Gonzalez Endures a Tough Day and Boos; O's Lose Home Opener...

We are only four games into the 2010 and already there’s some serious angst in Birdland.

In the Orioles’ home opener, beleaguered closer Mike Gonzalez once again had trouble on the mound and unlike yesterday, he could not find his way out of trouble. For the second time in three games this season, he blew a save and the Orioles found themselves in the loss column against the Toronto Blue Jays, 7-6.

Gonzalez’s trials and tribulations on the mound was the big story of tonight. After the Orioles broke a 5-5 tie in the eighth inning thanks to a Cesar Izturis RBI-single that plated a sliding Felix Pie who beat a close play at home; the horror began…

From the AP: Then, for the second time in two games, Toronto rallied in the ninth. Gonzalez walked leadoff hitter Edwin Encarnacion and threw a wild pitch before yielding an RBI double to Snider. After a bunt by John McDonald moved Snider to third, Jose Bautista hit a sacrifice fly.

Gonzalez (0-2) was then removed -- and jeered as he walked to the dugout.

Signed as a free agent during the offseason, Gonzalez has two blown saves in three chances and loaded the bases in the only save he converted. He has allowed four runs, four walks and five hits in two innings.

The Associated Press account of Gonzalez’s outing was understated – the man was literally booed out of the stadium and replaced with Cla Meredith. Once the deciding frame ended, the Blue Jays had a 7-6 lead and held out as closer Kevin Gregg retired the side in order to end the game.

After the game, Dave Trembley gave Gonzales a vote of confidence – for now. The fans might want another body on the mound, but Gonzalez does have a track record. He's better than what we have seen over the past week and let's hope he figures it out. Let's also hope he's not injured...

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