Final Score in Baltimore: Angels 3, Orioles 2
An RBI Triple and a solo HR by Kendry Morales made a fine pitching performance by journeyman Shane Loux hold up as the Los Angeles Angels beat the Baltimore Orioles 3-2, giving the Angels a sweep of the 2-Game series and their third victory in a row - the first time that has happened to the star-crossed club this season.
When Loux finally faltered with a leadoff double in the 7th, Justin Speier came out of the bullpen to quell the would-be rally. The oft-maligned reliever struck out 2 and got Brian Roberts to line out to First Base. Jose Arredondo made the game a little more adventurous when he gave up a run in the 8th inning on back-to-back singles but struck out 2 and benefited from a great throw by Jeff Mathis to catch Nick Markakis stealing.
Loux was tremendous, at one time retiring 11 straight Orioles in the middle innings. He allowed 5 hits, 1 Earned Run and struck out 3. Brian Fuentes pitched a scoreless 9th for his 5th save of the season.
On offense, back-to-back solo homers by Torii Hunter and Kendry Morales to lead off the top of the 7th inning were the difference. Later, with one out in the inning, Gary Matthews Jr. hit a liner off the sternum of Oriole pitcher Koji Uehara, removing him from the game - but the damage was done. X-rays were negative, but you would not wish that play on even the most hated pitchers in the league, except maybe Josh Beckett.
Morales also hit a run-scoring triple to tie the game in the 4th inning. In Brandon Wood news, Chone Figgins went 0 for 5 and left 3 runners on base.
