The Game Last Night: Angels Top O's 7-4...

So far, perhaps the Orioles’ most reliable pitcher has been long-time veteran, Steve Trachsel.

At least in the first part of the season, Steve Trachsel could be counted on taking the ball and keeping the Orioles in the game. Last night, it was not the case as got he hit hard as the Angels beat the team by a score of 7-4 on the left coast last night.

He lasted only three innings as he gave up five runs and walked four in a loss. Scott Williamson came into the game in a relief appearance, and gave up two runs as well, although one was earned.

Todd Williams and Danys Baez helped to close out the game.

Ramon Hernandez had a huge game as he drove in 4 runs, including a 2-run double and a 2-run homer in the 9th inning.

Meanwhile, Chone Figgins and Mike Napoli made life miserable for the Orioles as they both drove in two runs each, and Napoli hit a two-run homer. Orlando Cabrera, Erik Aybar and Shea Hillenbrand also drove in runs for the Angels.

The Angels starting pitcher, Joe Saunders pitched in place of Bartolo Colon who is on the DL, and tossed 6 innings of 2-run ball, thus earning the win.

In light of the loss, Nick Markakis made an awesome catch to rob Erik Aybar of a homer, which would have been his first in MLB.

The two teams square off again this afternoon.

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The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec has a recap of last night’s game, as well as the Orioles MLB site and also the Baltimore Examiner.

Slumping Corey Patterson has been benched, and the Orioles are denying talks that they are in discussions with Mark Teixeira, as team VP Jim Duquette sat next Scott Boras (Teixeira’s agent) at the Angels game last night.

Aubrey Huff has had a slow start and is below playing below expectations; thus, the offense would be better served if he starts hitting.

As we all know, Brian Roberts is hot at the plate, and Freddie Bynum as the bench guy, as well as the official pinch runner of the team, has come up big in key situations.

The Baltimore Sun has a question for Corey Patterson, this time asking him if .500 is too low of a goal for the Orioles.