Baysox push toward playoffs
The Bowie Baysox reduced their magic number to five with a 3-2 extra-inning victory at Reading last night and Akron's 8-0 loss to Connecticut. The Baysox are 76-54 and lead Akron by three games in the Southern Division of the Eastern League standings.
There are just 12 regular-season games to play, so it looks pretty good. If the Baysox get to the postseason, it'll be their first playoff appearance since 1997. If they win the division, it would be the first time in team history. Playoff tickets are already on sale at the Baysox Web site.
David Hernandez was removed from last night's game after just four innings, though he gave up just a run on four hits. The bullpen gave up just one run over six innings, with Felix Romero getting the win and Julio Manon recording his 30th save of the year. Top prospect Matt Wieters did not play.
Triple-A Norfolk also played into extra innings, losing 2-1 in 11 despite a strong seven innings from starter Andy Mitchell, who gave up just a run on three hits and struck out seven.
Okay, it's unanimous. The Frederick Keys played past the ninth inning, too, dropping a 5-4 decision to the Lynchburg Hillcats. Kyle Schmidt started that game and gave up two runs on five hits over six innings.
Comments
Why was Hernandez removed after only four innings? (Curious...)
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Pete's reply: Haven't heard. The timing is curious, but I've been hearing Liz will be the Friday starter.
Posted by: Daniel McLean | August 20, 2008 9:30 AM
Did everyone enjoy the road game last night. What a discusting display that was.....
Posted by: Cereal Blogger | August 20, 2008 10:01 AM
Oh come on, Peter.
You know it's Brad Bergesen. Are the Orioles really that desperate for Radhames Liz to be the fifth starter? Look at what he's done for the team when he's started for them.
Bergesen is clearly the best choice out of Liz and Burres and Bergesen. His stats and mechanics are so much better than Liz and Burres. I know Bowie is going for the playoffs, but the major league team isn't doing much these days, and the rotation needs help. So, who better than a 15-4 pitcher with a 3.00 ERA to rescue the day (Friday)?
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Pete's reply: Personally, I agree. I don't think they want to start the option clock on him yet.
Posted by: Ben W | August 20, 2008 10:36 AM
I'm not surprised to hear Liz would start Friday and I think it's the right move. He's on the 40-man roster, has experience and has pitched very well since going down. They are running out of guys to move to the 60-day DL and will need to do that to get Mickolio up to take Sherrill's spot.
A couple of other observations. First, I really hope the Sherrill injury is really as minor as they are making it sound. His value was probably never higher than it was at the All-Star break and I'd hate to have missed the opportunity to deal him. That said, I understand the thinking of not doing so--not having a guy to close games can really demoralize a team. Now, however, we may have ended up in the same position we would have been had we dealt him-- except we got nothing for him.
Second, although guys usually come back from Tommy John surgery stronger than ever, I see no reason to rush Ray, and certainly wouldn't try bring him back to close this year--a role in which he might be tempted to over throw. Even if he saved 10 games the rest of the year, we're not going anywhere.
Finally, last night was the first time I've gone to a game against the Sox or Yankees since their fans started filling the rest of our stadium. It is disheartening to hear their cheers, but it does take you back in some ways to the days when the Yard was full every night. It's a much more magical place when its full. I am a die-hard O's fan, but it's hard to quarrel with the enthusiasm of Red Sox fans. The same is true of Yankees and Cubs fans. I've been to Fenway and Wrigley and the fans are into every pitch. Last night when we had the bases loaded and one out with Mora up with a chance to tie the game or put us ahead, the crowd was barely into it. Hard to understand that.
Posted by: terpfan | August 20, 2008 10:41 AM
Went to the game. Pathetic display, both on the field and in the stands because of so many Sox fans.
The only solution is to put a better team on the field, which is the work in progress. Then the O's fans will buy more tickets so there is less for the out of town fans to get.
BTW, Hernandez supposedly hit his pitch count so they pulled him.
Posted by: daydreamer | August 20, 2008 10:55 AM
Why doesn't the Sun publish the minor league standings anymore? I know that space is at a premium, but can't they print the farm clubs' standings at least on Sunday? This is the first time this summer I've heard the Baysox actual record.
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Pete's reply: I don't know the answer to that. I'll ask.
Posted by: Ron Edwards | August 20, 2008 12:41 PM
Hey Pate,
Typos are your friends. You seem to get between 5-10 comments just on the typos. Someone less kind than me might even propose that you do it on purpose just to increase traffic on your blog. I of course would not consider such a cynical observation to be appropriate.
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Pete's reply: I'm a cynic, but I would never do that. Anyway, it would only increase my workload, and cut down on my opportunities to fall down the stairs with a bowl of Haagen Dasz.
Posted by: Rusty | August 20, 2008 1:22 PM
I second about all the Sux fans. I will never go to another Sux game at camden yards. Nothing like getting called out at your home ballpark. You think that would ever fly at Memorial Stadium, hell no!
Posted by: Chris Sabo | August 20, 2008 3:59 PM