Bad Baseball Doom the O's

K.C. Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 3rd, 2008

Last night was painful to watch, real painful as the Orioles blew a game that they should not have, 10-7.

We have the free-swinging Rangers on the docket this 4th of July weekend, but first, last night started off so well and then became an unadulterated train wreck.

Garrett Olson started off well, and the Orioles pounced the Royals for seven runs — including two long balls by Aubrey Huff — however, in the sixth inning, Olson would wilt and the game would be turned over to the bullpen.

Adam Loewen did not look good at all, but the meltdown was not all his fault as Kevin Millar committed a critical error that opened up the flood gates, and down — the Orioles never got back up. Chad Bradford came in and the K.C. hit parade continued.

When all was said and done, the Royals would put seven runs in the sixth inning, and their bullpen shit us down.

Baltimore just needs to shake off this loss, and start the weekend off strong. If the Orioles can go into next Monday with a .500 or better record, this season so far will have been above and beyond anyone’s expectations.

Two questions for you all. One, do we continue trotting Adam Loewen out there, considering the absence of Albers — or should he work himself out in the minors? Two, if you’re Andy MacPhail, what changes do you make in the second half (for example: Do we keep or trade Huff and do we really need David Eckstein)?

Photo Gallery: New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles: Baltimore, Md - May 26th, 2008

After a 5-game skid, the Orioles thanks to the brilliant pitching of Garrett Olson, Aubrey Huff’s three-run homer in seventh, along with Nick Markakis going 3-for-4 and breaking out a slump with a solo homer in the sixth, Baltimore beat the New York Yankees, 6-1. The woeful New York bullpen opened the game for Baltimore and wasted a great effort by youngster Darrell Rasner.

The story of the game besides Olson’s performance was Nick Markakis finally coming out of a deep slump. Baltimore’s number three hitter came through big on Memorial and he knows better than anyone that he needs to hit in order for the Orioles to win. As well, he was marvelous in the field as he gunned down Johnny Damon at home in the third inning thanks to a laser throw. I think that play embolden the Orioles, gave Olson even more confidence and showed the Yankees, despite everything, they’ll be hard to beat unlike in past seasons.

Despite having A-Rod in the lineup, the Bronx Bombers were limp and the Orioles took advantage.

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles: Baltimore, Md - May 26th, 2008
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