We are only four games into the 2010 and already there’s some serious angst in Birdland.
In the Orioles’ home opener, beleaguered closer Mike Gonzalez once again had trouble on the mound and unlike yesterday, he could not find his way out of trouble. For the second time in three games this season, he blew a save and the Orioles found themselves in the loss column against the Toronto Blue Jays, 7-6.
Gonzalez’s trials and tribulations on the mound was the big story of tonight. After the Orioles broke a 5-5 tie in the eighth inning thanks to a Cesar Izturis RBI-single that plated a sliding Felix Pie who beat a close play at home; the horror began…
From the AP: Then, for the second time in two games, Toronto rallied in the ninth. Gonzalez walked leadoff hitter Edwin Encarnacion and threw a wild pitch before yielding an RBI double to Snider. After a bunt by John McDonald moved Snider to third, Jose Bautista hit a sacrifice fly.
Gonzalez (0-2) was then removed — and jeered as he walked to the dugout.
Signed as a free agent during the offseason, Gonzalez has two blown saves in three chances and loaded the bases in the only save he converted. He has allowed four runs, four walks and five hits in two innings.
The Associated Press account of Gonzalez’s outing was understated – the man was literally booed out of the stadium and replaced with Cla Meredith. Once the deciding frame ended, the Blue Jays had a 7-6 lead and held out as closer Kevin Gregg retired the side in order to end the game.
After the game, Dave Trembley gave Gonzales a vote of confidence – for now. The fans might want another body on the mound, but Gonzalez does have a track record. He’s better than what we have seen over the past week and let’s hope he figures it out. Let’s also hope he’s not injured…
I’m sure James will share his thoughts on the day as it was, but I do ever feel bad for Mike Gonzales. At least he faces the music with the media and holds himself accountable.
To add insult to injury, Brian Roberts had to leave the game early...
I sense he may visit the DL; however, even if he doesn’t, I expect the team to take it real easy with him and he’ll play sparingly. Expect to see Julio Lugo in the lineup a lot in the near future.
Other than that, it was a cold, windy day, but good to see baseball back.The pre-game ceremonies were always a nice touch and it was good to see Oriole legends Brooks Robinson and Boog Powell out on the field as they threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
The Orioles fell behind early as Brad Bergesen – who started the game for Baltimore – gave up three runs in the first inning, two of them aided by a huge Adam Jones gaffe in center field; however, Baltimore scored three times in the bottom of the first. Brandon Morrow – who started the game for the Jays – was nearly as bad as Bergesen initially, but settled in on the mound after the crazy inning.
Toronto would make the game 4-3 as Alex Gonzalez homered, and added another run in the fifth off a Adam Lind RBI-single.
The Orioles tied the game in the fifth as Miguel Tejada hit a two-run homer.
Tejada — who was booed by some in his first-at-bat and as well in the pre-game ceremony — went 3-for-5 after struggling in the first three games at the plate.
On the day, Bergesen struggled as he only lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up five runs; however, both Mark Hendrickson and Jim Johnson came through as they pitched a combined 3 ½ innings of no-run ball.
Casey Janssen for Toronto earned the win in relief.
