over Boston on Monday night.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Andino</span> became the first Oriole to accomplish the feat at Camden Yards, which will celebrate its 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> anniversary next season. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">O's</span> had just taken a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Andino</span> stepped to the plate with two on and two outs and drilled a ball to deep center field...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jacoby</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ellsbury</span> caught the ball but it squirted loose as he slammed into the wall. The inning started with another milestone, as Vladimir Guerrero's single gave him 2,587 hits, the most ever for a Dominican-born player.<br /><br />The loss was a devastating blow to the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sox</span> (89-71) who now share an identical record with Tampa Bay. The two clubs are tied for the Wild Card with two games remaining. Zach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Britton</span> takes the mound on Tuesday night...Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-1908078783953770072011-09-27T01:43:00.002-04:002011-09-27T04:12:12.170-04:00Birds Fall In FinaleThe Orioles fell to the Tigers 10-6 on Sunday afternoon, splitting the four-game set with Detroit.<br /><br />It seemed like the Birds were pretty much conceding this game, resting key players for the final series against Boston. Nick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Markakis</span>, Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy, Mark Reynolds and Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wieters</span> were all out of the lineup...<br /><br />Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Matusz</span> looked better in his final start of 2011, but he still took the loss. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Matusz</span> (1-9) allowed six runs on seven hits (two homers) and three walks in five innings, fanning five. Brad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bergesen</span> surrendered a three-run blast in the sixth, and the Tigers went deep once more in the eighth. Detroit launched four homers and scored nine of their ten runs via the long ball.<br /><br />The Birds now head home to host the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sox</span> for three games...the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">O's</span> have no chance at the postseason, but will have a say in whether Boston goes or not.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-4735284985318260492011-09-25T12:38:00.003-04:002011-09-25T15:52:22.845-04:00O's Stop Verlander, TigersThe Orioles put an end to Justin Verlander's streak of 12 straight victories with a 6-5 win over the Tigers on Saturday night.<br /><br />Matt Angle led-off with his first Major League homer and the Birds scored five runs off Verlander in the first three innings. Mark Reynolds slapped his team-leading 37th home run in the third, as the O's denied Verlander of win number 25 this season.<br /><br />Jeremy Guthrie failed to pick up his tenth win of the season with a no-decision. Staked to an early 5-0 lead, Guthrie (9-17) allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks in six innings of work, striking out two in his final start of 2011. Kevin Gregg picked up his 22nd save and second straight...<br /><br />With the score knotted at five and a man on third in the top of the ninth, Matt Angle executed a perfect bunt as the Birds pulled off a successful suicide squeeze to take the lead. The win guaranteed the O's will at least split this four-game series with the Tigers.<br /><br />Brian Matusz takes the mound for the last time this season on Sunday afternoon...Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-70911197031938769822011-09-24T07:39:00.002-04:002011-09-24T08:37:52.863-04:00O's Fall To Tigers In ExtrasIt took Detroit 11 innings to finally topple the surging Orioles with a 4-3 walk-off victory on Friday night at Comerica Park.<br /><br />It was a great battle, one that could have gone either way before Victor Martinez's walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th sealed the win for the Tigers.<br /><br />Alfredo Simon went eight strong innings (tying a career-best), allowing just three runs on six hits and a walk while fanning five. The 'pen went two scoreless but couldn't hold off Detroit's potent offense in the end...<br /><br />Jeremy Guthrie (9-17) takes the mound on Saturday night in search of his tenth win of the season. He'll be opposed by Cy Young favorite Justin Verlander (24-5).Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-9348754970749773572011-09-23T04:05:00.003-04:002011-09-24T08:54:42.486-04:00O's Just Keep WinningThe Orioles won their third straight game on Thursday night with a 6-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">O's</span> gave Zach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Britton</span> an early 5-0 lead; J.J. Hardy slapped his 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> homer in the third and Adam Jones crushed a two-run bomb in the fourth. But in the end, the Birds won by playing "small ball."<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Britton</span> (11-10) became the first Orioles pitcher to reach 11 wins this season. Jeremy Guthrie (9-17) will have a shot at win number ten on Saturday night...<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Britton</span> didn't look particularly sharp, giving up five runs on six hits, four walks and two wild pitches in just five innings. But the bullpen was magnificent once again, allowing only two hits over the final four frames. Even Kevin Gregg joined in, retiring the side 1-2-3 in the ninth to record his 21st save.<br /><br />With the score knotted at five in the sixth, Adam Jones led-off with a single, stole second, advanced to third on a ground-out and scored on Nolan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Reimold's</span> infield single. After the Birds powered their way to five runs, it was a weak check-swing single that plated the winning run...<br /><br />Alfredo Simon takes the mound Friday night for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">O's</span>.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-9004842411467898282011-09-22T02:05:00.002-04:002011-09-22T04:56:03.536-04:00Reynolds Powers O's Over SoxThe Orioles beat Josh Beckett and took three of four from Boston after a 6-4 victory at Fenway Park on Wednesday night.<br /><br />It sounds unbelievable, but it's true. The Orioles hadn't won a four-game series at Fenway since 2003.<br /><br />The Birds have now won three straight series, something they hadn't accomplished since last season...all three series have been against contending teams.<br /><br />I wish we could restart the season now...<br /><br />Tommy Hunter went 6 2/3 strong innings, allowing four runs on nine hits and a walk, fanning four. Hunter left after straining his groin but hopes to make his final start of the season on Monday...<br /><br />The bullpen was brilliant yet again, holding Boston hitless over the final 2 1/3 innings. Jim Johnson pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his ninth save this season...the O's were going to stretch JJ out to be a starter but it looks like he will be the closer for the remainder of the season.<br /><br />Mark Reynolds launched a solo homer over the Green Monster and into the parking lot to give the O's a 1-0 lead in the second inning. He went deep again in the seventh, slapping a two-run bomb just over the Monster to tie the game at four. Vladimir Guerrero's two-run single in the eighth gave the Birds a 6-4 lead they would never relinquish...<br /><br />The Orioles now travel to Detroit to face the Tigers for a four-game series. Zach Britton looks to become the first (and probably only) 11-game winner for the Birds this season as he takes the mound Thursday night...Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-31149766394544981872011-09-21T01:01:00.003-04:002011-09-21T06:25:54.703-04:00Andino Lifts O's Over Sox<div>Robert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Andino</span> slapped a three-run double with the bases loaded in the top of the eighth, propelling the Birds to a 7-5 win over the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sox</span> on Tuesday night at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fenway</span> Park.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">O's</span> starter Rick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">VandenHurk</span> wasn't particularly sharp, surrendering all five of Boston's runs on seven hits and three walks in just three innings of work. But the bullpen was fantastic, allowing just three hits over the final six frames. Jo-Jo Reyes actually allowed all three of those hits in three innings of relief, striking out five in the process. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sox</span> were no-hit over the final three innings, with Jim Johnson picking up his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">eigth</span> save of the season.<br /><br />The Birds knocked ex-Oriole Erik <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Bedard</span> in the third inning, scoring four runs in the frame to take a 4-1 lead. But the lead was short-lived, as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sox</span> struck back and led 5-4 heading into the seventh inning...that's when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Andino's</span> two-out, full-count, bases-clearing double off Jonathan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Papelbon</span> lifted the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">O's</span> to their second win in three games at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Fenway</span>.<br /><br />Tommy Hunter takes the mound Wednesday night as the Birds look to take their third straight series.<br /></div>Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-32766819021250552672011-09-20T03:50:00.004-04:002011-09-21T05:59:40.457-04:00O's, Sox Split DoubleheaderJeremy Guthrie and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">O's</span> beat Boston 6-5 in the first game of a doubleheader...the Red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sox</span> crushed the Orioles 18-9 in Game 2.<br /><br />Guthrie (9-17) has now won three straight starts and has a chance at becoming the third starter this season to hit the 10-win mark. Guthrie gave up four runs on ten hits and a walk over six innings, striking out three in his first-ever victory at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fenway</span> Park. Jim Johnson pitched a perfect ninth for his seventh save of the season...Kevin Gregg was nowhere in sight.<br /><br />The Birds slapped three homers in the contest...Robert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Andino</span> and Nolan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Reimold</span> went deep, and J.J. Hardy set a new career high with his 28<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> homer of the season.<br /><br />The offense stayed hot in Game 2...the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">O's</span> scored three runs in the first inning but it wasn't nearly enough for a struggling Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Matusz</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Matusz</span> allowed four runs in the bottom of the frame and was charged with six runs on six hits and two walks in just 1 2/3 innings of work. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Matusz</span> (1-8) has now lost eight straight...<br /><br />Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Jakubauskas</span> was just as bad in relief, surrendering five runs on five hits and a walk in just one inning...the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">O's</span> had cut Boston's lead to two runs before the bullpen imploded yet again, allowing seven runs to cross the plate in the seventh inning.<br /><br />Still, a split with Boston is hard to complain about, especially when you consider it was the first time all season the Birds won a game at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Fenway</span>. The win also guaranteed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">O's</span> (63-90) will not lose 100 games this season. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ahhh</span>, the little things in life.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-79346408379207869682011-09-19T01:46:00.002-04:002011-09-19T02:06:45.173-04:00Birds Blown OutThe O's were spanked on Sunday afternoon, falling to the Angels 11-2 at Camden Yards.<br /><br />Alfredo Simon looked awful, allowing six runs on eight hits and a walk in just five innings. Simon (4-5) struck out five but allowed three homers, including two two-run shots in the fourth inning. Brad Bergesen struggled in relief, allowing another two runs in just 2/3 of an inning. Bergesen also beaned catcher Jeff Mathis in the helmet with a fastball...replays looked eerily similar to Mark Reynolds' HBP the night before. Jo-Jo Reyes allowed another three runs in the eighth.<br /><br />Vladimir Guerrero accounted for all of the O's offense, slapping an RBI triple in the first before launching a solo shot in the sixth.<br /><br />The Birds now travel to Boston to face the suddenly-reeling Red Sox for a four-game set. The two clubs play a day-night doubleheader on Monday...Jeremy Guthrie is slated to start Game 1 and Brian Matusz will take the mound in Game 2.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-19982679121172695502011-09-18T14:25:00.002-04:002011-09-18T15:53:40.695-04:00Britton Sharp As O's Topple Angels<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiKml3gS2XRbhN_5sVfmk6Plg1BXp6yJwTQxITouz_nYZ3bcRdVsabrCF6A-T2xogNXpWz6LD2q-XsMS5Kypbyr9Av6HNXC4r4MMjgOLd11WciJ_so3lBOMqQNdfNIeczDOdd4xUedQAd/s1600/Niceseats1.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653790040417313218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiKml3gS2XRbhN_5sVfmk6Plg1BXp6yJwTQxITouz_nYZ3bcRdVsabrCF6A-T2xogNXpWz6LD2q-XsMS5Kypbyr9Av6HNXC4r4MMjgOLd11WciJ_so3lBOMqQNdfNIeczDOdd4xUedQAd/s320/Niceseats1.bmp" border="0" /></a> My wife and I were in the stands as Zach Britton dominated the Angels in a 6-2 Orioles victory Saturday night.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>With just four home games left this season, I finally took advantage of a pair of free tickets and a parking pass courtesy of WBAL. The seats were great, but the first inning was even better...</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Birds scored five times in the bottom of the first off Angels' starter Ervin Santana. J.J. Hardy launched his career-best 27th homer to start the scoring, and Mark Reynolds capped it with a three-run bomb, his 34th of the season.</div><br /><br /><div>Zach Britton took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and set a career-high with seven strikeouts. Britton (10-10) allowed just one run on three hits and two walks and is now tied with Jake Arrieta for the team lead in wins. </div><br /><br /><div>Mark Reynolds took a fastball to the helmet in the third inning and although he hopped right up and took the field in the fourth, he was pulled from the game in the fifth. The word right now is that he is ok...</div><br /><br /><div>The Birds have now won four straight games against contending teams (Tampa Bay and Los Angeles) and look for a rare sweep on Sunday afternoon. Alfredo Simon takes the mound for the O's...</div>Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-51106165573574000142011-09-17T03:50:00.002-04:002011-09-17T05:48:03.792-04:00O's Win Third StraightThe Orioles put on quite a show Friday night, spanking the Angels 8-3 at Camden Yards.<br /><br />Tommy Hunter went seven scoreless innings, and the Birds blanked the Halos before Kevin Gregg allowed three runs in the ninth. But a win is a win, so let's not focus on Gregg's dismal performance...<br /><br />Hunter (4-4) allowed seven hits (six singles) and two walks (both in the seventh inning) while fanning five in his most impressive outing in an Orioles' uniform. Willie Eyre pitched a perfect eighth before Gregg ran into trouble in the ninth.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the O's bats were on fire against Angels' starter Dan Haren. The Birds scored twice in the third before erupting for three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings. J.J. Hardy went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, and both Nolan Reimold (11) and Mark Reynolds (33) went yard against Haren (15-9).<br /><br />The O's are relishing in the role of spoiler, taking two from Tampa Bay before Friday night's convincing victory over the Angels. The Birds look to win consecutive series as they send Zach Britton to the mound on Saturday night.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-44098554067532462652011-09-15T05:24:00.002-04:002011-09-15T05:34:14.196-04:00O's Take Series Over TampaIt's been way too long, but the Birds finally secured a series win with a 6-2 victory over Tampa Bay on Wednesday night.<br /><br />Jeremy Guthrie won two straight starts for the first time this season, holding the Rays to just two runs over seven strong innings. Guthrie (8-17) allowed just three hits and three walks while tying a career-best with ten strikeouts. Jim Johnson picked up <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">his</span> sixth save of the season with two scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one walk.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">O's</span> smacked three homers...Nolan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Reimold</span> put the Birds on the board with a solo shot in the third, Chris Davis connected for a three-run bomb in the fourth, and Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wieters</span> went deep with a man on in the eighth. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wieters</span> has now homered in three straight games and has 20 long balls this season...<br /><br />The Birds have Thursday off before hosting the Angels for a three-game set starting Friday night.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-2318566150465859512011-09-14T05:12:00.002-04:002011-09-14T05:36:36.645-04:00Wieters Lifts O's Over RaysThe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">O's</span> snapped a three-game losing streak with an uplifting 4-2 victory over Tampa Bay on Tuesday night at Camden Yards.<br /><br />Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wieters</span> broke open a tie ballgame with a towering blast to left field, a two-run bomb that gave the Birds a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the eighth. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wieters</span>' 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> homer of the season and second in as many games.<br /><br />Alfredo Simon was nearly perfect, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over seven innings, striking out a career-high nine batters. Simon's lone mistake was a slider that Evan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Longoria</span> deposited over the right field wall, giving the Rays a 2-1 lead in the sixth inning.<br /><br />Jake Fox tied the game with a pinch-hit RBI double in the seventh before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Wieters</span>' big blast in the eighth...<br /><br />Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound on Wednesday night...Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-64125738324170380982011-09-13T05:10:00.001-04:002011-09-13T05:35:40.169-04:00Britton Falls To RaysZach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Britton</span> couldn't contain the surging Tampa Bay Rays, as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">O's</span> dropped their third straight game in a 5-2 loss on Monday night at Camden Yards.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Britton</span> (9-10) lasted just five innings, giving up four runs on five hits and four walks while striking out two.<br /><br />Robert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Andino's</span> RBI double in the fifth put the Birds on the board, and Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wieters</span> slapped a solo homer (his 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span>) in the sixth. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">O's</span> managed just six hits through nine innings.<br /><br />The two clubs battle again on Tuesday night...the Orioles are once again 30 games under .500 while the Rays are just three games behind Boston in the race for the Wild Card.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-72677073879037493472011-09-13T05:04:00.000-04:002011-09-13T05:10:26.153-04:00Adam Loewen's Blast Lifts Jays Over O's<p>The Orioles had a chance to win a series at Rogers Centre for the first time since 2008, but a pair of solo home runs in the bottom of the seventh inning gave the Toronto Blue Jays a 6-5 lead and eventually the series victory.</p> <p>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">O's</span> struck first, scoring in the first inning on Vladimir Guerrero's sacrifice fly. Toronto scored twice in the bottom of the frame to take an early 2-1 lead. The game see-sawed, with the Birds and Jays swapping the lead until the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">O's</span> went ahead 5-3 in the top of the sixth. </p> <p>Tommy Hunter was unable to hold onto the 5-3 advantage, allowing three runs in the fateful seventh inning. Hunter (3-4) allowed two solo homers in the bottom of the frame, including one to former Oriole Adam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Loewen</span>. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Loewen's</span> first long ball of his career. </p> <p>The Birds now head home for six games; they face the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night. </p>Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-53136176546707644192011-09-11T11:11:00.002-04:002011-09-13T05:17:43.604-04:00Gregg Blows Another One<div>The O's needed just one more out to win their fourth straight game and their first series at Rogers Centre since 2008, but yet another Kevin Gregg meltdown gave Toronto a deflating 5-3 walk-off victory over the Birds on Saturday afternoon.<br /><br />The Birds were up 4-3 in the ninth and turned to Kevin Gregg, nicknamed Captain Chaos for good reason...<br /><br />Gregg came into the game needing just two outs for a save, but loaded the bases with a walk, a single and a hit batter before allowing the tying run to cross the plate with a wild pitch. Two pitches later and the Blue Jays were celebrating their walk-off win, and more than likely laughing at the O's brass for picking up their "lights-out" closer last off-season.<br /><br />Gregg is not the answer, especially in this division. I get nervous every time the man takes the mound. I guess I'm just not used to his "style of pitching," as he stated. Not so, Kevin...I'm used to the Orioles losing at this point.<br /></div><div></div><div></div>Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-84968937020151080052011-09-10T02:40:00.002-04:002011-09-10T06:56:39.846-04:00Guthrie Dominant As O's Blank JaysJeremy Guthrie went seven strong innings and the O's scored just enough runs as the Birds blanked the Toronto Blue Jays 2-0 on Friday night.<br /><br />Guthrie (7-17) allowed just three hits and three walks while fanning five in an impressive 104-pitch outing. With three possible starts remaining, Guthrie could finish the season with 10 wins, but the possibility of a 20-loss season still remains...<br /><br />The O's managed just seven hits but were able to plate two runs for Guthrie. The Birds took advantage of a throwing error to score an unearned run in the sixth, and Nick Markakis' hustle to first in the eighth broke-up what could have been an inning-ending double play, allowing Ryan Adams to score from third.<br /><br />The O's have now won three straight over divisional foes, and send Rick VandenHurk to the mound to make his first start of the season on Saturday afternoon.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-15721008777299842612011-09-09T04:20:00.002-04:002011-09-09T04:55:25.570-04:00O's Take Another In ExtrasIt took only ten innings for the Orioles to notch their second straight extra-innings victory over the Yankees, as the Birds walked-off with a 5-4 win at Camden Yards on Thursday afternoon.<br /><br />Robert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Andino</span> was the unlikely hero, tying the game with an RBI single in the eighth before delivering the game-winning single in the tenth.<br /><br />Alfredo Simon allowed four runs on six hits and six walks in just four innings, but the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">O's</span> bullpen no-hit the Yankees over the final six frames, allowing just one walk while fanning eight. Pretty impressive...<br /><br />Vladimir Guerrero went 3-for-5 with a double and a solo home run, but it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Andino's</span> two late RBIs that were the difference for the Orioles.<br /><br />The Birds now head north to battle Toronto for three games; Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">O's</span>.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-50868433388118334732011-09-08T02:53:00.003-04:002011-09-08T04:02:02.790-04:00O's Sink Yanks In ExtrasThe Orioles avoided a sweep in New York with a 5-4 win over the Yankees in 11 innings on Wednesday afternoon.<br /><br />After Zach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Britton</span> allowed four runs in five innings, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">O's</span> bullpen held New York scoreless through the final six frames. Seven relievers combined to allow just four hits and two walks while striking out six. Pedro Strop picked up his first win as an Oriole, and Jim Johnson survived a scary 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> for his third save of the season.<br /><br />Nolan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Riemold</span> slapped a two run homer in the third inning, but Mark Reynolds was the hero of the game. Reynolds had already struck out four times before connecting for an RBI single in the 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> that put the Birds on top to stay. Nick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Markakis</span> was intentionally walked with one on and one out, and Reynolds took the gesture personally, delivering the game-winning single.<br /><br />The Yankees and Orioles meet again in Baltimore on Thursday; Alfredo Simon looks to make it two straight.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-30345422448944118302011-09-07T06:46:00.003-04:002011-09-07T07:18:24.586-04:00Birds Soaked In New YorkThe Orioles waited-out a four-hour rain delay only to fall to the New York Yankees 5-3 in a wet and sloppy game on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.<br /><br />Tommy Hunter turned in a solid performance, allowing just a solo homer and an unearned run before back-to-back solo jacks ended his night in the deciding seventh inning. Hunter (3-3) went 6 2/3 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out six.<br /><br />Jorge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Posada</span> broke open a scoreless game in the third with a solo homer, and the Yankees scored an unearned run in the fifth after the Birds committed two errors in the inning.<br /><br />Matt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wieters</span> tied the game with a two-run blast (his 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> of the season) in the sixth, and after the Yankees took the lead again in the bottom of the frame, Nick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Markakis</span>' RBI double in the top of the seventh knotted the game once again.<br /><br />But Hunter ran into trouble in the bottom of the seventh, allowing two solo homers after recording two outs to give New York a two-run lead they would not relinquish.<br /><br />The Orioles (55-85) are now 30 games under .500 and square-off against the Yankees again on Wednesday afternoon. Zach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Britton</span> takes the mound for the Birds.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-49371001978350421862011-09-06T02:08:00.002-04:002011-09-06T02:38:39.198-04:00Yanks Out-Slug O'sIt was an entertaining battle of the bats, but the Yankees came out on top with an 11-10 win over the Orioles on Monday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.<br /><br />The two clubs combined for 21 runs off 29 hits, with the Orioles out-hitting New York 17-12. The Birds slapped three home-runs while the Yankees connected four times, once with the bases loaded.<br /><br />As entertaining as a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">slugfest</span> can be, I'd much rather see a well-pitched game, or at least have my team come out on top. Obviously, neither of those things <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">occurred</span> on Monday afternoon.<br /><br />Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Matusz</span> continued to struggle, recording just four outs while surrendering five runs on five hits and two walks. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Matusz</span> still has just one win this season, and there's a strong possibility he just made his final start of 2011.<br /><br />The rest of the staff didn't fare much better, surrendering six runs on seven hits, three walks and a hit batter.<br /><br />The offense was amazing, but in the end it all boiled down to this...the Birds scored a run in the ninth, stole four bases in the inning and had the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position with J.J. Hardy at the plate. Hardy struck out swinging.<br /><br />The Birds send Tommy Hunter to the mound on Tuesday...Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1457800521515565127.post-67653008146403875932011-09-06T00:51:00.003-04:002011-09-06T02:44:51.140-04:00Guthrie, O's Fall AgainThe Birds lost yet another series, falling 8-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon.<br /><br />Jeremy Guthrie lost his 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> game of the season, giving up seven runs on seven hits and four walks in just five innings. Only three of the runs were earned, thanks to a fielding error by Mark Reynolds in the third inning.<br /><br />Reynolds, playing third base, committed two errors in the game and continues to lead the league with 26 errors this season. It may be time to put Reynolds at first base permanently...<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">O's</span> managed just four hits; Adam Jones went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run.<br /><br />Brian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Matusz</span> faces New York on Monday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.Jon Parrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17517887552282376275noreply@blogger.com0