Game two wasn’t quite as nice as game one.
Tampa didn’t give up and nor should they.
“The Young Bucks” sure as hell didn’t either, and it showed in the ninth inning.
A game that should have been well in hand was all but lost until the bottom of the ninth. A 4-0 lead in the sixth when Chen got weary, and then the bullpen just couldn’t hold on. Battling back has been the forte for this team since Buck took over, and last night was no different.
It’s now the top of the ninth and we are down a run after losing the lead then tying it only to lose it again. Fernando Rodney – legitimately the best closer in baseball over the past year with 0.60 ERA – comes in to close it out and take the win.
Enter Nolan Reimold, an almost forgotten outfielder due to his injuries. Nolan was a one-time hero back in 2010 when he helped propel the Orioles to a wining second half and knocking the Red Sox out of the playoffs.
Nolan came to the plate 0-for-2 with two K’s and a walk, and worked the count full against Rodney. Extending a six-pitch at bat he then took a falling heater for a ball and the walk, setting the table for B.Rob and perhaps getting into Rodney’s head.
Roberts then proceeds to lay a double down the line allowing Nolan to score from first, tying the game and blowing the save. Unfortunately only Nate was able to move runners over because Manny and Nick both grounded out to end the inning and strand Roberts at third.
“Eager Optimism” was how we were once viewed as an opponent. In 2010 Buck took over and from that point on the young players adopted his mentality. Now I won’t say the O’s are feared amongst rival teams, the rest of the league or even the National league, but I will say that we have a newfound cautious respect when it comes to our pitching and Tampa has proven that.
The O’s have won one and lost one, but in neither game was over until the 27th out.
In years past, especially when other divisions are facing the AL East, the Birds were a two-win series in the minds of opponents, meaning the other team was looking to get away with two wins and usually did.
“Series losers” was the norm, and a hard pill to swallow for 14 seasons – but no more. I doubt any team will underestimate the Orioles anytime soon. Minnesota has a lot to prove and will be looking to un-seed the top of the East but they will have their hands full.
Cautious apprehension – that’s what the Twins are thinking right now.
First the Birds will look to take the rubber match today at 3:30 and come home with a winning record for the opener at OPACY. I know many are stuck at work, but I hope everyone can watch today (or at least listen).
