The Orioles snapped their five-game losing streak Thursday night with a 4-1 win behind a sparkling performance by Daniel Cabrera. 

Allowing only 1 run on 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out 7 in a full 9 innings of work, the new and improved Cabrera’s record goes to 3 wins and 1 loss. 

This is the fifth complete game in the young hurlers five year career; a career that has seen domination of the Kansas City Royals with a 2.25 ERA and 4-0 record. 

Nick Markakis was the offensive spark in the third with his seventh homerun of the season; this one a three run shot off of rookie Luke Hochevar. 

The first run came in the first on a Hochevar wild pitch with Millar at the plate, allowing Markakis to score. 

The Orioles made the most of their offensive spots only needing six hits for their four runs, something they have struggled with as they lost eight of their last eleven games.

(Thursday Box Score)

(AP Photo: Charlie Riedel)

Bynum In, L. Hernandez Out, Torres Down, Cintron Who

Dave Trembley started the newly rehabbed Freddy Bynum at shortstop last night, where he promptly went 2 for 4 with a run scored.  The Coach confirmed that Bynum is now the everyday shortstop and Luis Hernandez has been relegated to the bench utility role.

It’s no surprise that this move sends Eider Torres back to the minors with his line of two hits in nine major league at-bats and three errors on thirteen chances still intact. 

Alex Cintron, veteran shortstop who singed a minor league deal after the beginning of the season, now seems to be left out of the party.  His .302 BA and ten RBI with the Tides weren’t enough to earn this 2000 post-season all-star a major league contract. 

Cintron can opt-out of his minor league deal to test the free agent market as of 5/15.

Bob McCrory made his major league debut last night in the worst fashion possible.  Handed the ball down 3-1 going into the seventh inning, with Matt Albers, reliever turned spot-starter giving us all we could ask for, McCrory turned self-destructive on the way to an 8-1 Oriole loss.

Maybe it was the hot lights, the cold air, or just an off night, but Baltimore is less likely to greet McCrory with open arms the next time he walks out of the bullpen.  The recent call-up recorded only 1 out but was credited with 4 runs on 2 walks and 2 hits.

Sarfate had come on to try and stop McCrory’s bleeding, but not only surrendered McCrory’s runs but earned 1 of his own – all in the seventh inning.

The offense wasn’t helping the cause with a missed hit and run sign while Mora was at bat and Roberts was moving off of first.  Millar trying to take second on a liner to left-center wasn’t supporting the pitchers either.  Sure, he was safe and called out on an inept tag, but he had no business being anywhere off of first with that hit.

My heart did jump when Luis Hernandez slid awkwardly into third and appeared to have sprained his knee, but no such luck.  I really thought we might be getting our first look at Cintron in an Oriole uniform this weekend – or at least getting Fahey back.

Trembley said Cintron isn’t quite ready yet, but his line is looking pretty ready:  2 homeruns and 13 hits in 47 at bats (that’s .277 if you don’t have a calculator handy).  Not all-star numbers from Norfolk, but at least he isn’t Luis.

The only late-game reward for waiting out the final pitch was a little scuffle between Sarfate and Pena.  The slugger was lingering outside the batter’s box, looking a little too comfortable when Sarfate did a little barking.  I thought I heard, “Get back in there,” while others thought is was more like, “I’m going to bean you.”

Nice to see some fire- you sure don’t want to let any one get to comfortable, especially in your own house when you’re down by so much.  Nothing came of it, but the message was sent and the Rays bench had a reason to get some late game stretching in at the top of the dugout. 

That finishes off a better than expected April for the Birds, leaving them tied with Tampa Bay for second behind the Red Sox.  This was the hottest April on record for the Rays, and adds another strong start to the Oriole books.  Let’s hope the seasonal decline can stay at bay.

Loewen Update

The bone scan was clear (not sure what they were looking for, exactly) so they’re not sure what the problem is still.  Adam’s going back to the surgeon so he can check things out.  I think we can look forward to Olson’s next few starts.

 (Wednesday's Box Score)

(Photo of Alex Cintron: Minor League Baseball)

Due to some spotty pitching, the Orioles lost the latter two of the first three games in Chicago, 6-5 and 6-1 this weekend.  After riding a three game winning streak into the second game of Saturday’s twin-bill, the O’s still find themselves in a three-way tie for first in the division with Tampa Bay and Boston.

In Saturday’s nightcap, veteran Steve Trachsel couldn’t get out of his own way sinking the team into a five run hole (four earned) after only nine outs.  The offense rallied to tie it until Randor Bierd, nearly automatic until now, gave up the conclusive run on two hits and two runs. 

Millar and Huff, the two experienced RBI producers, both had a chance in the top of the ninth with the bases loaded, but they could not make it happen.  You set the fourth and fifth hole in the order for situations just like that, but they did not come through on Saturday night.

In your evening with the Hernandezes, we were spared the stress of watching Luis try to make plays at short and drop his .233.  Granted, he did go 1 for 1 pinch-hitting for Eider Torres who recorded two errors himself, but the young Eider also recorded his first hit as an O.  The also disappointing Ramon actually raised his average by going 1 for 4 and did admittedly record two, what could have been key, RBI. 

Sunday’s game certainly went even worse.  Once again, the offense couldn’t figure out Jose Contreras (for previous woes against the funky delivery, read here) and the Baltimore pitchers weren’t stingy giving out runs – a rough combination.  

Jeremy Guthrie gave us five innings and was credited with three earned runs – not horrible, but you hope for more.  The real disaster came when Greg Aquino’s cock-eyed hat poked out of the bullpen.  Three runs and only one out.  Can you believe this guy was nearly our closer?  I have a quick hook, but how long do we give his 14.21 ERA to come around?  Can’t we put this guy on the DL or something?

Oh, and Ramon Hernandez scored his fourth error and went 0 for 4 bringing him to .181.  Make that another candidate for the DL.  I’m starting a prayer group that he can reach Mendoza by Memorial Day.

Final note of interest, a post just popped up that’s speculating on a Roberts trade to Colorado.  Another compelling option to ponder.  Thoughts?

(Saturday Night Box Score)   (Sunday Box Score)

(Photo: AP)

Luis Hernandez with his .182 road average, 2 regular season errors, and 7 pre-season errors, must be feeling pretty uncomfortable at the moment.  Unless they're sending him to Chicago with Roberts, we're going to be playing Guess The Shortstop for the next month or so.

Speaking of, has anyone heard an update on Alex Cintron?  I figured he would have been taking over the position any day now.

(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)