The games go on (Pie clears waivers)

The Orioles are trying to conduct business as usual today. They're trying to complete their first-ever sweep of a four-game series in Minnesota. They're just trying to get through the day and head back to Baltimore. Today's MASN broadcast is more subdued than usual. Jim Hunter and Jim Palmer have referenced Mike Flanagan multiple times, though usually in relation to his work with a particular pitcher. The last time the Orioles won four straight games in Minnesota was April 15-September 5, 2000. They last swept an opponent in a four-game series on July 8-11, 2010 at Texas. Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano departed after two innings today with a strained shoulder. He walked Robert Andino with the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the second to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead. Nolan Reimold and Ryan Adams singled with one out, and Craig Tatum walked. Reimold and Adams are trying to make an impression over these last five weeks. The Twins tied the game in the third against Orioles left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes, with Justin Morneau doubling to right-center field to score Trevor Plouffe. Reyes struck out the first two batters in the second, walked the next two and retired Drew Butera on a grounder to short. He'll need to control that pitch count, which stands at 71 through the fourth. He's allowed three hits and walked three. Matt Angle got his first major league hit with a bunt single in the top of the fifth. NOTE: Felix Pie cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Pie can refuse the assignment and become a free agent, so it's not certain that he's staying in the organization. He'd forfeit the rest of his salary.