Steven Bisig – US Presswire
It’s becoming almost ridiculous now. The Baltimore Orioles have won 15 straight extra inning games to move to 15-2 in extra inning outings this season. I won’t try to explain it beyond the fact that the Orioles bullpen has been clutch. It’s that simple. Time and time again manager Buck Showalter calls on another member of the bullpen to get a big out and they respond. It’s very impressive.
The Orioles moved within 1/2 a game of the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East after the Yankees won both games of a double header Wednesday. After an 18 inning marathon the night before the Orioles needed Joe Saunders to go deep into the game. Saunders responded by pitching 8 innings of one run ball. Saunders matched up with Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez pitch for pitch and set the Orioles up for victory.
A lot of people probably circled Wednesday night’s game as a loss for the Orioles. They were matching up against one of baseball’s best pitchers. Heck, the guy’s nickname is “King Felix”.
If you haven’t learned yet, you can’t count out this year’s Orioles. Call it luck, call it “Orioles Magic”, or just call it a damn good baseball team. The Orioles are a team on a mission.
Other notable performances from Wednesday night’s game: Jim Johnson recorded his major league leading 45th save (ties Orioles club record), Adam Jones hit his 30th home run of the season in the 11th inning, and Nate McLouth had another multi-hit game.
The Orioles have a much deserved off day Thursday, then head off to Boston for a three game weekend series against the Boston Red Sox.
