The Orioles yesterday were able to squeak out a win against the Tampa Bay Rays, 9-8. Pitcher Brad Bergesen did a lot better yesterday than he has recently, going five innings and giving up two runs; however, reliever Ryan Drese got shelled as he gave up six runs in less than two innings of work.
Nick Green helped the Orioles get the win with a two-run double in the bottom of the seventh and reliever Mike Ballard got the save.
Luke Scott broke out of a slump as he got two hits on the day; meanwhile, Nick Markakis drove in three runs and Adam Jones drove in one.
The big news from yesterday is that Brian Roberts returned to the lineup, and he finished the game healthy this time. He went 0-2; however, from all reports he seemed to be moving fine and without injury. As I’ve said again and again, the Orioles will need him healthy in order to improve on their record from last season.
However, one does have to wonder if Brian Roberts is indeed in his decline phase? Considering that Roberts is in the beginning of a contract extension – a 4 year deal – do injuries and little ailments that have flared up recently keep coming up again and again?
Finally, I was able to catch the MLB Network’s “30 Clubs in 30 Days” special last week on the Baltimore Orioles.
I’ll say it was very positive – perhaps overly so. I’m not sure if the Orioles will finish close to .500; however, the hosts believed that they could providing the starting pitching steps and if some of the young position players take their game to another level.
I still think the Orioles will finish with 75-78 wins. Really, a lot would have to go right for the Orioles to reach the .500 mark, but stranger things have happened.
