Hail Cesar (updated)
Hail Cesar (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Cesar Izturis struck out to end the fourth inning and leave the bases loaded. He also left the game scoreless. Probably not a big surprise, but how about the way he made up for it in the sixth? Izturis contributed a two-run triple to a four-run inning that also included doubles by Adam Jones and Felix Pie, and a long sacrifice fly by Ty Wigginton. Whatever offense that Izturis provides is gravy. He's here for his glove. That hit was huge and quite unexpected. Does Buck Showalter get credit...
Guts and Max (update, O's lead)
Guts and Max (update, O's lead)
Steve Melewski
Orioles
It's Jeremy Guthrie vs. Max Scherzer tonight at Detroit. It's 0-0 after four innings, but each team has had scoring chances and they have combined to leave 11 on base. The O's just loaded the bases on three singles with one out in the fourth, but Scherzer fanned Josh Bell and Cesar Izturis to end that threat. Scherzer is 4-3, 2.15 in 11 second-half starts. Guthrie has allowed five hits in four innings, but no runs to the Tigers so far. Detroit is 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position...
Tonight's lineups
Tonight's lineups
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
For the Orioles: Brian Roberts 2B Ty Wigginton 1B Nick Markakis RF Luke Scott DH Matt Wieters C Adam Jones CF Felix Pie LF Josh Bell 3B Cesar Izturis SS Jeremy Guthrie RHP For the Tigers: Austin Jackson CF Ryan Raburn RF Johnny Damon DH Miguel Cabrera 1B Don Kelly LF Jhonny Peralta SS Brandon Inge 3B Alex Avila C Ramon Santiago 2B Max Scherzer RHP
Keys now need two wins to advance
Keys now need two wins to advance
Steve Melewski
Orioles
After losing 7-1 at Potomac last night, the Frederick Keys need to win two games in two days to advance to the Mills Cup finals vs. Winston-Salem. Frederick trails the best-of-five series, 2-1, heading into tonight's game four at Potomac where Luis Noel (3-2, 6.18) pitches for the Keys vs. right-hander Marcos Frias (7-5, 5.69). Frias is 1-1, 7.31 in three starts vs. Frederick on the year. How some Keys hitters have fared in this series: Miguel Abreu: 3 for 12 Xavier Avery: 0 for 10 Pedro...
Marquis Reflects on 9/11
Marquis Reflects on 9/11
Josh Land
Nationals
Nine years ago today, Jason Marquis was scheduled to take the mound in Atlanta against the Phillies. Up early to do some work on his fantasy football team, Marquis watched the first plane fly into the World Trade Center on television. Like many Americans, when the second plane hit the Twin Towers, he frantically began checking with loved ones in the city -- including his sister who was working at the New York Stock Exchange. "You feel helpless," Marquis recalled. "All you can do is hope...
A few notes
A few notes
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Jake Fox's home run last night was the 10th by a first baseman this season, making the Orioles the last team in the majors to reach double figures at that position, according to Elias. I'm sure that was all part of manager Buck Showalter's plan. You already know that the Orioles are 22-14 under Showalter. Did you also know that they're tied with the Colorado Rockies for the third-most wins during that period? (Phillies 25, Twins 24) The Orioles are 10-2 in series-opening games under...
Nats Pay Tribute to 9/11 Victims and Heroes
Nats Pay Tribute to 9/11 Victims and Heroes
Josh Land
Nationals
On Saturday, the Nationals will remember the September 11th attacks in Washington, New York and Pennsylvania with several special events throughout the game. During batting practice, Nationals players wore DC Fire Department caps to honor the emergency personnel who responded to the attacks. In a pregame ceremony, Mike Rizzo and Ivan Rodriguez will be recognized as Honorary Fire Chiefs with a special helmet presentation. Additionally, the Post 9/11 Foundation will present the Nationals with...
From worst to not worst?
From worst to not worst?
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
If the sting from Koji Uehara's blown save on Wednesday still hasn't subsided, you might want to consider making an appointment with a dermatologist. Also consider that the Orioles have won five of their last six games and nine of their last 13. That's a pretty good stretch from the team with the worst record in the American League. How much longer will the Orioles hold that distinction? Their record currently stands at 54-87. The Seattle Mariners, a team that was championed over the...
Filling the Orioles with confidence
Filling the Orioles with confidence
Steve Melewski
Orioles
I've heard some fans say one reason the Orioles are playing so much better under Buck Showalter is because he is not afraid to kick some players' butts if needed and they know that. While that may be true, it seems to me that, rather than confront players and get on them to make them play better, Buck has boosted the confidence of the players and convinced them they are pretty good, or they wouldn't be here. Check out this article from Peter Gammons where he talks about Buck improving the...
O's score three late runs to top Tigers 6-3 in series opener
O's score three late runs to top Tigers 6-3 in series opener
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Two innings after he dropped a foul pop that cost the Orioles, Matt Wieters hit a fly ball of his own that scored a run to give the Orioles the lead. Wieters came up with the bases loaded and one out in the 8th and his sac fly to right gave the O's a 4-3 lead. Adam Jones followed with an RBI single as the two-run 8th lifted the O's to a 6-3 win at Detroit. Jim Hunter asks Buck Showalter about the O's 6-3 win over the Tigers The Orioles are now 10-2 in series openers under Buck...