The Orioles fell to 1-5 as the result of poor hitting and some late inning collapses.
Brad Bergesen struggled in the home opener, allowing 5 runs on 8 hits in 4 2/3 innings, but Miguel Tejada tied the game with a 2 run homer, his first of the year, and Cesar Izturis' RBI single in the 8th put the O's in a position to win. Unfortunately, Mike Gonzalez blew his second save in the 9th as the O's fell 7-6.
David Hernandez pitched well in the second game, striking out 5 in 6 innings and allowing just 2 runs despite his 4 walks, but it was not enough to overcome the O's complete lack of hitting. They dropped the game 3-0.
The O's got off to a hot start in the series finale with Miguel Tejada getting his team-high 6th RBI on a first inning double. Kevin Millwood threw seven innings with only a home run by Alex Gonzalez before giving up 2 more in the 8th. As a kind of bizarre side story, Nick Markakis picked up his league leading 9th walk, although he is batting just .167. Ultimately, the Jays won easily, 5-2.
Brian Roberts, who suffered an abdominal injury, was placed on the 15 day DL and the O's called up 2B Justin Turner, although Julio Lugo will continue to receive the majority of the starts.
For those of you who are starting to panic, I would ask why you had such high expectations to begin with...but you probably have good reason. The O's are hitting .236 collectively with only 19 runs in 6 games. Their closer has allowed 4 runs in 2 innings, blowing 2 saves and barely surviving his 1 successful save. Their franchise player just went on the DL.
That being said, their starters have a 3.89 ERA, which includes Bergesen's start. Their relievers, minus Gonzalez have a 3.52 ERA. As a team they have committed just 1 error. 3 of their 5 losses have been by 1 run. The Orioles are not a great team, but they are not as bad as their 1-5 record indicates. Given some time they should make their way back around the .500 mark - hopefully by the end of April.
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3 comments:
Isn't that a statistic that track every year - number of games lost by one-run? I think a high number of those loses is equated to good teams having bad luck. Whether or not the Os are truely good, probably not. But its a good sign for years to come, right? 100+ games to find out.
I would say it has two indications:
1. They are close to being a good team.
2. They are not a good team. Good teams come out on top in 1-run games. They have blown leads late and been unable to score in the clutch.
Maybe it just shows poor relief corps, haha. That, for one, is certain.
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