O's Finally Win One at Home, Beat Yankees, 5-4. Simon Saves 1st ML Game...

For only the fourth time this season, the Orioles earned a win, this time beating the tough New York Yankees, 5-4, in the first contest in a three game series at home.

The win on Tuesday was their first at home all season. Alberto Castillo got the win in relief, while Alfredo Simon – who was called up from Norfolk earlier in the day (Kam Mickilio was sent down) – got his first save in the majors, although he had a difficult challenge as two runs scored – none earned due to a Cesar Izturis error – and had the winning run at third.

The scene was set for a Yankee comeback and yet another loss by the Orioles; however, Alex Rodriguez’s grounder to second with outs in the final frame closed out the game.

A win is a win; however, the Orioles are going to a bullpen-by-committee for now to close out games until someone steps up and shows they can hold down the job.

From what most have seen, Jim Johnson – despite his stuff – isn’t a viable closer based on his results on the field.

Kevin Millwood started the game for Baltimore, but was yanked after 5 1/3 after racking up a high pitch count. He allowed two runs – the first in the third inning off a Miguel Tejada error and the second off a Jorge Posada homer in the fourth. He would not be a factor in the decision.

Up 2-1, Yankee pitcher Phil Hughes, who started the game – coming off a near no-hit bid last week – came into Camden Yards and gave up a run in 5 2/3 before his bullpen blew it.

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