Orioles' losing streak reaches nine games

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 15, 2011, 6:07pm

Comments

At least this one was close and nobody is facing a suspension or fine. Jim Johnson gave up the go-ahead run in the sixth inning, and the Orioles lost to the Indians, 6-5, at Camden Yards. They've won six games since running their record to 30-31. Its gone from bad to worse to...whatever you want to call it. Johnson was the pitcher of record the last time that the Orioles won a game - July 3 in Atlanta - but he's allowed runs in four of his last five appearances. It took only two batters for the Indians to break a 5-5 tie in the sixth. Johnson replaced starter Jake Arrieta and gave up a double to Matt LaPorta and an RBI single to Lonnie Chisenhall. Johnson has permitted five runs and 11 hits in his last five games covering seven innings. Johnson wouldn't have been needed in the sixth if Arrieta had pitched deeper in the game, but no starter is doing it. Five innings looks like a complete game. The bar is so low, it's being used to line the batter's box. The Orioles had the tying run on second base in the bottom of the ninth, but J.J. Hardy grounded out to end the game. This club needs better defense in left field. Let's add it to the list.