(Aug. 6-7) Baltimore Sweeps San Diego in Two-Game Series
Orioles outfielder Adam Jones returned to his hometown of San Diego and recorded his first four-hit game of the season, including a solo homerun, as the O’s beat the Padres, 4-1, in the First Game of a two-game series Aug. 6. Starting pitcher Bud Norris picked up his eighth win and closer Jim Johnson earned his league-leading 39th save of the season.
The O’s completed the two-game sweep over the Padres with a 10-3 win in their Second Game on Aug. 7. This time, the game was highlighted by another star on the O’s roster, Chris Davis, who blasted his league-leading 41st homerun in the eighth inning to key the victory. Miguel Gonzalez started the game for Baltimore, pitching six innings before being relieved by Francisco Rodriguez, who earned the win. Jones had another strong game at the plate, with three hits.
(Aug. 9-10) Orioles Split Two with Giants
The O’s pushed their win streak to three games after a 5-2 win in the First Game of a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants on Aug. 9. Chris Davis came up with a huge two-RBI double in the top of the 10th inning, his only hit of the night, to give the Orioles a 4-2 lead. Catcher Matt Wieters followed with a single to score Davis and secure the win.
Starter pitcher Chris Tillman delivered an outstanding performance, allowing just four hits and one run over eight innings. But closer Jim Johnson blew the save in the ninth inning, his seventh blown save of the season. Fortunately Davis’ double salvaged the win, and relief pitcher Tommy Hunter went on to pick up the save in the 10th inning.
But the O’s failed to make it four straight wins as they lost, 3-2, in the Second Game of the series Aug. 10. Other than a homerun from Chris Davis, his 42nd of the season, the Orioles struggled at the plate, collecting just eight hits and going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
Analysis:The Orioles (64-52) know that every game counts as they fight for a Wild Card spot in the American League playoffs. Their three wins this week helped keep them in the race as, following the Aug. 10 games, they were just one game behind the Oakland A’s for a Wild Card slot. With more than 40 games left this season, they have enough time to ensure they reach the postseason.
O’s Player of the Week: Adam Jones
Jones was red-hot at the plate this week, recording 10 hits and four RBI including one homerun, with four runs scored.
Next up:
Baltimore’s West Coast trip continues as they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-game series Aug. 12 to Aug. 14, before returning home to face the Colorado Rockies for three games from Aug. 16 to Aug. 18.
