Twin Billing Killing

After beating the Rangers in the first game of a 3-game series to extend their winning streak to 6, the Orioles dropped the final two games of the series, being swept in a double-header yesterday.

First the good news.

The Orioles were in both games, losing 3-1 and 5-4, so at least there were no 30-3 debacles to be had in double-headers so far this year.

Steve Trachsel kept his tightrope act going, at least for another start, allowing only 2 ER in 6.1 IP with 4 BB and 2 K. Again, the bullpen was good, although Chad Bradford allowed a run in the 8th inning of the second game when the score was tied 4-4. He was saddled with the loss.

In the second game, the offense woke up a bit, as the O's battled back from a 4-1 deficit with a 2-run HR from Jay Payton and then tied the game up in the 8th before Bradford gave it away in the bottom of the inning.

Now the bad news.

The offense fell silent against Kevin Millwood in the first game, racking up only 3 hits and 1 run. In the second game, Adam Loewen imploded in the 3rd inning, walking 3 batters which lead to 3 runs. Loewen's final line wasn't horrible, as he settled down after the 3rd, but the 4 BB in 5 IP are par for the course for Loewen. In the 3rd, it appeared as if he was having a Rick Ankiel-like meltdown, not coming close to finding the plate during his 3 BB.

But at least the O's managed to prove again that they are going to be in most games because of their bullpen and the never-say-die attitude of the offense. But the fact remains that the O's were not as good as their 6-1 start and now sit at a more realistic 6-3 record, heading into Tampa with what is sure to be a tough 3-game series with the new and improved Rays.

The Orioles could be fun to watch this year, but they will occasionally let you down like they did yesterday.

As long as we keep that in mind, we should be fine.