23 May 2011

Game Wrap and Morning Links: May 23, 2011

Baltimore 2, Washington 1
Box Score / Play-By-Play / AP Recap

The Oriolescame through with a big win yesterday and managed to win the series.  The victory was highlighted with a timely home run by Vladimir Guerrero and Matt Wieters' shining defensive play.  Chris Tillman had another maddening start where he was able to keep the Nationals to one run over 97 pitches, but was only able to complete 5.  The bullpen followed with four scoreless innings.  It would have been all for naught if Vladimir Guerrero did not deposit his fifth home run of the season on a 0-2 count.  Guerrero has recently been on a tear that has made him one of the more potent pieces of the Orioles lineup, but that has rarely meant him hitting home runs (currently on pace to hit 19 home runs).  It was also impressive to see two strikeout and caught stealings in the same game.  Partiularly with the game ending with one of them.  I have always been impressed by Wieters defensive skill as I had projected him as an offensive catcher with a tolerable defensive skill set, but over the past two years he has really shined on defense.  He currently is one of the best catchers in the game.  It may not feel that way due to the wild expectations placed upon him, but it really is true.

Stat of the game

2-6

Wieters to JJ Hardy.  Need I write more.

Orioles Game ball

Matt Wieters (0-3, Caught two stealing)

MiLB game balls

Norfolk (Box) - Rick VandenHurk, RHP (8 IP, 4 H, 2 RA, 5 K, BB)
Bowie (Box) - Caleb Joseph, DH (1-2, 2B (4), 2 BB)
Frederick (Box) - Tyler Townsend, 1B (2-4, 2B (14), HR (8))
Delmarva (Box) - Mike Flacco, 1B (4-5, 2B (12), 3B (2))

Three Morning Links

MASN's Roch Kubatko interviews Buck about yesterday's win.  He talks about Matt Wieters, Vladimir Guerrero, and Chris Tillman.

Rich Dubroff of the Carroll County Times reports that Brian Matusz is likely to make one more rehab start before rejoining the Orioles.

The Baltimore Sun's Kevin Cowherd gives out more information on Brian Roberts troubling condition.

Up Next

De nada.

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