The Magic Beats The Monkey...

Jeremy Guthrie finally got his first win of the season; the bullpen almost let it slip away.

Guthrie pitched well through seven innings, allowing two runs on just three hits. He walked two, while striking out six. He left the game with a 4-2 lead, and handed the game over to the 'pen.

For once, the O's offense was able to give Guthrie some run support. Nick Markakis, batting in the #2 spot for the first time this season, homered in the first to give the O's a 1-0 lead. He ended up going 2 for 4 with two runs scored and two RBIs. Mora, batting third instead of second, also contributed, going 2 for 3 with a walk and two RBIs.

It looks like Trembley's shake-up worked out; the two players he switched around ended up driving in all four of Baltimore's runs...

With the O's up 4-2 in the ninth, closer George Sherrill came into the game. He allowed back-to-back singles to start the inning, and the Angels had runners on the corners with none out. I'm sure Guthrie was getting nervous in the dugout. The next batter, Erick Aybar, grounded to Mora, who threw home. The umpire ruled that the runner beat the tag, and just like that, it was a 4-3 game with 2 on and none out. After a sacrifice bunt advanced both runners into scoring position, all seemed lost.

Then...a little more of that O's magic that we've been seeing on a regular basis this season. Sherrill induced a pop-up to first, and the runners had to stay put. After an intentional walk to load the bases, Sherrill got yet another pop-up to end the game; the O's won 4-3.

I just had to add this quote..."I was upset because the Rally Monkey always comes in the ninth inning," said Mora of the Angels' rally mascot. "I don't like the Rally Monkey. I don't know why he doesn't stay sleeping some days." (courtesy of MLB.com)

With Boston beating Tampa Bay earlier, the O's and Rays are tied for second in the A.L. East.

Note: Brian Roberts went 0 for 5 with two strikeouts, ending his hitting streak at 11 games.

(Photos courtesy of MLB.com)