O's Lose a Heartbreaker in Oakland

Garrett Olson pitched the best game of his young career, but the O's bats were held silent yet again, as the Orioles dropped the first game of the series, 2-1, in the tenth inning.

Olson pitched into the seventh, allowing just four hits and one run, while striking out seven (a career high). Olson walked just one batter, and was pulled after that with two on and one out in the seventh. Matt Albers was able to get the second out, and Jamie Walker was summoned to face the left-hander at the plate. After two infield singles, the A's went ahead 1-0.

This post was almost labeled, "O's Find Another Way to Lose." With the bases loaded in the seventh, Kevin Millar fielded the ball instead of heading to 1st and letting Roberts make the play. Walker hesitated, and no one covered first. The A's never should have scored that run, and Olson should never have been charged with a run.

The O's had runners at 2nd and 3rd with one out in the eighth, but were unable to score. They were finally able to tie the game in the ninth; Ramon Hernandez had the O's only RBI.

Jim Johnson took the loss, ending his scoreless streak this season.

All in all, this was a tough loss to swallow. The Orioles just keep finding ways to lose...

Game 2 is slated for later tonight; Brian Burres looks to end the O's 3-game losing streak...with the loss, the O's fell to .500 with a 16-16 record...they're now in 3rd in the A.L.East.

(photos courtesy of MLB.com)