On Saturday night, the Orioles lost for the 45th time in 2010 as they lost to the New York Mets, 3-1.
The Orioles once again could not get their offense going – again – despite seven hits on the night. They also could not give any support to Brian Matusz, who took the loss and went eight innings in the outing. He would allow three earned runs, strike out four and walk none.
Baltimore could not get past New York starting pitcher Hisanori Takahashi. Well, it would not be due to Takahashi being that much superior to Matusz – it was the fact the Orioles once again could not score with runners in scoring position. The Orioles seemingly had runners on the base most of the game, but could do much more than that.
They were only 1-for-10 in those situations and that perhaps cost the Orioles more than anything.
The Mets took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning off a Jose Reyes leadoff homer; however, the Orioles struck back in the bottom of the inning as Nick Markakis plated in Corey Patterson with a ground-rule RBI-double.
Baltimore would open the game up for the Mets as a botched double play gave them a chance to plate the go-ahead run. David Wright – with men on first and third – hit a groundball to Brian Matusz tailor made for a double play. Matusz fired the ball to second for one out, but Julio Lugo overthrew the ball extending Ty Wigginton in the air to catch the high throw. Wright was safe at first and the runner at third – Ruben Tejada – scored. The game was decided there.
They would add another run as Jeff Francoeur smoked a Matusz offering to left field for a solo home run.
On Sunday, the Mets go for the sweep as Mike Pelfrey takes on Kevin Millwood – who the Orioles desperately need to serve as a stopper.
And, oh yes, Stephen Strasburg starts again for Washington – this time in Cleveland – as they face the Indians on the road. Let’s see how much attention he garners this time around and if the region (and maybe the nation) will be transfixed on him again.
