The Orioles lost 6-5 last night in extra innings against a seemingly resurgent Royals squad.
As we know, the Orioles lost the game in the tenth as Jason Berken gave up a leadoff walk to Gordon, who advanced to third after a Billy Butler single. Gordon scored when Jeff Francoeur plated him with an sacrifice fly to right field.
Markakis tried to throw Butler out, but it was way off the line.
Berken, who had pitched a scoreless ninth, took the loss. It was painful to watch, but sometimes that’s the way things go. He’s been struggling as of late, so let’s hope he works his way out of it.
As for yesterday’s starting pitcher – Brad Bergesen, he too has been struggling this season. As many people have remarked, Bergesen seems to have lost something, especially after the violent leg injury he suffered a little less than two years ago.
It don’t know whether it’s confidence or what, but he just doesn’t seem to be same guy he was in 2009 and the end of last year. He may not have the pedigree of Britton or some of the harder throwers; however, his sinker should be a tool to get guys out. That doesn’t seem to be used as often much anymore and he’s just not being effective.
He ran into trouble in the second inning where the Royals plated three runs, hung in there, and then gave up another run in the fifth inning. Overall, he lasted five innings and gave up four runs – three earned on six hits.
I would fathom if Bergesen doesn’t get better, his rotation spot is in jeopardy once Brian Matusz returns.
The bullpen kept in the Orioles in the game until the 10th inning. Accardo gave up a solo homer to Francoeur; however, Mike Gonzalez – in another superb outing – and Koji Uehara kept the Royals off the board.
Adam Jones had three hits; Luke Scott had two hits in addition to a critical three-run homer in the fourth inning and Derrek Lee had two hits. Vladmir Guerrero scored twice.
It was frustrating watching the game at times and the Oriole offense got back on track after yesterday’s loss in Chicago; however, when they had the chance to potentially blow the game open with men on base – they didn’t.
I will say this: Robert Andino needs to play regularly. At this point, he should not be regulated to the bench for a long period of time. I know J.J. Hardy may be back soon, but Andino has shown that he’s got ability and if in the lineup can be productive.
There’s only so much you can tell about a player with a small sample, but he should be playing a lot unless he is not effective.
Nick Markakis went 0-for-5, and I don’t know if he’s hurting or just has a bad night, but he really, really needs to pick it up. As well, Mark Reynolds went 0-for-4 and is average is at anemic .168, plus he’s already struck out 30 times in only 95 bats.
Finally, there’s been some chatter about former Oriole pitcher Kevin Millwood. Who knows if he will return, or if the team is just kicking the tires concerning him; however, despite his awful season in 2010, he would probably give them team a lot of depth and experience. But then again, does he really have anything left?
