While this game certainly can't be labeled a "heart breaker," it was definitely disappointing. The Birds seemed destined to lose early on; starter Dennis Sarfate went just three innings and was tagged for five runs. He was pulled in the fourth after he hit a batter and walked the next...both runners came around to score...Sarfate hasn't made a strong case to stay in the starting rotation; if anything he's pitching his way back to Triple A...
The Birds couldn't get anything going offensively until the ninth inning, when they scored four times with two out to tie the game at five. They handed Francisco Rodriguez , the Angels' closer, just his fourth blown save in 49 opportunities, and had the go-ahead run at second base before Aubrey Huff struck out to end the rally. Nick Markakis and Melvin Mora each drove in two runs in the inning (Markakis had three RBIs in the game).Sherrill, who had pitched the eighth just to get some work in, was brought out to start the ninth and immediately gave up a double. With two outs, Sherrill loaded the bases with a walk, and then walked in the winning run...
Regardless of the outcome, you have to take some solace in the fact that the O's battled back against the best team, and the best closer, in baseball. In a game that they seemed destined to lose, the O's showed once again that they'll fight until the final out...I'm certainly proud of the team; it was just not the way you want to lose a game...
The Birds send rookie Chris Waters to the mound later tonight...Go O's!
(photos courtesy of MLB.com)
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