For only the fourth time this season, the Orioles earned a win, this time beating the tough New York Yankees, 5-4, in the first contest in a three game series at home.
The win on Tuesday was their first at home all season. Alberto Castillo got the win in relief, while Alfredo Simon – who was called up from Norfolk earlier in the day (Kam Mickilio was sent down) – got his first save in the majors, although he had a difficult challenge as two runs scored – none earned due to a Cesar Izturis error – and had the winning run at third.
The scene was set for a Yankee comeback and yet another loss by the Orioles; however, Alex Rodriguez’s grounder to second with outs in the final frame closed out the game.
A win is a win; however, the Orioles are going to a bullpen-by-committee for now to close out games until someone steps up and shows they can hold down the job.
From what most have seen, Jim Johnson – despite his stuff – isn’t a viable closer based on his results on the field.
Kevin Millwood started the game for Baltimore, but was yanked after 5 1/3 after racking up a high pitch count. He allowed two runs – the first in the third inning off a Miguel Tejada error and the second off a Jorge Posada homer in the fourth. He would not be a factor in the decision.
Up 2-1, Yankee pitcher Phil Hughes, who started the game – coming off a near no-hit bid last week – came into Camden Yards and gave up a run in 5 2/3 before his bullpen blew it.
In the sixth inning, Baltimore plated three runs as the New York bullpen – mainly, Boone Logan and David Robertson – allowed Luke Scott and Ty Wigginton to reach base with two outs; thereafter, Rhyne Hughes, Nolan Reimld and Cesar Izturis each had RBI-singles.
David Robertson would take the loss on Tuesday.
Baltimore got another run off an Izturis RBI-single in the eighth inning to increase their lead to 5-4. They got their first run of the game in the second inning as Hughes walked Cesar Izturis with the bases loade to plate Luke Scott.
For the game, Izturis went 2-for-3 and drove in three runs. Rhyne Hughes (who looks to be entrenched in the lineup now until something happens) went 1-4 and drove in a run in the sixth inning; meanwhile, Luke Scott went 2-for-2.
Moving on…
The Baltimore bullpen might be receiving some help soon as Koji Uehara is back on the mound and pitched last night for Bowie; meanwhile, Brad Bergesen – who was sent down to Norfolk – might pitch on Saturday against the Red Sox.
The one thing I noticed from last night was the attendance at Camden Yards. From what I saw in the box score, the announced attendance was 20,356 – a fairly low number from what I’ve seen in the past when the Yankees come into town.
I think attendance has been fairly low around the league and while the economy is in tatters and the game took place on a weeknight, but are fans pissed at the team now?
Who knows, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
