Friday, April 18, 2008

NOTHING Beats Watching the O's from the Press Booth...

...EXCEPT a come-from-behind victory in extra innings!


On Thursday, I had the privilege to experience what most fans can only dream about. Thanks to my professor, Mr. John Eisenberg, my classmates and I were able to embark on a VIP tour of Camden Yards.
We arrived early, and were able to stand on the field during batting practice, take a tour of the clubhouse, and watch the entire game from the press booth. The view was absolutely amazing!




I brought my camera along, just in case. The gamble paid off, as I was permitted to take photos before and after the game. I'll include a slide show in a few days, for now, here's a picture of Jones signing autogaphs before the game.

The actual game was intense. I was determined to go 1-0 lifetime in the press box, and had a feeling the O's would help make that happen.

Jeremy Guthrie started the game, and had a decent outing. He gave up two runs in the second, but shut the White Sox down until the seventh. Meanwhile, the O's couldn't get anything going against Gavin Floyd until a 2-run shot from Markakis evened the score. Guthrie came back out to start the seventh, and was pulled after giving up back-to-back solo shots.

Down 5-3 in the ninth, the O's tied the game with RBIs from Brian Roberts and Melvin Mora. O's closer George Sherrill pitched a scoreless tenth, and then things got interesting.

After Bobby Jenks had blown the save in the ninth, the Sox decided to bring in Boone Logan. After Mllar walked to start the inning, Luke Scott was able to draw a walk, giving D.H. Aubrey Huff a chance to collect his first hit of the game. Huff connected, but came just shy of driving the ball out of the park.

Adam Jones was up next, and minutes later the O's were celebrating their come-from-behind victory, courtesy of Jones' game-winning single down the left-field line.



In their first extra inning game of the season, the O's were victorious, and are now 5-1 in one run games. They also hold the best home record (7-3) in the American League.

The team needed this win, as the Yankees arrive in Baltimore today. I'll personally be in attendance for Sunday's game, and will keep you posted on the first two games of the series.

(photos by Jon Parr)

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