Orioles Make History, but Rangers take three out of four from them; the Rays on the docket...

On Thursday, the Orioles managed to split their single-game doubleheader with the Rangers; however, much like on Tuesday, history was made – again.

In game one, the Orioles won 6-5, as they homered five times off Texas starter Colby Lewis. They started the game off with three consecutive homers from Ryan Flaherty, J.J. Hardy and Nick Markakis and Adam Jones along with Matt Wieters joined in the fun. All the hits by Baltimore were homers.

Lewis’s feat – that is, serving up the home runs, plus striking out 12 – was the first time any pitcher gave up five homers and struck out more than 10 batters since 1918. Weird. He was too effective at a point, sitting down 18 straight batters.

The Orioles would not give up the lead; however, things became extremely compelling in the ninth inning as the bullpen gave up three runs as Luis Ayala allowed two runners to reach base. Afterwards, Jim Johnson was summoned into action and gave up a three-run homer to David Murphy. He would strike out Elvis Andrus to end the game and get the save – his ninth on the year.

Wei-Yin Chen would earn the win with another solid outing, going 7 2/3 innings and only allowing two runs.
In the second game, things did not go so well for Baltimore, despite it looking promising early.

Baltimore lost 7-3, and despite holding a 3-2 lead after the third inning -- as Texas helped them out with three errors in the second inning – they got shelled by the swinging Rangers again.

Tommy Hunter was ineffective, and Josh Hamilton homered again – for the sixth time in the series.

Although the Orioles lost three out of four to the Rangers, they should have no shame in doing so. They still hold a share of first place in the division with the Tampa Bay Rays. Both teams are 20-12 heading into tonight.

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Press Release: Orioles Introduce "Birdland Passport" Program

The Orioles today unveiled the BIRDLAND PASSPORT program, which will reward fans who visit Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Orioles’ local minor league affiliates. All five minor league affiliates – the Norfolk Tides, Bowie Baysox, Frederick Keys, Delmarva Shorebirds and Aberdeen IronBirds – are participating in the program.

"The program is designed to encourage our fans to frequent not only Oriole Park at Camden Yards, but also all of our minor league affiliates’ ballparks, which are all within a short drive from Baltimore,” said Orioles Director of Communications GREG BADER. “Baseball is the most affordable sport and is the perfect family outing. We hope the Birdland Passport prompts fans to visit each of this region's great ballparks."

Fans can pick up a complimentary passport by signing up at the Fan Assistance Center in the Warehouse at Oriole Park at Camden Yards or at any of the five minor league ballparks. Fans who visit five of the Mid-Atlantic region’s six Orioles affiliated ballparks will receive a limited edition Birdland Roadtrip T-shirt (one per customer and per passport). Those who visit all six in one year will be entered to win a trip for two to spring training in Sarasota, Florida in 2013.  More information on the program is available at www.orioles.com/passport.

Game Postponed; Doubleheader on Thursday...

From the Orioles...

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Orioles-Rangers game postponed due to rain

Single-admission doubleheader scheduled for tomorrow at 4:05 p.m.

Tonight’s game between the Orioles and Texas Rangers has been postponed due to rain.  The teams will play a single-admission doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 4:05 p.m., with all gates opening at 3:00.  Game two will not start before 7:05.

Tickets for tonight’s game may be exchanged for seats of equal value for tomorrow’s doubleheader or any remaining non-prime home game during the 2012 season, subject to availability. Ticket exchanges must be made by June 30. The Oriole Park Box Office will open at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Tickets for tomorrow’s game will be valid for both games of the doubleheader.

Ticket exchanges can be performed at the box office or submitted in writing along with the original tickets and mailed via certified mail by June 30 to:

Baltimore Orioles

Attention: May 9 Rainout

333 West Camden Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

The Orioles Lose Second in a Row to Rangers; Tuesday was the Josh Hamilton Show in Charm City - He Hits FOUR Homers...

It was the Josh Hamilton show in Charm City on Tuesday, you might have heard or seen, but first…
After an incredibly successful road trip, could the magic the Orioles have over the New York Yankees and Red Sox faded?
The Orioles – especially after their crazy weekend in a sweep over the Red Sox – have gained the attention of the baseball world and long-awaited press – both in print, online and on TV.
Well, we do not know for sure; however, everyone knew that the Texas Rangers would be a tough customer, and so far they have been. After solid pitching so far this season, the Orioles have gotten hammered by the bats of the Rangers, as they have given up twenty-four runs (!) in two games.
For the second time in as many nights, the Orioles lost to the Texas Rangers, by a score of 10-3.
The Rangers – unlike the Red Sox and Yankees – have a seemingly far more complete squad and perhaps may have been the best challenge the Orioles have had this young season.
Slugger Josh Hamilton made sure of that. Obviously, he is one of the best hitters in the game today; however, he was nothing short of remarkable on Tuesday.
He would hit four homers on the night off Baltimore pitching and drove in seven of Texas’ runs. His feat – hitting four homers – was only the 16^th time in all of baseball history that has been done.

The Rangers came out swinging early, and they had built a 5-0 lead by the end of the third inning, as they teed off on Oriole starting pitcher Jake Arrieta.

Hamilton homered in each of his first two at-bats, and Adrian Beltre homered in the third inning. Yes, Arrieta did settle down after that; however, the damage was pretty much already done. He went 6 1/3 innings on the night and allowed six runs.

Back to Hamilton – what can you say? After times of trouble in the offseason, and seeing talks stall on a new deal, he is off to an amazing start.

Whether Hamilton is healthy, or inspired by a chance to earn a bigger pay day, he’s killing it this season and is definitely one of the top three players in the game at plate right now.

On Tuesday night, Hamilton seemed to be hitting the ball at will. He treated Arrieta as if he was pitching batting practice. In the seventh inning, he hit a three-run shot off a reliever Zach Phillips. It was quite amazing to see that.

Former reliever-turned-starter Neftali Feliz stymied Baltimore, as he went six innings, struck out eight and allowed four hits. He was bringing it all night with a fastball in the mid-to-upper 90’s and stymied the Orioles for much of Tuesday night.

The Orioles got their first run off of Felix in the sixth inning as Nick Markakis plated in Endy Chavez – who reached on a double. Other than that, they didn’t have much else offensively on the night until very late in the contest.

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Press release: Orioles launch MLB.com At the Ballpark check-in promotions

From the folks at the Baltimore Orioles:

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The Orioles have announced new promotions to accompany the free MLB.com At the Ballpark application at Camden Yards during the 2012 season. At the Ballpark offers mobile check-in, social media, special offers, rewards and exclusive content for anyone with an Android or iOS device.

Incentives for fans to "check-in" using At the Ballpark include many new promotions for the 20th Anniversary season of Camden Yards. First, an "I'm Checked In" T-shirt for the first 20 fans who check in and visit Fan Assistance behind home plate each game to claim their prize. Second, the 20th fan to check in each game will unlock an opportunity to upgrade their seats to a Field Box location. Finally, the first 20 fans who check in to at least 20 games at Oriole Park using the application by September 13 will unlock an offer for the opportunity to watch batting practice from the field at a future game.

More information on MLB.com At the Ballpark is available at www.orioles.com/checkin.

Berken Sent Down, Zach Phillips Called Up

There was more bullpen shuffling done before today's game. I guess with the long game on Sunday, ples everything else, the team needs some fresh arms.

Orioles recall LHP Zach Phillips; option RHP Jason Berken to Triple-A Norfolk

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled LHP ZACH PHILLIPS and optioned RHP JASON BERKEN to Triple-A Norfolk.P

Phillips, 25, has recorded three saves and pitched to a 4.15 ERA (13.0IP, 6ER) in nine games for the Tides this season.  He pitched to a 1.13 ERA (8.0IP, ER) for the Orioles in 10 games last season after being acquired from Texas on July 19.

Berken, 28, allowed seven runs (two earned) in one inning of work last night in his first appearance of the season for the Orioles.

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Orioles struggle on Monday Night; Rangers end five-game winning streak

The magic for the Orioles did not manifest itself tonight against the Texas Rangers in the start of their four-game set.

After yesterday's win, everyone in the region was happy about the Orioles' recent run and were hoping for it to continue against the formidable Rangers; however, baseball can be a humbling game.

There were no miracle comebacks, dazzling pitching performances or seeing the offense break through again for Baltimore, as they lost to Texas, 14-7. Both the Rangers and Orioles are 19-10.

Baltimore is tied with the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the American League East.

The Orioles saw their five game win streak end, and the Rangers jumped all over Brian Matusz, who gave seven earned runs in five innings. You have got to wonder if Brian Matusz will be the next pitcher sent down to Norfolk, as Tommy Hunter was demoted.

He can not last at the major league level much longer there’s not any consistency at all whatsoever from start to start.

Matusz was not consistent at all from frame to frame on Monday, and a loaded Texas squad – plus with former Oriole Brandon Snyder, who drove in six runs – made him pay.

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How About 'Dem Orioles? The Texas Rangers are on the docket and is the AL East Wide Open?

Morning all. How about 'dem Birds?

So much for this portion of the schedule being a gauntlet for the Orioles. Just amazing.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around yesterday's crazy, improbable and ridiculous victory. The game will be considered an epic if the Orioles can play deep into the summer and still remain atop the American League East.

The Baltimore Orioles are back at home at Camden Yards after an amazing road trip, going 5-1 against both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. They host the Texas Rangers in a four-game series starting tonight.

The Rangers, as we all know are defending American League champions, and are a tough customer. They are 18-10, lead the American League West by 3.5 games, and boast a solid roster.

Although they lost two out of three games to the Cleveland Indians over the weekend, they are always formidable, and have a great combination of hitting and pitching.

The Orioles will miss Yu Darvish - he pitched yesterday, and lost - however, they will see four excellent starters in Matt Harrison, Derek Holland, Neftali Feliz and Colby Lewis.

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Orioles Sweep Red Sox; The Unbelievable Keeps Happening...

The Baltimore Orioles beat the Boston Red Sox, 9-6, in 17 innings. This game was the most bizarre I've ever witnessed. I can't even recap this. If there was a game that needed a combined team effort -- this was it. Well, it only took six-plus hours to decide a winner, but this game was so fun to watch on TV.

Chris Davis tosses two scoreless innings and wins? Craziness. He actually looked very good, struck out two and mixed up his speeds on the pitches. I'm not sure if he even knew what he was doing, but hey it's a win and he got the ball over the plate. For a guy who struck out five times in eight at bats, Davis sure came up big in a unexpected moment. Yes, folks, Chris Davis is a hero. Thank goodness he didn't get hurt.

Every reliever was used. Even Kevin Gregg came in the game and threw two scoreless innings. I'm not sure if Buck Showalter planned things out this way - of course he didn't - but it was a miracle that Baltimore won today.

The Orioles are making a joke of their so-called rough patch of the schedule. They are 5-0 in May, and won five out of six from the Yankees, plus the Red Sox.

Baltimore is winning games now that they would have lost years ago.

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What in the World has happened with the Orioles? They win in Boston ... Again

What in the world has been done to the Baltimore Orioles?

I mean this in a good way. We are now in the month of May, and the Birds are still flying high thanks to another big win against the Red Sox, this time in dominant fashion.

They defeated Boston, 8-2, thanks to a ridiculous seven-run third inning which featured home runs from Adam Jones and Mark Reynolds. They are now 18-9 on the season; meanwhile, Boston is 11-15.

For a minute, I felt like I was watching the Orioles emulate the Yankees with a big inning. Yes, they might have been enormously aided by Boston starting pitcher Aaron Cook getting injured on a slide trying to protect home plate in the second inning; however, Baltimore took advantage and clobbered an opponent.
Cook would get hammered for seven runs in his outing – only 2 2/3 innings long.

For a change, instead of struggling for runs early and having a mount a rally late, the Orioles got down to business early and cruised.

Jason Hammel won his fourth game of the season, as he went 6 2/3 innings and gave up two runs. The bullpen – Darren O’Day, Troy Patton, Matt Lindstrom, and Kevin Gregg (yes, he is still on the team) – took care of the rest.

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It's been a fun - and surprising - run so far for O's: Special for MASN Sports

Well, for fans of the Orioles, the calendar has flipped from April to May and it has been a surprising season so far. As of this morning, the Orioles are flying high with a 16-9 record, and sit one game behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East standings.

There are some very compelling and unexpected storylines in the game today, and the Orioles definitely qualify as of one them. Seriously, I do not think many fans, media or so-called experts thought that this team would sit near the top of the division this late into the season.

Who knows how long Baltimore can stay competitive? But if the Orioles can play some consistent baseball and pitch well, it may be a compelling summer in these parts for a change. I was little skeptical about some the moves that Dan Duquette made, but he may be on to something.

In fact, I figured the Orioles would be struggling right about now with the talent they have, the young pitching, plus the division they play in. Then again, you actually have to play the games, too.

In the offseason, I predicted the Birds would see their win total in the sub-70s.

If they keep playing at this rate, that will not happen.

However, we've been fooled before. Do you remember 2005? OK, well the team was completely different and there were some mitigating circumstances that led to their freefall.

We, as fans, have had our hopes built up - that year, the ones before that and during Baltimore's 14-year drought, only to see things crash. However, being a fan is sometimes all about blind faith and hoping for better days.

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Orioles still flying high; Defeat Red Sox in 13 Innings...

The Baltimore Orioles won again, this time in Boston, to kick-off their three game set against the Red Sox, by a score of 6-4 in 13 innings.

Baltimore has won three in row, and nine out of their past eleven games. If you thought they would be doing this well, perhaps you look at some free casino games from meilleurs casino en ligne.

They are 17-9 so far this young season, and once again the bullpen came through in the clutch, tossing seven scoreless innings. As well, timely hitting played a big role – of course. Chris Davis’ RBI-single broke a game deadlocked at four in the 13^th inning, and Mark Reynolds – who also hit his first homer of the season – added an important insurance run with sacrifice fly.

Closer Jim Johnson would get the save, his 8^th of the season and Troy Patton (1-0) won in relief.

Wei-Yin Chen was shaky, as he went five innings and gave up four runs – three earned. He was not great – but he was not terrible, either. At least he prevented the game from becoming ugly, or a blowout like we have seen in the past with the Orioles up there. Trust me, the Orioles would have probably allowed a big inning to take a place, and find themselves out of the game.

For Boston, Jon Lester - who started on the mound - was not as sharp and didn’t dominate the Orioles as he has done in the past (with a record of 14-0). He went six innings and gave up three runs.

The defense was very shaky in the first few innings; however, J.J. Hardy made a highlight reel play that resulted in two outs in the eighth inning that could have saved the game for Baltimore.

Once again, the Orioles fought all night and showed they are not pushovers. I debated if this team could possibly sustain their level of current play considering the past history and talent level.

Why not?

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The return of Miggy? Is Miguel Coming Back to the Orioles Again?

When I saw this, I did a double-take; however, this all seems to very, very true. It looks like Miguel Tejada is coming back to Baltimore, or at least to the organization – for a third time!

Tejada has maintained that he wanted to get back into the majors, and he was not ready to retire. Well, looks like he is going to get out his ball glove, plus his bat, and try to stage a little comeback with the Birds.

From the Orioles.com: The Orioles are closing in on signing veteran infielder Miguel Tejada, who will report to the team's Spring Training facility in Sarasota, Fla., on Monday to take a physical.

Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said the team received favorable reports about Tejada, who is 37, and he will work out for the foreseeable future in extended spring training. The two sides have not reached a contract agreement, but that's expected as long as Monday's workout and physical go smoothly.

It's unclear how long Tejada -- if he officially signs -- would need to be an option for the Major League club or how this affects current third baseman Mark Reynolds.

Assuming Tejada passes Monday's physical, the two sides will sit down and agree to terms on a contract situation that is very close, a source told MLB.com. This will be Tejada's third stint with the Baltimore Orioles, having signed as a free agent twice before.

He’s well out of his prime, and frankly seemed to have nothing left in the tank with the Giants; I’m surprised someone took a chance on him.

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Reimold on DL...

This is too bad for Nolan Reimold and the Orioles...

Orioles place Reimold on 15-day disabled list

The Orioles today announced that they have placed OF NOLAN REIMOLD on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 1, with a herniated disc and recalled CA LUIS EXPOSITO from Triple-A Norfolk.

Reimold, 28, is batting .313/.333/.627 in 16 games this season.  He had a career and team season-high 14-game hitting streak, April 7-29.

Exposito, 28, was claimed on waivers from Boson on April 17.  He batted .310/.356/.429 in 10 games with the Tides this season and will be making his Major League debut.

If he is out for awhile, it will be a shame. The guy can obviously play; however, for one reason or another, he can never stay in the lineup for an extended period of time.

Reimold was one of the hottest hitters on the Orioles, and doing everything right. Hopefully he returns soon.

The Orioles head to Boston; Mariano Rivera, Albert Pujols and Bryce Harper...

As the Orioles head into Boston this week, they are playing really well and flying. I’m not if what we are seeing the real Birds, or what; however, they have been a nice, pleasant surprise.

They are in second place in the American League East with a 16-9 record; meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are in last place in the division, as they are 11-13. The Red Sox seem out of sorts, and while lost two out of three to Oakland this week. It’s amazing what has happened to that organization since game 162 of last season, and if they had only won that game, plus ended up in the playoffs – would history be different?

Who knows. It seems that Boston is still trying to find its footing after last season’s debacle. Now, I’m sure the Orioles will be booed pretty badly up in Boston – especially Robert Andino – but after what they did in New York, they might do well up there.

Tonight, the Orioles square off against Jon Lester on the mound – who has owned them. For the Orioles, Wei-Yin Chen starts and hopes to continue his nice run so far.

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In other thoughts, no matter what you think of Mariano Rivera, what happened to him Kansas City yesterday just absolutely sucks. As you all probably know, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament – or ACL -- in his right knee while chasing a fly ball during batting practice. He has dropped hints that he would retire at the end of the current season, and if that is still the case – what a loss.

I’m an Oriole fan, but you cannot discount the brilliance the man has had in his career – especially the postseason. As much as I hate seeing him on the mound against the Birds, Rivera has always carried himself with class, humility and has always been gracious with fans. I only say that because I have seen it with my own eyes over the years.

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Arrieta pitches gem; Orioles take two out three from Yankees, Wada

The Baltimore Orioles this season have continued to amaze me. We all know their next few weeks are going to be tough, but so far they are continuing to roll.

Last night, they defeated the New York Yankees, 6-0, in the Bronx. Jake Arrieta perhaps threw his best game as an Oriole, going eight shutout innings, striking out nine and stifling a tough New York lineup.

Matt Wieters hit his seventh homer and Nick Markakis his third to power Baltimore to their 16th victory on the season. Nick Johnson went 2-for-5 and drove in a run; meanwhile, Robert Andino continued his remarkable start, going 3-for-3 and upping his average to .342.

Baltimore ended Ivan Nova’s 15-game consecutive win streak as he only lasted 6 ½ innings and gave up five runs. The Orioles countered the Yankees when they were struggling on the mound, and they did what all good teams do – take advantage of their opponent.

The Orioles have the Red Sox coming up as they head to Fenway Park for a weekend series. I think they could also take two out of three from Boston; however, Fenway Park has been a house of horrors for the Orioles the past several seasons. in addition, David Ortiz has been one of the hottest hitters in the baseball this young season.

Again, I wonder if what we are seeing out the Orioles is for real? Who actually knows.

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Brian Matusz snaps losing skid; Orioles win against Yankees and Showalter reaches 1,000 wins as manager

Oriole pitcher Brian Matusz has had a rough time of things over the past year; however, all the hard work he has put into getting back to being an effective major league hurler again came to fruition yesterday. He earned his first win in an extraordinarily long time and snapped a 12-game losing streak.

The Orioles defeated the Yankees for the first time this year, 7-1, up in the Bronx. Matusz pitched 6 1/3 innings and only gave up a run – courtesy via a Curtis Granderson homer in the opening frame for New York.

The offense came through for Baltimore as they got some well-needed timely hitting. J.J. Hardy and Chris Davis each homered; meanwhile, Wilson Betemit and Nick Johnson – who got his first hit after a wretched drought – each drove in a run.

They were aided by a whopping Eduardo Nunez error in the sixth inning, in which three runs crossed the plate.
New York's pitching has been shaky, and starting pitcher Phil Hughses - who has had his ups and downs over the years - faltered. He was off and Baltimore jumped all over him.
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Wieters' emergence silences his critics: Special for MASN Sports

Heading into the 2012 season, Matt Wieters has emerged as a leader for the Orioles. Many have argued whether or not he is a bust - despite only having played in the major leagues for less than three full seasons.

That being said, he is far from that. So Wieters has not turned into the next Johnny Bench or a Joe Mauer with power. The promise of the night when he debuted is still there, but it has taken a while to come to the surface.
Various television shows, Web sites, sports talk radio hosts and blogs have ripped the catcher apart. Right now, it seems like everyone's concerns were more than overblown. They were bordering on silly.

It is safe to say after Wieters' 2011 season, where emerged as an All-Star and a Gold Glove winner, that he is becoming what fans thought he would be.

Now he has become a force in the Baltimore lineup and a bat that pitchers must fear. He is currently batting .291 with a .371 on-base percentage and a 1.007 OPS. He also has six home runs and 13 RBIs.

As well, the Orioles are flying high with an 11-7 record and currently share first place with the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East. The starting pitching - at least in the first 18 games of 2012 - has been for the most part excellent, and Wieters deserves some credit for it all with his work behind the dish.

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Press Release: Brooks Robinson sculpture unveiling moved from Saturday, May 12 to Saturday, September 29

From the Baltimore Orioles...

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Brooks Robinson sculpture unveiling moved from Saturday, May 12 to Saturday, September 29

The Orioles today announced that the BROOKS ROBINSON sculpture unveiling originally scheduled for Saturday, May 12 has been postponed until Saturday, September 29.

Robinson's sculpture will be unveiled as part of the Orioles Legends Celebration Series, in which the six greatest Orioles of all time will have a larger-than-life bronze sculpture dedicated in the newly designed centerfield picnic grove.

"I am sorry I am unable to be there for the originally scheduled unveiling of the Brooks Robinson statue," Robinson said.  "My wife, family and I have looked forward to this day for a long time.  Due to health issues, I am unable to participate at this time.  We are grateful that the Orioles have offered to reschedule the unveiling and we look forward to celebrating with you in September."

The May 12 game vs. Tampa Bay at 7:05 p.m. will be played as originally scheduled. Fans no longer wishing to attend the May 12 game may exchange their tickets for the September 29 game, or any non-prime game this season, at no additional charge. The Brooks Robinson replica sculptures will be given to all fans in attendance only at the September 29 game. Tickets must be exchanged prior to June 30, 2012.

Fans who wish to exchange their tickets may do so at the Orioles Box Office or send their tickets to Baltimore Orioles, ATTN: May 12 Exchange, 333 W. Camden St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing of mail exchanges.

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Leftovers: Photos - A's vs. Orioles, April 29th

Photos from the Orioles come-from-behind win versus the Oakland Athletics on Sunday...

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