Taylor Teagarden hadn't hit a home run in the major leagues since Aug. 18, 2010. He hadn't played in a major league game since Aug 20, 2011.
Of course, Teagarden homered tonight to break a 6-6 tie in the bottom of the 13th inning and give the Orioles a rousing 8-6 win over the Tigers before 43,215 at Camden Yards.
The Orioles blew a 4-1 lead in the ninth. They overcame a 5-4 deficit in the 11th. They overcame a 6-5 deficit in the 13th.
Manager Buck Showalter referred to the Orioles as a "scratch-and-claw team." Sounds likes a pretty accurate description tonight.
"There's nobody in the dugout going, 'Oh my goodness, we're playing this many innings in this much heat.' Everybody was enjoying it," Showalter said. "They don't take themselves too seriously and they love the competition. Especially against a team with that type of talent, and quite frankly, that type of payroll."
Kevin Gregg picked up the win, his third this season in five decisions, by retiring the only batter he faced in the game. He's recorded six scoreless appearances in a row, with no hits allowed in five innings.
"Kevin Gregg, when he came in, I said, 'Hey, get us in the dugout. There's a W there for you,' " Showalter said.
Let's not forget left fielder Endy Chavez, throwing out Brennan Boesch at the plate to prevent the go-ahead run from scoring in the top of the ninth.
"Endy made a big throw or we wouldn't be out there," Showalter said.
The Orioles already were facing a variety of roster moves with Chris Tillman starting Monday and the expected returns of Zach Britton (Tuesday) and Brian Matusz (Wednesday). Now they could use a bullpen arm.
"We talked about it," Showalter said. "Depends on whether we have to DL (Jason) Hammel tomorrow. If we DL him, we could conceivable get an arm in here. We're going to have to make room for Tillman on Monday, so our options are dwindling because (Jason) Berken pitched today."
Berken allowed three runs in seven innings at Triple-A Norfolk, and Brad Bergesen relieved him.
Steve Johnson is on the 40-man roster and hasn't pitched since July 8, so he's certainly got a fresh arm.
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