O’s Blow Lead, Win In Extras 7-4

LaTroy Hawkins manages to get his 3rd win of the season.

Kris Benson pitched a marvelous game and deserved to get the win, but the bullpen blew it for him again. Benson went 7 innings and gave up 2 runs (both on solo homers), 5 hits, and 2 walks. He struck out 4 batters. When he left the game he had a 4-2 lead and 2 innings to go. In came Todd Williams, and there went the lead. While managing to get one out, Williams let in 2 runs on 2 hits. Chris Ray came in and got out of the inning. LaTroy Hawkins then came in and pitched 2 solid, scoreless innings to earn the victory.

Nick Markakis was moved to the 3rd spot in the lineup for the first time, where he should stay for about 15 more years. In his first at bat in the new order, Markakis hit his 13th homerun. If you don’t remember, he also hit a homerun in his first at bat in the 2nd spot in the lineup. Miguel Tejada went 4-5 to lead the attack for the O’s. David Newhan had a couple of basehits and Danny Ardoin got a baseknock in his first Orioles at bat. Brian Roberts had a single, a walk, and his 33rd steal of the season. Jay Gibbons hit 2 doubles, the second of which knocked in what would eventually be the winning run. Ramon Hernandez and Brandon Fahey went hitless.

Markakis watch: 1-4 (.308)

Daniel Cabrera (7-8, 4.63) looks to achieve some consistency and continue his scoreless streak against Adam Eaton (3-4, 5.17) and the Texas Rangers. You can do it Danny. Go O’s.