After losing one-run games on Friday and Saturday night, the Orioles bounced and back defeated the Texas Rangers on Sunday afternoon, 8-5. Brad Bergesen got knocked around in his second major league start; however, he avoided the loss as Danys Baez came through when needed as he threw three scoreless and Adam Jones’ home run in the sixth — a three run shot — made the difference.
Bergesen — who was so successful against the White Sox in his first start — suffered as he gave up three homers which accounted for all of the runs Texas scored on Sunday. He allowed a two run homer to Chris David in the second, a David Murphy solo homer in the fifth, and another two-run shot by Hank Blalock in the same frame. Despite his challenges yesterday, Bergesen still threw strikes; however, he left a lot of pitches over the plate and high, therefore, the Texas sluggers crushed some of the offerings they received.
Baltimore scored first as Nick Markakis plated Brian Roberts to take an early 1-0 lead; however, they would trail Texas 5-1 until the fifth inning.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Brian Roberts hit his second home run to cut their deficit down to three. Moments later, Marakkis would score on an error by Nelson Cruz after a Huff single; thereafter, Huff would score after Luke Scott doubled him in to cut Texas’s lead to one.
Adam Jones would hit a three run homer in the sixth inning to put the Orioles up 7-1, and then they would score again in the bottom of the eighth inning as Markakis plated Jones after he stole second.
George Sherrill earned his fourth save in the ninth inning as he allowed Andruw Jones to reach on base with a double; however, he was able to retire the last three batters he faced.
The two teams will face each other again tonight, as Baltimore goes for the series split, and then the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim come into the Yard for a quick two game set.
- Kris Benson was in town as a member of the the Rangers and he along with his family handed out $125,000 in checks to Baltimore-area charities before Friday’s game. He gave out another $125,000 to the Baltimore City Police Department before Sunday’s game in keeping up with a promise he made while signing his contract initially with the organization. It’s a very classy thing to do, and even more noble considering he’s not been a part of the organization for a few seasons now.
- The Orioles last night drew 41,160 last night for their contest against the Rangers. Obviously, last night’s attendance was boosted greatly by excellent weather and more importantly by Ravens Spring Football Fest. Fans who attended the Ravens event got free tickets to the Oriole game; however, it’s extremely nice to see both the premier professional sporting franchises in the city working together.
- Does anyone think that Mark Hendrickson should be in a long relief role? After what I saw last night on TV, Hendrickson should be; however, I figured he’d be this way just based on his career record and abilities on the mound. He’s a good soldier and right now is a just a place holder until the youngsters are ready to come up to the majors.
