Joseph on the challenge of Hamilton, Berry ready to help in any way he can

Jim Palmer never gave up a grand slam in his career. Darren O'Day could say the same - until last night.

The Orioles are certainly not used to seeing the dependable and reliable O'Day give it up, but he did last night. It was an ugly top of the eighth inning, but even that and two rain delays could not stop the Orioles from another win on this homestand.

The Orioles beat the Reds 5-4 to claim their 80th win and reduce their magic number to 17.

The Orioles seem to be on a collision course with a division title and even the sight of O'Day giving up his first career slam could not stop them.

One challenge for Orioles pitchers in the final two games of this series against the Reds is keeping leadoff hitter Billy Hamilton off the bases.

When he gets on first, he is a big threat to steal. Hamilton ranks second in the National League with 55 steals, a Reds rookie record and the most by any Cincinnati player since Deion Sanders had 56 in 1997.

In the first inning last night, Hamilton stole second base. Nearly two hours later, after a rain delay, O's catcher Caleb Joseph threw Hamilton out trying to steal third base.

Before last night's series opener, Joseph talked about the challenge of facing a great base stealer like Hamilton. Joseph said a lot of elements would have to come together in a short period of time for the O's to get Hamilton on the bases.

"A lot of times you have to be perfect," Joseph said. "Have a good time from the pitcher, a good transfer, good footwork with a good throw and tag. He's been stealing a lot of bases. The best way to throw him out is to keep him off the bases, so that is what our main goal is. Get him out before he gets on first base."

Joseph said Orioles bench coach John Russell would prep the catchers after doing advance work in scouting Hamilton.

"J.R., our bench coach, really takes a look at that. He manages the running game. We can trust him with pitchouts, certain pitches or when to throw over. I can focus on calling the game."

Joseph has thrown out 43.5 percent of attempted base stealers this year, getting 20 of 46. He comes up just short of the number of games played needed to qualify for the American League leaders or he would be first in the AL in caught stealing percentage.

Joseph said t here's no doubt he gets as excited, if not more,by throwing out a runner than getting a key hit.

"Yeah, I had a kid ask me in an appearance about a month ago: What is more exciting, throwing a guy out or hitting a home run? It is definitely throwing a guy out.

"There is some sort of adrenaline rush you get, especially with a really fast guy. It was exciting to get Brett Gardner in New York. Hopefully, we don't get the chance, but if we do, hopefully we do it right."

Speaking of stealing bases, the Orioles added someone adept at doing that yesterday when they called up outfielder Quintin Berry from Triple-A Norfolk.

In addition to batting .285 for the Tides this season with an OBP of .382, Berry stole 25 of 31 bases. He has never been thrown out at the major league level, stealing 29 of 29, including going 5-for-5 in the playoffs for Detroit and Boston.

Berry's role with this team this month could be mostly as pinch-runner. He said that doesn't matter to him. He's ready for anything and will help in any way he can.

"I'll do whatever they want me to do, it doesn't matter. I'll stand in on bullpens if they want me to do that. I'm here to be available and not disrupt anything they've got going on because they have great things going on. Try to stay out of the way and be here to help," Berry said.

Berry has been in the playoffs the last two seasons. For the 2012 Detroit Tigers, he hit .258 in 291 at-bats and stole 21 of 21 bases. For last year's Boston Red Sox, he was a September call-up and then was added to the postseason roster.

Could he make it three playoff appearances in three seasons?

"Well, the first year I was one of the first non-starters. But last year it (my speed) definitely got me on the playoff roster. All I can do is play and be available and if that happens it happens, but I can't concern myself with that," he said.