Burres Solid, but O's Fall in Ninth

Brian Burres was magnificent, holding the Yankees to just one run through 7 2/3 innings, but the O's lost 2-1 tonight. Burres allowed just one run off six hits, striking out five and walking none.

The Orioles just couldn't score any runs...this is how it always happens: the O's break-out the bats for one game and then decide to leave them in the clubhouse for the rest of the series. Most fans I talk to would rather the O's "save" their bats and consistently score. I loved the 12-run spanking, but the O's could only score one run over the next two games...the team just needs to keep it consistent. I'd rather win 3-2 and save those nine runs for the remainder of the series.

After an RBI triple from Freddie Bynum in the third inning, the O's squandered a bases-loaded, one-out opportunity. Nick Markakis struck out looking, and Aubrey Huff flied out to left. Look, I'm always an optimist when it comes to this team, but you can't do that and expect to win. How can the #3 and #4 hitters not take advantage of that situation? The Yankees may be struggling this season, but when you have the chance to break the game open at Yankee Stadium, you better do it.

The O's did not, and it cost them in the ninth. Jim Johnson gave up a lead-off single, and then struck out the next two batters he faced (maybe...Giambi was a close call!). A walk and a single later, and the Yankees took two of three from the O's.

The O's continue to baffle me...the team looked like contenders after crushing the Yanks on Tuesday. After being shut out Wednesday, and losing a one-run game tonight, the O's look confused. It only gets worse, as the Birds take on the 2nd place Tampa Rays tomorrow night.

Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound; the O's have failed to score runs for him all season until his last start. Here's hoping the bats wake-up against Tampa...Go O's!

(photos courtesy of MLB.com)