O's Drub Cubs

The Orioles became just the second visiting team to win a series at Wrigley Park this season, as they spanked the Chicago Cubs 11-4 this afternoon.

Chicago started the series with the best home record in all of baseball, and didn't see the O's as much of a threat...fine by me; I like being the underdog...

"The Cubs came into Tuesday with a 32-8 home record, but Piniella said before the game he was "scared" by a newspaper headline that his team was "safe at home," knowing no team is ever unbeatable no matter how hot." (courtesy of The Chicago Tribune)

The O's came out swinging, scoring five runs in the third inning. They kept adding on, and led 11-0 in the sixth. Aubrey Huff went 4 for 5 with three doubles; both numbers tied career highs.

Radhames Liz (2-0) knew he had to pitch deep into the game, and went five strong innings before being pulled in the sixth after walking two batters to start the inning. Brian Burres allowed both runners to cross the plate in relief, as well as a run of his own. Chad Bradford allowed a run in the eighth, and Jim Johnson pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to seal the win for the Birds.

The O's head "home" to take on the Nationals in Washington DC tomorrow. They're now 3-3 on the road trip, and if they can win the series against Washington, will return to Camden Yards with another winning road series. Daniel Cabrera looks to keep the winning streak going...

(photos courtesy of MLB.com)

Payton's Bat Not Enough in O's Loss

The Orioles couldn't overcome an early deficit and fell to the Cubs tonight 7-4.

The O's went to their bullpen early...actually, before the game even began. Brian Burres, the scheduled starter, felt ill before the game, and the O's went with reliever Matt Albers. Albers was pulled in the first inning, and will most likely be placed on the DL. He took the loss, as the Cubs scored four runs in the first; it was too much for the O's to overcome.

Overall, the Orioles bullpen didn't do a bad job, but to expect them to pitch an entire game is a little much...

Meanwhile, the O's weren't doing much offensively to help the cause...Jay Payton provided all the offense, smacking two 2-run homers, one in the second and another in the fourth. That was all the O's could muster, and they went quietly in the ninth, with Kerry Wood striking out the side.

The Birds can still win the series tomorrow afternoon, but it will be tricky...Radhames Liz is the scheduled starter, and the bullpen is worn pretty thin...

O's win a nail-biter at Wrigley Field

The O's ended Chicago's 14-game winning streak at home last night, defeating the Cubs 7-5.

Jeremy Guthrie was nearly perfect through six innings, allowing just a run off four hits, but unraveled in the seventh. After allowing two singles, Guthrie gave up a 3-run shot and the Cubs were back in it.

The O's offense was hot early on, and the O's had taken a 7-1 lead before Guthrie gave up the bomb. Brian Roberts picked up his 1,000th career hit (an RBI triple).

Things got scary in the ninth inning. Closer George Sherrill, called in to get the final out of the eighth, started off the inning by allowing a single. A walk and another single loaded the bases with none out, and the crowd at Wrigley were on their feet and making a lot of noise. Sherrill then proceeded to strike out the side, and the O's escaped with the win.

Sundays, Bloody Sundays...

The Birds lost again on Sunday, 7-3, extending the streak to eleven straight losses...

It's starting to get ridiculous...the O's had an early 2-0 lead before they let yet another game slip away. Down by a run in the sixth, the O's pretty much conceded defeat, as far as I'm concerned, when they brought in a reliever just called up from Triple A (Ryan Bukvich). Bukvich allowed a solo homer and left with two out and the bases loaded (two on by walks). The O's "left-handed specialist" Jamie Walker gave up a two-run shot in the seventh, and the O's just couldn't come back.

Thankfully, the O's had Monday off again to prepare for a three-game series against the Cubs. Jeremy Guthrie starts tonight...

O's Rally Falls Just Short

The Orioles lost a close game last night, falling 3-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Daniel Cabrera had a good night on the mound, going six innings and allowing three runs off seven hits. He walked three and struck out eight.

The O's couldn't get anything going offensively until Oscar Salazar pinch-hit for Cabrera in the seventh...Salazar swatted a two-run shot to narrow the Brewers' lead to one. That was it for the offense; Melvin Mora had a pinch-hit double in the ninth with two out, but Jay Payton popped-out to end the game.

The O's look to win the series later this afternoon...if they can snap their ten game Sunday losing streak I'll be back after the game...