Two nights ago, the Orioles reached 11 games over .500, their best in nearly two months. Their wild card chances started to look better and better.After two disappointing losses to Boston on Thursday and Detroit and Friday, theyll have to think again.There wasnt much good in the lossThe Orioles didnt lose to Justin Verlander, but they didnt beat him, either. Verlander threw 116 pitches in six innings, walking four. Hes still 7-0 against the Orioles Orioles pitchers allowed just five hits, but three of them were home runs.Manny Machado had two more hits, but was charged with his first error. The Orioles lost on three home runs-Tommy Hunter threw two moreone to Miguel Cabrera and another to Prince Fielder. He has 28. In his third appearance with the Orioles, J.C. Romero allowed a two-run home run to Fielder, his second of the game. Lots of pitchers give up home runs to Cabrera and Fielder, but those homers accounted for all five Tigers run. Mark Reynolds was ejected in the sixth inning for arguing an overturned call at first base by Jeff Kellogg. Buck Showalter was thrown out, too. It was Showalters second ejection of the season and the 24th of his career, which averages less than two a season.Reynolds was thrown out by second base umpire Vic Carapazza and Showalter by third base umpire Marty FosterReynolds, who had been on a hot streak, had struck out all three times. He was replaced by Joe Mahoney, who was called up before Thursdays game.
Home run balls damaging to playoff chances
Home run balls damaging to playoff chances
August 18, 2012, 3:01 am





















