Salazar Homers but Comeback Falls Short

Daniel Cabrera did his part for the cause Saturday night pouring in 6 innings of work, getting 8 strikeouts and earning only 3 runs, but it wasn’t enough when the Orioles could only contribute 2 of their own. 

The 3-2 loss to the Brewers snaps the Orioles winning streak at 4, yet Baltimore still sits 3 games ahead of .500.

In a season of come-from-behind wins, hope is never lost when the Orioles are losing late in the game.  The drama and hope keep you interested. 

As a diehard American League fan I have never had much appreciation for suffering through pitcher at-bats and no-name pinch-hitters.  With this team that thrives on late inning pressure, I was surprised that it did add another dimension of excitement to have just one more chance for someone to come through.

Even as an AL fan, I was confused in the fifth when Cintron strode to the plate in place of Bynum with men on second and third, and then Daniel Cabrera was allowed to bat.  You’d rather have Cabrera bat than Bynum?  Or did Trembley get too cocky about his team’s ability to find their bats late?

Sure, Cabrera was doing well and didn’t necessarily need to come out but this bullpen has been better than reliable and runs are runs.

On the other hand, when the 7th inning came around and Oscar Salazar stepped to the plate in Daniel Cabrera’s place, Dave Trembley started looking like a genius.  Albers had struck out the hot hitting Prince Fielder to end the previous inning with 2 men on to turn things over to the lineup.  Man on second, 2 out, and McClung hung a breaking ball that Salazar would not allow to go unpunished. 

The big blow brought the O’s within a run with 2 frames left to play and Saturday night was shaping up to be another magical comeback.  Kevin Millar from the cleanup spot sent a shot to the wall in the 8th that got fans’ hearts racing, but the speedy centerfielder hauled it in. 

Then in the 9th, Melvin Mora belted a double with 2 outs, but Jay Payton popped up harmlessly to end the game with a wimper.  The relievers held things steady not allowing a run, but the bats went cold and could not overcome the 3-2 deficit. 

Score: 2-3 Brewers, (Box Score)
Next Game: @Milwaukee 1:05pm Sun, Olson (5-2) vs. Parra (6-2)
Record: 38-35, 6GB

(AP Photo)
Topics: Orioles , Daniel Cabrera , Freddie Bynum , Alex Cintron , Oscar Salazar