The Baltimore Orioles got their second decisive win in as many days by whipping the Atlanta Braves, 11-2. Rookie pitcher Brad Bergesen continues to impress everyone as he pitched his first ever career complete game — throwing 112 pitches, and allowing two runs (both off solo home runs by David Ross in the seventh and ninth innings). Crazy enough, the Orioles seem to pre-destined to lose on Sundays — however, the win bucked a painful trend for a week or so.
There can’t be much more said about the performance of Bergesen — he threw strikes, and his defense backed him up. Although he doesn’t throw hard, Bergesen’s got superior command and control; therefore, if he’s on — like he was on Sunday — and has his offense behind him, the Orioles could have a potential top-of the rotation guy supporting them.
Baltimore’s offense was on all day and was led by Ty Wigginton’s two home runs — a 2 run shot in the first, a solo home run in the 5th — along with three RBIs, and Robert Andino also had three runs driven in. Brian Roberts drove in two, and each Oriole starter had a hit.
The bats jumped on Atlanta ace Derek Lowe in the first inning as they scored three times, and scored twice in the second and third, along with three more times in fourth. Lowe only lasted 2 1/3 innings and gave up seven runs on eight hits, while Kris Medlen pitched in mop-up duty and lasted four innings, giving up four runs.
The play of game came in the the second inning. Baltimore had a 4-0 lead, and Roberts — who was on first base — looked to steal second, but was caught in a run-down between the bases, and looked to be a dead duck; however, Robert Andino — who had doubled in his previous at bat — was on third and stole home (which was not being covered by catcher Brian McCann).
Baltimore continues their homestand on Tuesday against the New York Mets — a team reeling from a 15-0 loss at the hands of the Yankees on Sunday — at Camden Yards for a three-game set.
