Rob Long: Refuse To Lose
The Baltimore Orioles did it again. Last night in a marathon of a game, the O's defeated the Seattle Mariners 4-2. The fact that it took 18 innings is almost no surprise to anyone who's been watching this team this season. A game like that exemplifies their "Refuse To Lose" mindset.
The O's trailed 2-0 going into the top of the ninth inning when Ryan Flaherty, who was pinch hitting for Robert Andino, led off with a base hit to right center field. Nate McClouth followed with a single to center to move Flaherty to second, still with no outs. JJ Hardy sacrificed to move both runners in scoring position. Chris Davis then, with one down, singled to right, scoring Flaherty and McClouth to tie the game at two.
The game stayed tied until the top of, yes, the 18th inning when Taylor Teagarden singled to right, scoring McClouth who led off the inning with a walk.
Later, Mark Reynolds grounded into a fielder's choice, scoring Hardy who had earlier reached on a single.
The O's go for the sweep in Seattle Wednesday before enjoying a well deserved day off. They are now 20 games over .500 with a 84-64 record, tied for the American League East lead with the New York Yankees.
Rob Long
