O's-A's, They're Ba-ack

Now these are the O's that I know and love. After starting out the year battling for first place, the team has finally come home. With the sweep by the A's, the Orioles, at 16-18, sit in last place in the AL East. Jeremy Guthrie didn't [itch that well (5.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 6 K) and Joe Blanton shut the O's down despite some shaky control (5.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 3 K). After making a come-back in the eighth to take a 5-4 lead, the bullpen (and defense) gave it up. A Mora error and a Bobby Crosby single put runners on against Chad Bradford. Mark Ellis put down a sac bunt, and Dave Trembley had Bradford intentionally walk Hannahan and brought in closer George Sherrill to face pinch-hitting Frank Thomas. A groundball should have resulted in an inning ending double play, but the Pelican continued working his way out of town by not charging the ball and could only get one out. Neither team scored in the ninth, and it became the second game of the series to go to extra innings. With two outs, Luis drew a walk but was promptly picked off of first base. Nice job all around, Luis. Recent call-up and generally sub-par pitcher Lance Cormier came in and gave up the game-winning walk-off home run to Ellis. That's five straight losses for the team, but at least they get to play KC next. Hopefully they can get out of their slump against a team that actually hits worse than they do. Nick Markakis did go 3-5 in the game, but also struck out twice - he's tenth in the league in K's. Luke Scott went 1-3 with a walk and needs to be allowed to play everyday.