The Orioles managed to win today for only the third time in 19 games as they defeated the Red Sox, 7-6 in ten innings.
They finaly snapped a ten game losing streak against Boston.
Baltimore rallied in the tenth inning as they plated three runs, bolstered by a bases-loaded single by Rhyne Hughes in the 10th inning to break a 4-4 tie. Moments later, Matt Wieters plated in two with an RBI infield single.
For one day, they put their troubles behind thanks to a combined team effort, although once again – the bullpen made things very, very interesting. God help them. I mean, the starting pitching has been solid, and bats are finally starting to wakeup bit by bit, but the bullpen … my lord.
With a 7-4 lead in the bottom of the 10th, once again fans had to worry. Jim Johnson after pitching a solid ninth inning could not get anyone out. He allowed an a RBI-double to J.D. Drew and a RBI-single to bring Boston, within one, 7-6.
Dave Trembley yanked Johnson in favor of Cla Meredith, and in the end, the submariner got his first ML save and finished off Boston by getting the last two outs of the contest. Jim Johnson would win the game.
David Hernandez started the game for Baltimore and didn’t get a decision as he went five innings and allowed three runs. He started the bottom of the sixth inning, but had trouble getting men out and by the time the frame ended, Boston would allow for men to cross home plate for a 4-1 lead.
I was preparing to watch the Orioles haplessly lose another game, but they fought back in the seventh inning as they scored three times to tie the contest at four. Baltimore got an RBI-double from Nick Markakis and a two-run Miguel Tejada homer to help salvage things.
Meanwhile, Boston’s Tim Wakefield started the game for Boston and only gave up two runs in 6 2/3 innings. Scott Atchison took the loss.
I guess at this point, what can one say about Rhyne Hughes? The big man has come through huge this series and had a 2-for-4 day, driving in the game-winning run.
Seriously, have we already seen the Garrett Atkins era come to an end? Well, unless Hughes starts to struggle, you keep him in the lineup and go with the hot hand.
No offense to Atkins, but he has not done much at all, and the addition of Hughes has seemed to be a boon for the Orioles.
The Orioles finish their road trip 2-8 and come home to face the Yankees starting on Tuesday.
