The Orioles needed to get back on track after going 1-3 against the Tigers and Red Sox this weekend, and they did just that by sweeping the Toronto Blue Jays. The O's got great pitching and the bats showed up for these division rivals.
The O's started the series a little shaky when Daniel Cabrera gave up 5 runs in 5.2 innings. The O's lineup kept the game close by scoring 4 runs while Cabrera was on the mound. Then came the 8th inning. The Orioles exploded for 6 runs in the 8th and another 3 runs in the 9th inning. Mora tied the game up with a solo homerun and the flood gates opened up. The O's sent 11 batters to the plate in the 8th inning that ended on a Tejada pop-up. In the 9th inning, Jay Gibbons hit a 3 run shot to deep right field.
The second game was much more boring and a better starting pitching performance. The Orioles had Eric Bedard pitching, and he didn't disappoint this time. He pitched 7 scoreless inning to the Blue Jays. The Jays only run came in the 9th inning off of B.J. Ryan in a non-save situation. Brian Roberts began the game with a lead off homerun, and the O's played small ball for the other 3 runs. This game was the least flashy of the 3 games, but it was one of the better pitching performances of the year. At least until the 3rd game of the series.
Sidney Ponson surprised everyone with his pitching performance in the final game of the series. He allowed one run in 9 innings of work. Ponson did walk 4 batters, but he struck out 7 Jays. Sammy Sosa also had his first multi-homerun game in a Orioles uniform. Both of Sosa's homeruns were solo shots and so was Melvin Mora's homerun in this game. Again, the O's batters hit clutch singles to score the other 4 runs in this game, and showed why they are a force to be reckon with.
Player of the Series: Sammy Sosa-5 hits, 4 RBIs, 2 HRs
Next Game: Red Sox in Boston with projected starters of Bruce Chen and David Wells
Have you noticed the Orioles are playing better on the road? Both series sweeps were on the road.
PS thanks for the link backs
Posted by: Yirga at April 25, 2005 06:32 PMSorry I was wrong about the Orioles sweeping the Yankees in New York. But the Orioles are 7-2 on the road and 5-5 at home.
Posted by: Yirga at April 25, 2005 06:41 PMI am more impressed with the pitching thus far this season. I think there has been only two games that the starters couldn't keep control in any part of the game. Other than that, the Pitching has been solid. I am also impressed that once the O's are losing; they don't give up in the game.
Posted by: Chris-helimech24 at April 25, 2005 06:48 PM