McLouth's 2-Run Shot Late Propels Orioles; Where are the fans?

The Orioles on Monday night earned their 70th win of the season – quite an amazing accomplishment considering what many predicted in the winter. They beat a tough, gritty Chicago team that is leading American League Central and have won their third game in a row.


Two role players – Nate McLouth and Lew Ford came up huge on the night. Considering both guys were in baseball wilderness in the winter, it fits with mantra on how the Orioles have been so successful this season. Everyone seems to play a role, and someone comes to the table and steps it up.

It seems like a new hero comes through to shine on a daily basis.

Both men would hit critical homers, but McLouth’s shot – a two-run homer in the eighth inning – would put the Orioles on top.

With the win on the night, the Orioles are now in second place in the American League East. They are only 3 ½ games behind the slumping New York Yankees, after trailing by ten about a month ago. Both they and Oakland have the wild card spots as of now.

It’s still hard to believe that the Orioles are 70-57 and finally playing some meaningful baseball right now.

Starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen pitched well enough to win, as he went six innings; however, he had a mistake-filled sixth inning and gave up a two-run homer to Chicago third Kevin Youkilis.

Lew Ford’s solo homer in the second put Baltimore on the board, 1-0. By the way things were going on the mound; you knew it was going to be a close battle on the night between the two teams.

However, in the sixth inning, things unraveled for Chen. Mark Reynolds made a diving play after DeWayne Wise hit a sharp ground ball to him; alas, Chen – while he was trying to cover first base – dropped the ball. A minute or so later, Kevin Youkilis took Chen deep and gave the White Sox a 2-1 lead.

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