Bedard Pitches, Orioles Win, 4-2

Erik Bedard wins his 7th game in a row. He is now tied for the league lead in wins with a 12-6 record. Chris Ray pitched a 2 inning save, his 24th.

The ace of the staff continues his dominance, going 7 innings and giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks. He had 9 strikeouts and carried a no hitter into the 4th inning. Bedard’s ERA is now under 4 (3.94). I predict that he will finish with 18 wins and and a mid 3’s ERA. I think he will assert himself as one of the best pitchers in the American League and anchor our pitching staff for years to come. Chris Ray 2 perfect innings to collect his 24th save in 25 chances. He had one strikeout.

The offense did just enough to win todays game, but they continue to play stupid baseball on the basepaths. Luis Terrero got caught stealing 2nd, Ramon Hernandez got thrown out at third base after hitting an RBI double, and Jeff Conine got picked off of second base. I don’t know whats going on. I don’t know if its a lack of focus, bad luck, or a curse of some sort, but it needs to stop if we want to ever be consistent competitors. On the good side, every starter had at least one hit except for Corey Patterson and Kevin Millar. But Millar had a walk and Patterson went 5-5 yesterday, so they’re excused. Millar also made an excellent diving catch to get Bedard out of one inning. Javy Lopez hit his 8th homerun of the season to give the O’s a 1-0 lead. Jeff Conine and Miguel Tejada both went 2-4 with a double and an RBI. Ramon Hernandez went 3-4 with that double and RBI. Brian Roberts hit a double and Melvin Mora had a stolen base and an RBI. It was a really good game besides those mental errors that we continue to make.

Markakis watch: 0-0 (.276)

Tomorrow is a day off to refocus and get ready to sweep the Kansas City Royals. Jay Gibbons is expected to come back on friday, so he’ll miss the feast of Royals pitching that everyone else will benefit from. Tuesday its, as far as I know, Adam Loewen (0-2, 7.09) against “all-star” Mark Redman (6-5, 5.02). Only problem is that hes a lefty… Go O’s.