Final Score in Baltimore: Angels 8, Orioles 5
Would you believe me if I told you that the manager of the Baltimore Orioles intentionally walked Bobby Abreu with a man already on base in order for his pitcher to face instead one Vladimir Guerrero, wouldja?
What if I added that when this occasion arrived, it was later in the game, with the score favoring the Angels 5-3? The game was within reach, winnable for the Orioles with a few key hits at that margin... and yet the man ordered Abreu walked in the hopes that Vladimir Guerrero would make an out.
And I do have to add that Guerrero had ALREADY homered in the game. In the previous at-bat with a runner on.
Almost speechless at this, I need not editorialize on the strategies of our opponents, I hold their inadequacies to be self-evident, all glory to the Soth, Mike Scioscia, almighty and wise Soth.
Vlad's line: 2-4, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R. Not too bad.
Ervin Santana had 5 strikeouts in 6 innings pitched, allowing 3 runs on on 7 hits and throwing 116 pitches. Arredondo had a lousy 9th, giving up a 2-Run HR to Melvin Mora which let Brian Fuentes record and out for his 34th Save.
On to Cleveland...