O's Bullpen Blown Away

It was bound to happen eventually, but just what was that?

Guthrie took the mound in the seventh, recorded an out, and was replaced by Jamie Walker. Guthrie was rolling, and although he was shaky in the early innings, clearly was dominating the Rays at that point. I felt confident; if Guthrie goes seven, the 'pen will hold this one.

Unfortunately the bullpen, which up to tonight had been nearly invincible, decided to let the Rays tee-off as if these later innings were batting practice. The bullpen allowed eight runs in just an inning and two-thirds, and the O's lost their third straight, 10-5.

The results will remind any hard-core fan of last season...starting pitcher is in line for the win, suddenly the game is a blow-out, courtesy of a slew of relievers who can't get a single out.

So many questions! Why take Guthrie out? I don't care what the pitch count is; he's a young arm and at that point in the game was only getting stronger. So what if the rest of the lineup bats left...he's gotten them out before! Need I remind anyone of last year's Mother's Day Massacre, where Guthrie was two outs away from a win against the Sox and the bullpen allowed six runs to give the game away?

We were up 5-2! Let the kid pitch! If you want to save your relievers, this was not the way to do it. This is all in hind-sight, but the game changed drastically after Guthrie left. Do we need any more reminders of what can happen after you let your ace head to the locker room?

I think Walker said it best...
"We all blew up. I started the fire and it got a little ignited, but I blame myself for that one. I take full blame." (courtesy of MLB.com)

The O's are still in sole possession of first, but need to snap this streak. Cabrera starts tonight, and after the bullpen implosion last night, he'll need to locate his fastball and work deep into the game, and let this impressive 'pen rest and reflect on their 'perfect storm.'

(photo by Jon Parr)

Rain Washes Away O's Momentum...

Due to the rain out yesterday, the O's and Rangers were slated to play a doubleheader today in Texas. Considering that the O's lost both games the last time the two teams met in a doubleheader, including a record 30-3 drubbing, I was a bit nervous.

The O's fared a bit better than last time, but still were swept today, losing 3-1 and then 5-4. After winning six straight, the O's dropped two in a row and head to Florida to take on the Rays tomorrow.

In game one, Steve Trachsel pitched a good game, allowing just three runs (two earned), but the O's bats stayed silent.

The O's never had the lead in game two, but kept it close throughout. After falling behind 4-1, a two run blast by Jay Payton brought them within a run, and an R.B.I from Kevin Millar evened the score at four a piece in the eighth.

The O's bullpen, still the best in the league, couldn't hold on though, as the Rangers scored once in the bottom of the eighth, taking a 5-4 lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Bottom line: I hate rain outs and doubleheaders against Texas. The O's are still alone in first, with Boston and New York creeping up. We'll need a strong showing from Guthrie tomorrow.

(photos courtesy of MLB.com)

O's Take Their Magic on the Road...

Another game, another win. The O's seem unstoppable after the 8-1 mauling of the Texas Rangers earlier today.

For those who are counting, that's six straight wins, matching the longest winning streak of all last season. The O's 6-1 record is the best in baseball, and a team best since starting 7-1 in 1998.

And Aubrey Huff, who could've been booed out of Baltimore, is leading not only the team but the major league with 11 RBIs. He got four today, going 4 for 4 at the plate.

The O's are the hot topic in Baltimore, and I certainly noticed a lot more jerseys and hats around campus today. Though it seems unlikely the team can keep up this incredible pace, I'm certainly not ruling it out. World Series here we come!

I'm a little busy tonight, but wanted to post something about the first road win. Oh, by the way, Bedard recovered from his "injury" and was able to pitch today. He got the win, but pitched poorly, giving up two homers and walking four through six innings...nice!

(photos courtesy of MLB.com)

O's Magic is Back in Baltimore! (without Bedard)...

Wow. I logged the game today between the O's and Mariners and after watching eight innings I didn't think I'd be blogging tonight. First, Bedard was scratched from starting due to a hip inflammation (what? I think he was afraid to face his former team!), so Felix Hernandez got to start, and pretty much had his way with the O's lineup through eight innings. Heading into the ninth, the O's were down 2-0, and last season's stats painted an ugly picture. The O's only won four games last year when trailing after eight, and Seattle was 75-0 when leading after eight. Game over, right?

Wrong. This is a whole different team than last year. Guthrie pitched a pretty good game, and left after seven innings trailing 2-0. The bullpen was solid yet again; they didn't allow a run, giving the offense a chance to come alive in the ninth. The O's rallied and won the game 3-2. Luis Hernandez, who was hitless through the first five games, delivered the winning single. You can't write a prettier script than this one.
This was one of the most exciting ninth-inning comebacks I've seen in a long time from this club. Obviously, Seattle is missing their injured closer, and probably wishing they had George Sherrill back right now. And how fitting was it that Adam Jones scored the tying run against his former team! I also am becoming a Luke Scott fan: he's had back-to-back 3-hit performances.

After five games, the O's are alone in first place and hold the best record in the American League. Will it last? The majority of the population thinks this is just a fluke, but this team is young and has no expectations to live up to. Anything can happen, as they proved today with their 3-run ninth inning. The first sweep of the season is on the line tomorrow...Go O's!

(photo by Jon Parr) (photo by MLB.com)