Wanting to throw back this game

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 31, 2010, 5:39pm

Comments

No wonder I didn't recognize the two teams playing as I walked past the bar television at Fresco's. Those throwback uniforms threw me. On the ride home, I received a text message that said, "Snakebit!!" I assumed that the Orioles no longer held that 3-2 lead. Sure enough, I got back to my parents' house in time to watch the top of the ninth - fast game - and get the recap. In an attempt to find the silver lining, I'll point out that Brad Bergesen held the Royals to two runs over seven innings. You must feel a little better about him tonight. A quality start from someone not named Jeremy Guthrie? I'll take it. The Orioles should be going for the sweep tomorrow, but they've lost leads in the ninth and eighth innings the past two nights. Alfredo Simon and David Hernandez have given them up, both victimized by home runs. Troy Patton will join the team tomorrow and fill out the 25-man roster. Let's evaluate him, too, along with Josh Bell and the young starters. He could find his niche as a long reliever/swingman. At least we know that he'll stick around longer than one day. It's safe to unpack.