Bob Haynie: The Birds Come Back Home After The Toronto Debacle
Well, I said to look out for some fireworks during the Orioles-Blue Jays series. Unfortunately, for Baltimore, they were the exposed to the hottest team in baseball.
Yes, they got burned.
On Friday, Tommy Hunter gave up a two-run homer to light-hitting Munenori Kawasaki as the Birds blew a late lead and lost, 7-6.
Saturday's game featured a pitcher's duel between Toronto's Chien-Ming Wang and new daddy Miguel Gonzalez. Gonzalez got into the eighth inning, but was the tough-luck loser as Darren O'day served up a two-run homer to Jose Bautista.
Sunday's game was a laugher. The Blue Jays pummeled Baltimore pitching to the tune of 14 hits and 13 runs.
For the series, Toronto smashed nine HR's as the two clubs combined for 15 jacks.
After getting clobbered at Rogers Centre, the Orioles now sport a team ERA of 4.55. The starters ERA has inflated to 4.88.
Obviously, they need to pitch better.
The Orioles return to Camden Yards for a seven-game homestand that starts on Monday against the Cleveland Indians.
The Indians have been playing well, as of late. Cleveland has won 7 of 10 and has moved into second place in the AL Central.
Baltimore needs to get rolling during this four-game set. It's time for them to regenerate some momentum after the Toronto disaster. After the Indians, the New York Yankees come to town.
This should be a fun week down at The Yard.
