Jason Berken loses his 7th decision in a row since winning his first.
The hitting wasn’t a problem. Most nights when you score 8 runs, you’re going to win. That wasn’t the case last night, but its starting to look like the offense is getting some life back after the 4 and a half days off. Brian Roberts hit his 30th double of the season, walked twice, and actually bunted for a basehit for maybe the first time ever. If he can do that a few times a year it would really help him out as his skills start to fade. Nick Markakis hit his 28th double and his 9th homerun. It looks like the break really did him some good, hes finally starting to show that power stroke again. Adam Jones had a couple of hits including his 13th homerun, his first in over a month. Aubrey Huff had a pair of hits including a double, his 19th. Melvin Mora had a double and 2 singles. Nolan Riemold hit a single and a double and Cesar Izturis added another double.
The pitching was atrocious. Only one pitcher out of five didn’t let up a run. That was Kam Mickolio who pitched the last 1.2 innings impressively, striking out 2. Hes been a great addition to the bullpen so far. Jason Berken started and got rocked for 6 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks in 4.1 innings. I have a feeling Chris Tillman might be taking his turn in the rotation before the end of the month, he also pitched last night so he’d be on turn. Matt Albers was charged with 2 runs in an inning of work. Those 2 runs came when Danys Baez inherited 2 runners, then proceeded to hit a batter and give up a grand slam. Rich Hill got a third of an inning of work in. He gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and a walk. I’ll go out on a limb and say 3 of those pitchers won’t be on the major league team come September (Baez, Hill, Berken). Although Berken could be in the bullpen.
Player of the game: Nick Markakis (2-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, double (28), HR (9) (.292 AVG))
The Orioles face a franchise record 9th consecutive left handed pitcher today in Mark Buehrle. Brad Bergesen will take the mound.
