After the Orioles lost on Monday in the Land of 10,000 Lakes in a tight game, they took an early lead, but gave up another one to the Twins on Tuesday, 7-6. Delmon Young had a walk-off hit in the ninth to seal it for
Mickolio got both Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau to ground out to start the final frame, and need one out to finish the game; however, Michael Cuddyer hit a hard grounder to Brian Roberts – however, it skipped through the second baseman’s glove – off Mickilio, and then Jason Kubel got on base with a single. Moments later, Young’s hit ended the game.
Brian Matusz had an up and down start as he went five innings and allowed three runs, and didn’t factor in the decision. Mickolio took the loss. The game was close; however, the young Oriole pitchers learned this – giving up walks and not getting crucial outs will kill you at the major league level.
The game also put the glare of a critical eye back on Felix Pie – who has been nothing but solid for the past few weeks, and has looked very promising with increased playing time and the injury to Adam Jones.
He had two notable base running gaffes – the most notable one in the sixth inning as he got involved in a run-down after a shallow flyball to first base by Nolan Reimold and Morneau was definitely paying attention. Pie was 1-4 at the plate; however, he must have left like crap after the game and he has to be much better on the basepaths, plus use his baseball instincts – assuming he’s at least par with them – much more judiciously.
Justin Morneau homered in the bottom of the third to make the score, 4-3. Morneau’s homer is his 29th of the season.
The Orioles scored again in the fourth off another bases-loaded walk, and once again in the sixth off a Like Scott single.
Brian Bass came into the game in relief of Brian Matusz in the sixth inning and just imploded. He gave up three hits, and walked two – all without getting an out. Mark Hendrickson finally stopped the bleeding as he got Joe Mauer to ground into a double play – which drove in the sixth run – and ended the frame by getting Justin Morneau to ground out.
