Orioles Split Series with Royals; Machado Does it Again...

It’s looking like things will be a lot different for Orioles fans in summer of 2012 than what we are used to as fans.

Rather than relaxing at the ballpark and waiting the season to play out, plus focusing on football, I’m now doing more scoreboard watching than ever.

It’s fun to watching some meaningful baseball in these parts.

Instead of being out of contention by now, the Orioles are thriving and winning. On a gorgeous Sunday in Charm City, the Orioles earned their 62^nd win of the year as they defeated the Kansas City Royals, 5-3.
They are now tied with Tampa Bay for the American League Wild Card lead, and have the second position. The Orioles are in third place in the American League East, as they trail the New York Yankees by 5 1/2 games.

At this point for Baltimore, every game is a must-win. Unlike in years’ past, when the Orioles had a lead, you somehow expected the bullpen to somehow screw the game up; however, now, you expect the bullpen to hold down the fort.

They did that on Sunday as they threw four scoreless and gave Baltimore a chance to win. Luis Ayala earned his fourth win in relief, and Jim Johnson earned his 34^th save.

Tommy Hunter had his prototypical start, as he pitched good enough to perhaps win, or lose…

He went five innings, gave up three runs – of course, gave up a homer – to Mike Moustakas in the 4^th – and got out of trouble a few times to keep the Orioles in the game.

Baltimore used a combined team effort to split the series with Kansas City and of course a certain youngster played a role.

The legend of Manny Machado continues to grow as he put the Orioles on the board early with a two-run homer to center-field that needed to be reviewed by the umpires; thereafter, Baltimore would tie the game at three with a Nick Markakis homer (a solo shot, his 13^th).

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