Baltimore Orioles: Close but no cigar

The Baltimore Orioles had every opportunity to sweep the ChiSox yesterday, but it wasn’t in the cards. Admittedly it’s tough to win games when you go 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position, but yet the O’s did have a golden chance to win in the last of the ninth. More on that later however; starter Bud Norris battled a few command issues, as well as what appeared to be a slightly inconsistent strike zone. However the bottom line is that he was unable to put the team in a direct position to win the game. Norris’ line: 4.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 6 K.

As I said, Norris battled some command issues but he wasn’t totally ineffective either. However Chicago took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a Viciedo RBI-double that scored Conor Gillaspie. Later in the game in the top of the fourth the ChiSox loaded the bases, only to come away with only one run on a De Aza infield RBI-single. However the Orioles had a bit of fight left in them after Saturday’s game. Adam Jones led off the last of the fourth with a solo homer, and the Birds were to within 2-1. However Adam Dunn hit a two-run shot in the top of the fifth onto Eutaw St, which put the Birds down by three at 4-1.

With that said it certainly wasn’t a waste, because Dickerson (and his blazing speed) was put in motion immediately. On the next pitch Brian Roberts fouled out to the second baseman in foul territory for the second out. However Dickerson of course had attempted to steal second base, and was frozen on the base paths. At first Chicago seemed as confused as the Orioles, however all they had to do was throw the ball to first base and Dickerson was out (thus ending the game).

A lot of Orioles fans were complaining about this play, however in fairness to Dickerson he was just trying to get into scoring position. Granted he didn’t really make any effort to get back to first and he probably misread the ball, he was only caught in no-man’s land because he had attempted to steal. However that aside, let’s not forget that the Birds took three-of-four in this series. The last memory of the series might not be pleasant all-around for Orioles fans, however losing that game can’t overshadow winning three-of-four. Ultimately the O’s are two games better than they were when the series started.

The Orioles will play in the division for the rest of the way at this point, starting tonight with the New York Yankees coming to town for four games. The O’s will have to face C.C. Sabathia right off the bat, and they’ll counter with Chris Tillman.