The Orioles continued their winning ways as they beat the Rays again, this time shutting them out, 6-0. Melvin Mora had a huge night, as he hit a decisive grand slam in the very first inning off Tampa rookie Jeff Neimann — who settled after a crazy first inning and went 5 1/3 innings, giving up six runs, all earned — and Nick Markakis also drove in a run that inning, plating Brian Roberts. It looks like Mora is still hot and has not slowed down from his amazing second half in ’08.
Adam Jones — who went for 1-for-4 — drove in run with an RBI-groundout in the sixth inning.
What can we say about Jeremy Guthrie. I know I and most fans were worried about his results during Spring Training; however, he put those worries behind as he went six shutout innings and gave up five hits. He finally got run support, and by the time the second inning began, he had nothing to worry about.
Matt Albers, Jamie Walker and Chris Ray — all who are coming back from injuries in one way or another — kept the Rays at bay and the shut-out going. Can the O’s go for the sweep? At this point, why not; however, it’s been a successful homestand as the team seemingly has all the confidence in the world and holding off the Evil Empire and Rays is quite an accomplishment from a squad not expected to do much. Right now, everyone is contributing to a good week, and let’s hope it continues.
Adam Eaton pitches on Sunday, and while he’s not at all instilled a world of confidence in me, the O’s are riding high.
