The Orioles had a very good day on Sunday as they avoided a sweep at the hands of the Red Sox, by earning a 6-1 victory.
Lefty Brian Matusz – who had pitched relatively well over the last month – broke a horrendous winless spell with a brilliant outing.
The youngster worked seven innings, allowed two hits and no runs in his outing. He kept the Red Sox at bay and the offense finally came together to support Matusz. Six O’s starters had hits in the game – Nick Markakis and Cesar Izturis each had three – and five players each drove in a run.
Josh Bell – who was recently promoted from Norfolk – out three times.
John Lackey, who started the game for Boston, went 7 1/3 innings, gave up four runs (three earned). He took the loss.
In other news, the Orioles found out who their 2010 All-Star Game selection was (they were only going to get one) and it came as a bit of surprise – Ty Wigginton was named to the team.
The popular consensus amongst many was that Nick Markakis would be included on the All-Star game squad due to his numbers (sans the homers) and his consistency throughout the season; however, he may have been snubbed due to the amount of deserving outfielders in the league.
Wigginton started off hot this season, but has cooled down considerably and I would not have chosen him. Then again, Joe Girardi – manager of the AL team – need some infielders are chose Wigginton.
Nick Markakis, I’m sure is tad bit sad that he was not selected for the team, but showed Wigginton a ton of lot respect and was very classy with his statements.
When the season began, I would have never thought that Wigginton would have put up the numbers he has so far – much less make the All-Star team. The guy simply played through it all (and never complained) never really knowing his status at the beginning of the season.
Obviously, due to injuries and the demise of Garrett Atkins, Wigginton got to shine and contribute. Who knows if he’ll be in a Baltimore uniform after July 31st, but in a poor season for the team, he’s stood out.
For that, congrats to Ty Wigginton for his first All-Star game selection.
