Wieters wields big bat again in clutch (update)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

September 23, 2011, 4:19pm

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The Orioles took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on Vladimir Guerrero's RBI double, quickly fell behind, 2-1, and reclaimed the lead, 3-2, in the third. The second rally started with an infield hit by Robert Andino, the spark plug atop the order. Andino eventually scored on Nick Markakis' sacrifice fly, and J.J. Hardy crossed the plate as the go-ahead run on a single by Matt Wieters. Wieters is a monster with runners in scoring position. If Luke Scott lost MVO votes last year for his futility in those situations, Wieters should pick up a few. Going back to Guerrero, he needs three more hits to break Julio Franco's record for the most hits by a Dominican player. Franco spent roughly 47 years in the majors. Guerrero didn't need quite that much time. Update: Guerrero added another single in the fifth, and is now two hits away from Franco's record.