Orioles win with Weaver recipe
Earl Weaver would have been proud.
The classic three-run home run that Weaver believed was one of the fundamental keys to winning -- and the relief pitching version of walking on water -- allowed the Orioles to knock off the Red Sox last night, 5-4.
The three-run homer belong to Luke Scott who, with one swing in the third inning, erased a ragged three-run first inning when Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie gave up three hits to the first four batters and the defense committed two errors (definitely not on Weaver's keys-to-winning list).
But much more dramatic was the relief pitching of Jim Johnson who put down a Red Sox rally in the seventh by getting Manny Ramirez to hit into a 1-2-3 DP with the bases loaded and no out and getting the next guy on a fly out.
Encouraging was that the Orioles didn't pack it in for the night after the rotten start. Guthrie went on to pitch six innings, striking out seven and walking just one and the lineup kept leaning on Boston ace Josh Beckett until the third-inning break-through when the O's went ahead, 5-3.
Comments
What insight! " getting the next guy on a fly out." No scorecard Bill?
Nice win for the club. Got to love what is happening with this organization...finally.
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Didn't think getting Mike Lowell's name in there was that big a deal. Excellent win for the Orioles.
Posted by: Doug | May 14, 2008 9:47 AM
Insight? On a blog? Buzz Bissinger is not impressed. I'm with ya, though. I don't see any necessity to name-drop Lowell.
The atmosphere at the game last night was electric. A lot of Boston fans, as to be expected, but the place absolutely rocked when Johnson got Manny to hit into a double play. My friends and I had a great time at the Yard.
I could have gone without the fistfights breaking out in the stands, though...
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Bryan,
Whoa, fistfights at Camden Yards... that is news. I almost ran some photos recently of Mets fans at a Phillies game to illustrate how things can really get ugly compared to the usual pleasant atmosphere at Camden Yards even when the Yankees and Red Sox are in town. Do you think Tuesday was an aberration.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Bryan | May 14, 2008 4:37 PM
More Weaver Ball last night. While Earl loved the 3 run homer. Grands were and still are very appreciative!
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Especially with two outs.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Captain Jack | May 15, 2008 7:50 AM
I don't know, Bill. I've been to a couple of games this season and hadn't seen a problem until the other night. I would find it hard to believe that Camden Yards is in the same league as Boston, New York, or Philly when it comes to violence at the ballpark. It's unfortunate when a couple of troublemakers ruin the experience of many others, that's for sure.
It's funny that you mention the Mets/Phils incident from a couple weeks ago as I am truly a Mets fan. I root for the Orioles, against any other team of course, as I've lived near Baltimore nearly my entire life. It's a shame, but because of the intensity of the rivalry I refuse to go to Philadelphia for baseball or football games. It's just not worth the risk. There's idiots on both sides and I'd rather just wait for the Mets to come back down to DC.
Camden Yards has nothing on M&T Bank Stadium, though. It's funny to think that during baseball season I'm rooting along with the same people who are verbally and physically assaulting me at a football game, simply for the fact I'm wearing a Giants jersey. I wish there was a stronger security presence at notorious stadiums, including M&T. I don't mind being told that Eli is illiterate or being reminded of the Super Bowl loss. I'll gladly retort with something concerning Kyle Boller and his scrambling ability. But I hardly think I should be subject to being spat on, target practice for beer bottle hurlers, and told in excruciating detail what someone may have done with my mother the previous night.
I apologize for going off on a tangent but it really is mindboggling the way that people are willing to treat others because of a sports team. It's certainly not a practice exhibited solely in Baltimore, but in my experience I've found the actions of some of their fans deplorable. Can't we all just get along?
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Bryan,
Thanks for responding. I have spent many, many games at Veterans Stadium and the conduct up there often has been deplorable, especially for football ... a little better at the new place but still risky for visiting fans. No call for it ... none whatsoever.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Bryan | May 15, 2008 12:08 PM