Markakis' Solo Shot Proves to be Game-winner

Daniel Cabrera was dominant, and an eighth-inning home run from Markakis gave the O's a 3-2 lead, and an eventual win. The O's are now 6-1 in one-run games this season, and 12-9 overall.

Cabrera pitched eight innings, allowing two runs off five hits, while striking out five...and walking none! When was the last time you saw that stat? He was lifted after throwing 95 pitches (65 for strikes), though it looked as if he could have finished the game.

Seattle went up 2-0 early on, and a base running blunder by Huff kept the O's scoreless until the sixth. After Huff and Jones singled to start the inning, R. Hernandez powered what should have been a double to the left field wall. Huff misread the ball, and with Jones right behind him, ignored the red light and tried for home. He was easily thrown out, and the inning ended with a double play.

But Roberts singled to start off the sixth, and a Mora triple cut the lead to one. Markakis grounded into a fielders choice, and the O's had tied the game. With one out in the eighth and Markakis coming to the plate, Seattle elected to bring in Ryan Rowland-Smith. The move backfired, as Markakis knocked his first pitch over the right field wall. (I love this guy!)

Sherrill came in to pitch the ninth, and gave up a lead-off single. This is where things started to get scary. This was the first time Sherrill had been back to Safeco Field since being traded to the O's; could he be nervous with only a one run lead? He retired the next three batters, striking out one, to record his seventh save in as many attempts.

With an earlier Boston loss, the O's are in second place and only two games back.

(photos courtesy of MLB.com)