Second straight game we only got two runs. Not enough offense. Would rather be on more of a roll heading into postseason. Our only two runs came on solo home runs by Lee Stevens & Royce Clayton. We had a few chances later in the game, where we left two men on base for two straight innings. Not enough follow through.
Esteban Loaiza pitched really well, except for the fourth inning. He gave up five singles, and extended his own misery by going after a ball that was heading foul, and making it fair by trying and missing it. Other than this inning, the Orioles didn’t get any runs (all four of theirs came in the fourth). Overall on both sides it was an extremely well pitched game, but the Loaiza hiccup in the fourth cost us the game.
Cal Ripken got one hit, and now needs 9 to get to 3,000. If he gets a couple tomorrow night, there’s a decent chance he can get to 3,000 during the doubleheader they have to play against the A’s on Thursday night in Baltimore. Would be nice for him to get it at home.
Rusty was back in the lineup for the first time in awhile last night. However, he had to leave after the fourth inning with “discomfort in his eye”. Tom Grieve said at the time it was announced as purely a “precautionary measure”. However, he’s slated to see two eye specialists on Wednesday. It’s not a very good sign. If this goes on into next week, I wonder if Roberto Kelly will end up being our starting left fielder for the playoffs.