Bowie wins to keep its flickering playoff hopes alive (updated)

Before I mention the Bowie Baysox's key win today, I should point out that in the last day or two, whatever I write about, the opposite seems to happen. On Saturday morning, I pointed out the Orioles pitching staff had an ERA of 1.60 leading the O's to a 6-1 record this year at Tropicana Field. Then they went out and gave up 14 runs in losing the last two days there. This morning, I pointed out Adam Jones was in a 3-for-36 slump over his last 11 games and he went out and went 2-for-3 with a homer today. I also pointed out this morning that the Double-A Bowie Baysox had lost five of their last six games and had scored just nine runs total in those contests. Then, today, Bowie went out and hammered Erie 10-2, scoring double-digit runs for the first time since July 31. Before I go on, I'd like to point out that the Orioles have now had 14 straight losing seasons. That's 14. That's 14 in a row. Check back with me this time next year to see how I do on that one. By the way, I am thinking the failings of Orioles pitching the last two days is not my fault, just like I won't take credit for Jones good day or the Bowie offense coming to life. Maybe I should point out one more thing: Bowie is now one game out a playoff berth with one game left. Bowie now needs Richmond to lose tonight and tomorrow, and if the Baysox win their regular-season finale Monday afternoon, they will get in the playoffs. Today, Bowie banged out 17 hits, eight for extra bases. Pedro Florimon went 3-for-4 with a triple, homer and four RBIs. Joe Mahoney went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs. LJ Hoes went 3-for-5 with a double and RBI as his average is now at .309. Chris Davis, playing the first of his two games on an injury rehab assignment for Bowie, went 2-for-3 with a double, walk and two runs. He batted third and played first base. Mike Ballard did the job on the mound for Bowie today with seven shutout innings of three-hit ball. Ballard is now 8-3 with a ERA of 3.33. As of about 7:30 p.m. tonight, Richmond and Altoona were 0-0 in the third inning. Bowie needs Richmond to lose tonight or they will be eliminated from Eastern League playoff contention. Update: Altoona scored in the last of the 11th to beat Richmond 1-0 to send the season to its final day. Bowie is still in the hunt for a playoff berth. Bowie is now a half-game back of Richmond for second place and a playoff berth. On Monday, Altoona hosts Richmond at noon and Bowie hosts Erie at 2 p.m. So the Baysox need a win Monday and a Richmond loss. They could still finish a half-game ahead of Richmond and make the playoffs if that happens.