That was one amazing game last night! The Orioles wrapped up a winning homestand as they defeated the New York Mets thanks to Aubrey Huff’s game-winning RBI single in the 9th inning, 5-4.
Baltimore trailed 4-3 in the ninth against New York, and their closer, Francisco “K-Rod” Rodriguez came into close the game. It seemed that the Mets would take the win as Rodriguez had been nothing short of dominant in the 2009 season until Thursday night.
The deciding frame kicked off as rookie Matt Wieters doubled, and then was replaced by Felix Pie as pinch runner. Nolan Reimold walked, and then Brian Roberts dropped down a critical bunt along the third base line; thereafter, catcher Omir Santos tried to field the ball, but Felix Pie — who was on second — was called safe at third on a bang-bang play.
After a brief dispute by both David Wright and New York manager Charlie Manuel, Rodriguez walked Adam Jones to plate Pie, and struck out Nick Markakis. However, the next batter Aubrey Huff singled in the deciding run.
Jason Berken — who started the game for Baltimore — threw five shutout innings before he got into trouble in the sixth inning as he gave up RBI’s to David Wright and Ryan Church. New York scored twice more in the seventh to take a 4-2 lead.
Berken went 6 2/3 innings and was charged with four runs given up; however, he was given the no-decision. The start by the young hurler was so notable because of his first innings of work, and was effective until the sixth. One could say that he’s in Baltimore to stay as he bounced from his last two starts.
Baltimore’s first run came via a Robert Andino home run — his 1st of the season, and only 3rd of his career. Brian Roberts had an RBI in the fifth, and Luke Scott brought Baltimore within one of the lead in the eighth.
Livan Hernandez — the crafty veteran who started the game for the Mets — took a no-decision as he went seven innings and gave up two runs. Rodriguez took the loss.
