Orioles Start Series Off With Loss to Royals; Andino & Kevin Millwood

The Orioles lost 6-5 last night in extra innings against a seemingly resurgent Royals squad.

As we know, the Orioles lost the game in the tenth as Jason Berken gave up a leadoff walk to Gordon, who advanced to third after a Billy Butler single. Gordon scored when Jeff Francoeur plated him with an sacrifice fly to right field.

Markakis tried to throw Butler out, but it was way off the line.

Berken, who had pitched a scoreless ninth, took the loss. It was painful to watch, but sometimes that’s the way things go. He’s been struggling as of late, so let’s hope he works his way out of it.

As for yesterday’s starting pitcher – Brad Bergesen, he too has been struggling this season. As many people have remarked, Bergesen seems to have lost something, especially after the violent leg injury he suffered a little less than two years ago.

It don’t know whether it’s confidence or what, but he just doesn’t seem to be same guy he was in 2009 and the end of last year. He may not have the pedigree of Britton or some of the harder throwers; however, his sinker should be a tool to get guys out. That doesn’t seem to be used as often much anymore and he’s just not being effective.

He ran into trouble in the second inning where the Royals plated three runs, hung in there, and then gave up another run in the fifth inning. Overall, he lasted five innings and gave up four runs – three earned on six hits.

I would fathom if Bergesen doesn’t get better, his rotation spot is in jeopardy once Brian Matusz returns.

The bullpen kept in the Orioles in the game until the 10^th inning. Accardo gave up a solo homer to Francoeur; however, Mike Gonzalez – in another superb outing – and Koji Uehara kept the Royals off the board.

Adam Jones had three hits; Luke Scott had two hits in addition to a critical three-run homer in the fourth inning and Derrek Lee had two hits. Vladmir Guerrero scored twice.

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