Gonzalez chokes in the ninth

Orioles lose 4-3

New closer Michael Gonzalez got the first out in the bottom of the ninth inning nursing a 3-2 lead. He was unable to complete after giving up a single, double and loading the bases with an intentional walk; "Cobra" gave up a game winning single to Carl Crawford.

The ninth inning collapse soured a great performance from the rest of the team. Jones, Wieters and Scott all hit homers, accounting for the Orioles' three runs. Miguel Tejada had more than a couple slick plays at third. Kevin Millwood pitched a solid five + innings and the rest of the bullpen looked solid.

Both teams had a terrible night with RISP. The Rays and the Orioles left a ton of men on base. The most glaring was in the top of the ninth where the Birds got a double from Atkins and a bunt single from Izzy to start the inning. Roberts grounded into a FC, Jones grounded into a FC and a walk to Markakis loaded the bases. With two out Tejada worked the count and with it full absolutely roped a line drive right at the left-fielder. I mean you can not hit a ball harder than Tejada hit the ball.

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