Reynolds ends skid

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 24, 2011, 11:47am

Comments

Mark Reynolds was hitless in his last 22 at-bats before launching an opposite-field, two-run homer off Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain in the seventh inning. Adam Jones singled with one out and Reynolds followed with a shot to right, his first homer since April 9 against the Rangers' Colby Lewis. Matt Wieters struck out, and manager Buck Showalter let Cesar Izturis bat, creating a spirited debate in the press box. One reporter agreed that Izturis should bat, which would allow Brian Roberts to lead off the eighth if the shortstop were retired. I thought Felix Pie should pinch-hit. A few others thought Jake Fox should pinch-hit, giving the Orioles their best home run option. I went with Pie, figuring he might get on base and possibly score on an extra-base hit from Roberts. Maybe he'd do something outrageous like steal second. Izturis lined to left, making him 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. Is the bottom of the seventh inning too soon to sent up a pinch-hitter in a one-run game?