After American Idol, I noticed that the Orioles game was tied 0-0 going into the 11th, so I actually figured out what channel MASN is, and watched the end of the game. Big mistake. If you didn't watch, the Os lost in 12 on a grand slam. No, that's not deja vu, the Orioles have given up 2 final-inning grand slams in the first 2 weeks of the season. The worst part is that Millar almost ended the game in the bottom of the 11th on a warning track shot. And the top of the 12th should have been over before Craig Monroe even stepped up to the plate. Here's how the runners reached base in the 12th: Pudge had a hard hit line drive through the 1B-2B gap, then there was a 2-out infield hit that Mora almost got to in time, then a walk (Birkins was ahead in the count, but couldn't get the strikeout). To add insult to injury, the stadium was pretty much empty by the end of the game. I'm sure the weather (cold and rainy) had a lot to do with it, but it's really sad to see Camden Yards so abandoned.
You really have to question some of the managing in the game. Why was Birkins pitching in the 12th inning of a shutout? Because he was the 8th pitcher in the game. That's right, Perlazzo pulled 7 pitchers who hadn't given up a run. Loewen threw 95 pitches in 5 scoreless innings and only gave up 5 hits. He probably should have been left in for a little while longer, but I can understand that decision. Then, for each of the next 7 innings, we had a new pitcher. Each one before Birkins didn't give up a run, but Perlazzo pulled each one at the start of the next inning. Maybe one of the guys could have gone 2 innings so we didn't get down to the dregs of our bullpen? Chris Ray pitched the 9th and didn't give up a baserunner. I've never really understood the strategy of sending in your closer for the 9th in a home game. More often than not, it seems like you end up just having to pull him out in the 10th.
Looks like another frustrating season for the Orioles. At least they're giving us exciting finishes to the games. Unfortunately, the wrong team keeps winning.
Photo credit: Elizabeth Malby, Baltimore Sun
April 12, 2007
Another heartbreaker
Summer is here and there's never been a better time to try your hand at online sports betting. Place your bets on your favorite horse with horse racing or even try your luck with your favorite football team. Enjoying sport is just a click away!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 Responses:
If the TV ratings are anything like the in-stadium attendance, we might have been the only people to see the end of the game. Luckily the grand slam occurred between Lost commercials so I didn't actually have to see it.
HOLY CRAP! It's Andy Van Slyke in the background of that picture. He hasn't been relevant since 1992.
Yeah, I noticed that he was the 1B coach last night. He always had the BEST baseball card pictures. He looked like someone you would see in a blue-collar bar pounding Bud and eating a cheeseburger.
It's also weird because I hadn't thought about him for years until last week Deadspin had a link to Wher have you gone, Andy Van Slyke? (a Pirates blog). Strange to see two references to Andy Van Slyke in as many weeks.
Post a Comment