Orioles break out familiar recipe for defeat

A play isn't made in the field. A young pitcher can't minimize the damage. If I had a nickel for every time I've seen this act play out, I'd report to spring training next year in my own private jet. Or I'd almost be able to pay Sidney Ponson's bar tab. The Orioles led, 2-0, in the fourth inning tonight, but starter Jake Arrieta gave up a two-out double to Chipper Jones. He hit Freddie Freeman on the foot with an 0-2 pitch, which he simply can't do in that situation. Dan Uggla followed with a line drive to left field, and the ball deflected off the heel of Luke Scott's glove for an RBI single. Scott has to make the catch. The inning should be over and the two-run lead should be intact. Arrieta walked Nate McLouth to load the bases. That can't happen, either. Arrieta can't extend the inning with a free pass. Backup catcher David Ross followed with a dagger, a grand slam to left field that gave the Braves a 5-2 lead. He had three home runs before tonight. Mark Reynolds homered twice and committed an error. Sounds about right. Nick Markakis collected three hits, including a home run. His average is up to .285. Blake Davis reached base three times with a single and two walks. But all that really matters is the Orioles have fallen 10 games below .500 and another season is breaking apart at the seams.