Orioles Sweep Royals

Sure, it was only a two game series, but the Baltimore Orioles completed a sweep of the Kansas City Royals last night. Brian Matusz struggled early, but he settled down and improved to 3-4 on the season. The young left hander gave up 3 runs over 6 innings in the Oriole victory.  All three runs were given up in the 3rd inning. His recovery allowed Matusz to register a quality start which gets the Orioles pitching back on track with 3 straight quality starts.

The bullpen was once again lights out for the Orioles. They did not give up one run in the 5-3 victory. Luis Ayala pitched a scoreless inning, picking up his 4th hold on the year. Ayala is now pitching to an ERA of 1.77. My favorite non-Johnson bullpen arm, Pedro Strop, pitched a scoreless 8th for his 6th hold. Strop now has an ERA of 1.23. The incredible Jim Johnson picked up his 14th save. Johnson has an ERA of 0.48. He also has converted 14 straight saves this season and 20+ dating back to last season.

I'll let you guess who paced the offense. Did you guess? That is correct, it was Adam Jones. Jones hit another home run last night. The center fielder is up to 13 on the season. His average now stands at .296. Jones also drove in 2 and had a walk.

Two other Orioles had multiple hits and played great last night. Nick Markakis went 2 for 4 and scored a run. Chris Davis was great going 3 for 4 and also scoring a run. Davis raised his average to .296.

In other Orioles news, the two players that were placed on waivers found out where they were going today. Matt Antonelli who was taken off the roster to clear room for Xavier Avery on the 40 man. Unfortunately for him he did not stay in the organization. The Yankees needed him more than the O's, and he is now on the Yankee 40 man. Antonelli will likely be sent to the Yankee triple A affiliate. The other Oriole that was taken off the 40 man was Brad Bergessen. He cleared waivers and will be assigned to AAA Norfolk. It does not seem likely that Bergessen will regain his old form and be a solid major leaguer again. I would love to see it happen though.

-Noland

Flu Bug Hits the Orioles

The Orioles had the flu bug hit the team hard. Jim Johnson was hospitalized early this morning with the condition. It has apparently hit him hardest of all. Johnson is having a fantastic season so this is really tough to see. It stinks that anyone is ever hospitalized, but for Johnson with his injuries the last few years it must be especially hard. He will not be available tonight so if the Orioles are winning they will have to go to someone else for the save. My vote for that is anyone but Gregg. Pedro Strop maybe?

In addition to Johnson, Mark Reynolds is also sitting out this game with his flu-like symptoms. His absence allows Ryan Flaherty to get a rare start at 3rd base.

Nolan Reimold remains day to day. Reimold was mashing the ball this year so his injury is another tough one. The Oriole left fielder remains day to day with neck stiffness.

Robert Andino is leaving the team to attend the birth of his child after today's game. Andino will miss at least two games on paternity leave. Congratulations to Robert on his new addition. I just like this Andino guy and love that he is going to see his family even if the team will miss him. His absence allows for a roster move and the assumption is that Matt Antonelli will be the guy to come up.

Interesting stuff. Lets hope the birds get healthy.

-Noland