The Orioles' season was basically over months ago. Early on there was still hope that they might make .500, but that hope is gone (9 straight losing seasons, yay!). So why keep going to games?
Well, for games like last night's (which, sadly, I did not attend). It was all about the kids last night. Nick Markakis, the who absolutely stunk in April and May but has been one of the hottest hitters in the majors since June, hit three home runs. An Oriole hasn't done that since 1999. Put together, they went something like 1250 feet. The crowd went wild, to the point that he had to give a curtain call. He has hit six home runs in the last six games.
Also impressive was My Reserve Oriole Boyfriend Adam Loewen. Things looked rough for him in the first couple innings; he gave up 4 hits and 1 run. But after that...nothing. He retired 21 batters in a row. He struck out 7. Most impressive for someone who had struggled for control, he walked none. He cruised and the Twins hitters were completely baffled. He pitched 8 strong innings.
Sadly, he was followed by LaTroy Hawkins, who managed to give up 2 more runs in the 9th inning. Good thing there was another youngster to come in and get the job done--closer Chris Ray jogged in, threw three pitches and struck out Torii Hunter. It was Ray's 29th save of the season.
Any other notables? Well, my boy Brian hit a home run. He has a hitting streak at 11 games now, and that was his 4th home run in the last 8 games. It's nice to see his power stroke returning after his injury. Corey Patterson, another under-30 guy, also hit a homer.
So even though once again my boys will be watching the playoffs and World Series from their homes, there's something to draw people to the Yard. I have seen the future...and these guys are it.
Posted by Barb at August 23, 2006 07:37 PM | TrackBackMy mouth was agape as I saw the innings crawl by on ESPN's website last night. I had to go to one of my co-workers, with whom I'm in a league, to tell him that Markakis had 3 homers after just 5 innings. Way to go Nicky!
Sadly, I had just picked him up in one of my leagues that morning, so I wasn't able to take advantage of his powerful performance that night. Harumph.
Oh, new entry on my site. I think you'll smile. :)
Posted by: Paul at August 23, 2006 08:17 PMI picked up Markakis that same day, and did have him active for his 3-hr performance. Actually, the only reason i was able to was b/c Huston Street went on the DL so i had a roster spot open and couldn't decide on a pitcher. So i picked up Markakis... and had him starting over Andrew Jones (who is 1 of his last 18). Anyhow, Markakis hits his three, and the commissioner (currently third in our league as I am second) sends me a message saying only, "Three home runs? That is unholy."
I laughed. The FBB gods were smiling.
To be honest, i'm a big fan of this kid. Have been ever since the spring and even through april and may (when, granted, it was difficult). If i had to buy an O's jersey right now (and i can't really buy a Roberts one and go to any games with Barb, so that is out of the question), it would probably be No. 21. So, anyhow... me too, Barb... me too. Now, all we need is a stud 1b, lf, Ace P, and any sort of bullpen, and we're right back in this thing... at least for next year. Give me $35 million of that TV money, i can make this happen.
Posted by: Dave at August 25, 2006 03:49 PMI also picked up Markakis...but like Paul, it was that day, so I didn't benefit. And I'm blaming Brian's mini-slump on him finally cutting his hair.
Posted by: Barb at August 25, 2006 05:43 PM