How Many Times Can You Say O's Magic?

Wow...the O's came back yet again last night, defeating the Pirates 8-7 at Camden Yards.

The O's came back four times in the game, and won it with a walk-off RBI single from Ramon Hernandez. The Orioles lead Major League Baseball in come-from-behind wins when down by two runs, and with their win on Friday night now have more wins when down by five runs (2) than they did in the last two seasons. The O's (34-33) have come from behind and won 19 times so far this year.

I've said it before, but this team just never gives up. I feel like O's fans are getting spoiled so far this season (and yes, I'm aware we haven't had a winning team in a decade, so I guess we're all long overdue). But come on, I'm beginning to feel like we can win every game, no matter what the score. After Matt Albers allowed the three-run home run that put the Pirates up 5-4 in the seventh inning, the only thing I was upset about was that Albers spoiled a winning effort from starter Radhames Liz. I KNEW the O's would eventually win the game; what's a one-run deficit to this team? As anticipated, Nick Markakis hit a two-run blast in the bottom of the inning to give the O's a 6-5 lead.

I wasn't prepared for the ninth inning, when closer George Sherrill allowed a two-run shot to put the Pirates ahead 7-6. But as usual, the O's would not quit. Oscar Salazar, playing for Melvin Mora (who fouled-off a pitch into his kneecap in the first inning), hit the first pitch he saw out of the ballpark to tie the game at seven. After Freddie Bynum singled and stole second base, Ramon Hernandez sent a 3-2 pitch into the gap in center field, and the O's took the first two games against the Pirates. It was Sherrill's third blown save of the season, but he ended up with the win...I think O's skipper Dave Trembley says it best.

"What a tremendous game for our team and our fans," Trembley said. "George Sherrill has meant so much to this club that we came in the clubhouse after and [Brian] Roberts said, 'Hey George, there was never a doubt. We were going to get one for you.' And I think that says something about our team. George Sherrill has meant so much to our team. For the guys to come back like they did -- not once, not twice, but three times ... that's just incredible, incredible, the fight that's in this team" (courtesy of MLB.com).

The O's look for the sweep later this afternoon. Daniel Cabrera (5-2) takes the mound against Paul Maholm (4-5). I hope to update the blog after the game...if you're new to this post, I officially went on a Sunday strike last weekend, until the O's can win a Sunday contest (they're 1-9 so far this season and have lost nine straight).

(photos courtesy of MLB.com)