Hey, The Rays Did Win 97 Games Last Year

Yesterday the bullpen picked the team up after another so-so start by Adam Eaton (5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 2 K) and the offense put 8 runs on the board - 5 via home runs by Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts. The 8-4 win broke the O's six game losing streak, and put the team in position to sweep the short two-game series today.

Things started out well, too, with Koji Uehara giving up just one unearned run through five innings to go along with 7 K's. Brian Roberts hit a two-run homer for the second game in a row, and Gregg Zaun added a solo shot of his own. Then came the sixth inning. It started with the O's third error of the day, and ended with the score tied at 3-3 after a pair of doubles. Koji was taken out with two outs in the seventh after giving up another run. Jamie Walker came in as a LOOGY to face Carl Crawford, and promptly hit him. Recently brought up Bob McCrory - who took the injured Dennis Sarfate's spot - gave up a two run single, with both credited to Uehara. Not too often will you see a guy not give up a home run, walk just one, strike out eight, and yet lose a game 6-3. The O's didn't put up much offense, with even Nick Markakis being kept off base for the first time this season.

With the split, the Orioles drop to 10-17 on the season. That ties the Cleveland Indians for the worst record in the AL. Got to take the long view folks.