Tough Loss to Start the Homestand

Tough lose for the O’s to start their home series with the Tribe. Johnson seemed to lose it quickly after he got two outs in the 9th, and when gets the ball up, the results are very predictable. You have to give LaPorta credit for keeping the game going though, and while of course he is young and this is his first season in the majors, there’s a good reason why he was the centerpiece in the Sabathia trade last year. I had already chalked this win up after JJ got 2 outs, though I WAS still watching when Marte launched his 2-run homer to put the Tribe ahead 5-4. I still really liked the way Hernandez battled and I am very pleased with how he is pitched overall this season. Who would have thought? And, Izturis and Wieters have been so impressive recently, both offensively and defensively. Wieters throws to 2nd base have been outstanding, and the way Izturis has been patrolling SS, our pitchers have to know they can throw strikes (but keep the ball down, boys) and the defense up the middle will take care of things. That in and of itself is a huge upgrade from last season. Even though I thought Markakis was on the wrong end of the 3rd strike call, the game should have been over before the O’s had to bat in the bottom of the 9th..

It’s Johnson’s first year, or portion of a year as closer, but the disturbing stat I read on Roch’s blog I think, or maybe Schmuck’s, was that he has given up a hit in 24 of his last 26 appearances. That simply won’t cut it. I’m inclined to let it play out this season and then play it by ear next season. Chris Ray seems to really have turned it around, and has closed successfully before, so perhaps he returns to closer next year. Only time will tell. While of course this loss was painful, with all that’s going on it was water off a duck’s back for me last night as I watched. And that’s really saying something. Let’s hope Berken throws well again and we win the next 3 this weekend at home. Go O’s