Sunday, April 8, 2007

Birds Take the Series in New York

Chris Ray got another shot at a save in New York today. We all held our breath. But this time the outcome was much better as Ray dusted himself off and picked up his second save of the short year. That is right Bird fans the Orioles took 2 of 3 from the Yankees in New York today with a 6-4 victory.

Erik Bedard got the start today, and started a bit rough. He surrendered a 3-run homer to Alex Rodriguez who picked a great time to go on an absolute tear. But for the next six innings he would be untouchable giving up no runs and only 2 hits over that time. Bedard mixed his pitches and seemed to be bothered by the cold a bit, snow did periodically start and stop over the course of the game, but he pitched like an ace today regardless.

The bullpen needed to rebound and the Yankee lineup did not make it any easier. The Orioles went through Chad Bradford, Jamie Walker, John Parrish and Chris Ray to get through the last three innings. It is ALWAYS tough in New York.

Offensively the Orioles got their five of their six runs from unlikely places. Kevin Millar came through with a huge 2-run jack into monument park in the second. Millar had a good day going 2 -3 with the homer and a double, looks like he is finally putting things together. But the real kudos goes to backup catcher Paul Bako who launched a critical 3-run homer into the short porch in right field. I think even Bako was shocked it went out, his fist homerun since the 2004 season! And it could not have come at a better time. It gave the Orioles a 5-3 lead at the time. Millar would strike again in the 7th with a sacrifice fly that plated Miguel Tejada. The Yankees would score a run in the 8th. Jonny Damon scorched a triple past a chugging Jay Gibbons and he would score on a ground out later that inning.

Seeing Jaybles (Yeah, Jaybles) out there in left field makes me long for Jay Payton to get back healthy and fast. I like Jay, but left field does not suit him. Thankfully there hasn't been too many costly mistakes and he has looked passable out there, but I would rather not tempt fate anymore than we already have.

Opening day is Monday and I can not wait. I will be there camera in hand to give you a full report.

Great game today O's fans. I'm sure it put us all in a better mood for tomorrow.


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