Orioles Win Against Houston and the Attack of a fan at Camden Yards Last Week…

Chris Tillman #30 of the Baltimore Orioles throws against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Minute Maid Park on June 4, 2013 in Houston, Texas.

Last night, the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Houston Astros, 4-1, in the first game of their series.

Chris Tillman had a good night on the mound, allowing one run in eight innings; meanwhile, Danny Valencia homered and Manny Machado along with J.J. Hardy each plated in runs.

Jim Johnson earned his 19th save of the season.

The Astros – pegged universally to be all types of awful – were riding a six-game win streak; however, the Orioles put a stop to that. They're awful at 21-38, but not nearly as bad as the Miami Marlins, who are 16-43 as of this morning.

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Well, in case you have not read or heard the news today, the condition of Matthew Fortese – a young man that was assaulted by two fans on Wednesday during the Nationals-Orioles game has taken a turn for the worse.

What did he do to deserve being hospitalized and potentially fighting for his life?

Wearing a Yankees cap at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

That’s right.

From WBAL: Officers said Matthew Fortese, 25, of Hagerstown, confronted two men at the May 29 Orioles-Nationals game in Section 87 of the stadium after they taunted him because of his Yankees cap and threw beer on him and his girlfriend. Police said Fortese approached one man, identified as Michael Bell, 21, of Annapolis, and climbed on a wall in front of him.

"At some point during this dispute, the victim may have climbed onto a wall — it appears it was only 3 or 5 feet in height — in order to speak with the suspects," said police spokesman Jeremy Silbert.

Authorities said that as Fortese was arguing with Bell, Bell's friend, Gregory Fleischman, 22, punched Fortese on the side of his head.

"At that time, the victim fell several feet, striking his head on the concrete area," Silbert said.

Police said Fortese suffered a skull fracture. He was taken to Shock Trauma, where he was initially listed in serious condition.  He was downgraded to critical condition Monday evening, Shock Trauma officials said.

Read more: http://www.wbaltv.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/man-hurt-after-dispute-fall-at-orioles-game/-/10131532/20379866/-/f9xu21z/-/index.html#ixzz2VMK9bUp7

At this point, I’m saying a prayer for Mr. Fortese.

Hopefully, he’ll get out of the hospital, make a speedy recovery – sooner rather than later – and enjoy a decent quality of life.

James had an entry the other day about this incident that got a couple of responses; however, I’ll say this: fans need to think about where sports should be placed in the context of life.

Live sporting events are great to go to and a good way to get away from reality for a few hours. You should kick back, have some overpriced beer along with ballpark food, hang out with family, friends and enjoy life.

A ballpark – no matter where it is — should be a place of safety.

A fan should not have to fear for their health – or life – because they want see a game played live and root for their team, or the opposing one.

I’m sure that alcohol and idiotic, misplaced pride played a role in the attack by Bell and Fleischman. Then again, there’s no excuse for attacking anyone for any reason, either at a ball game, on a street – or anywhere.

Whatever happens in court, the book should be thrown at Bell and Fleischman by a judge.

However this story ends, this fact is certain: the lives of four young people will never be the same.

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