The Orioles finished a 4 game series in Chicago against the White Sox earlier today. After being disappointed the first 2 games, the Orioles took the next two to even out the series. Todays game showed the White Sox how explosive the O's could be.
Both pitchers in the game, Eric Bedard of the O's and Jose Contreras of the WS, had some of their best stuff. Bedard didn't give up a run until the 7th inning, and Contreras only surrendered 2 runs until the same point in the game. The game looked as if it were going to be another pitchers duel in the the series. Then the 7th inning happened, and both teams combined for 5 runs. The only difference for Eric Bedard this game is that he actually had run support. In his last three starts, he has had none to speak of. Today, Eric didn't have to be perfect because the Orioles scored 5 runs in his 7 innings of work. Todd Williams came in relief during the 8 inning and didn't blow it this time. Williams was finally able to keep his sinker down in the strike zone today. B.J. Ryan finished the game for the O's in the 9th innning for a non-save situation. The O's manager said the following about Eric Bedard:
"Bedard was strong today and tremendous," Mazzilli said. "He was throwing strikes and getting his curveball over."
The offense was surprise today when 2 long balls came from an unlikely place. David Newhan and Sal Fasano both shot solo long balls in the game. They both earned their first homers of the season against one of the better pitching teams. Newhan added another RBI in the 7th with a sac fly. David Newhan has been a valuable utility man since last year. I was very happy this past off-season when the front office duo decided to keep him. For Fasano, this game was the first of the year. He was called up from Triple-A Ottawa on Wednesday to add some depth as a catcher. Todays homer was Fasano's first since 2001. Fasano added another RBI in the seventh as well by scoring Jay Gibbons, who doubled to lead off the inning. As an added note, Miggy added another RBI to his yearly total that is up to 38 and still leading the majors.
The two best teams in the AL squared off in this series, and they split it. When will ESPN finally give both teams some respect?
The O's continue their road trip on Tuesday when the visit KC.
Posted by helimech24 at May 15, 2005 10:47 PM | TrackBack