Bullpen Blows Another One as O's Fall to Last Place

The O's were swept in Toronto last night, succumbing to yet another one-run loss, 6-5.

I'm a pretty fun-loving guy, easy to get along with, but this is the type of game/series that has me pulling out my hair and contemplating throwing whatever is close-by through the TV screen.

Jeremy Guthrie pitched an incredible game, giving up just two runs (one earned) through seven innings. The O's offense held up their part of the deal, and actually gave Guthrie five runs in support. The O's took an early three-run lead, and when the Jays scored twice to make it close, the Birds answered right back, taking a 5-2 lead in the eighth inning.

Game over, right? Guthrie had been in command all night, allowing just four hits, and two of his three strikeouts came in the seventh inning.

Manager Dave Trembley elected to go to the bullpen (Guthrie had thrown 101 pitches, and at his age, you can never be too careful) and once again the momentum of the game changed drastically.

I'm baffled as to how the Orioles bullpen transformed from one of the best in the league to the laughingstock of the majors (could Matt Albers really have been the cog that made this machine run?).

Jim Johnson, once unhittable, gave up two hits and two runs in the eighth. With the O's nursing a one-run lead, closer George Sherrill came on in the ninth and blew yet another save. Incredible!

The Birds have now lost five straight and are tied for last place in the AL East with Toronto. Next up...the Boston Red Sox at Fenway!

*Roberts IS NOT an OFFICIAL All-Star this year, but many thanks to those who voted!