Big First Inning Sinks O's

The Red Sox tagged Garrett Olson for five runs in the first inning, and even with some late O's Magic, the lead was just too much to overcome, as the Orioles lost the game 6-3.

Olson looked horrible in the first; he walked two, threw a wild pitch with a man on third, botched a pick-off attempt at first and gave up a 3-run home run (in no particular order). Olson's a rookie, and was probably nervous in front of the Boston crowd. He settled down after that, and didn't allow another runner to cross the plate until he gave up a solo shot in the sixth, making it a 6-1 game.

The O's mounted a comeback in the ninth, but it was just too little, too late. Aubrey Huff led-off with a double, followed by an RBI double from Kevin Millar. Millar scored on an error, and with two on and two out, Brian Roberts came to the plate representing the tying run. Sox skipper Terry Francona had seen enough, and went to closer Jonathan Papelbon, who retired Roberts on a routine grounder.

The O's are guaranteed a winning road trip against three good clubs, and still have a chance to take two of three from Boston tomorrow night. The Red Sox were the only team in the division to win tonight, so the O's are still tied for third with Toronto and New York.

(photos courtesy of MLB.com)