05 May 2011

Game Wrap and Morning Links: May 5

Baltimore 3, Kansas City 2

Box Score / Play-By-Play / AP Recap

Jake Arrieta, despite struggling through a 35 pitch 2nd inning, gave the O's a much needed seven-inning start, earning the win and posting an impressive game line of 7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, and 8 SO. The young righty continues to show solid velocity to go with an improving ability to sequence (hat tip to Wieters, as well) and more consistent execution of his fastball and each of his breaking balls. Markakis drove in two, including a solo homerun in the 7th (his third on the year), and Adam Jones may have saved the game when he alertly threw up his hands to signal a Mike Aviles drive to the gap had wedged under the padding of the outfield wall, saving a run and keeping Aviles at second (he would be stranded at third to end the inning).

Stat of the game

Mark Reynolds: 3-3, BB, 0 SO

A perfect three hit game for the struggling third baseman, a walk and no strikeout? Worth noting and celebrating for the short term. Here's hoping we will start to see the light tower power manifest in-game soon, and often.

Orioles Game ball

Jake Arrieta (7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 8 SO, W (4))

MiLB game balls

Norfolk - No game
Bowie (Box) - Robbie Widlanski, dh (2-4, 2b (9))
Frederick (Box) - L.J. Hoes, 2b/of (5-5, 2b (5))
Delmarva - No game

Three Morning Links

Jeff Zrebiec reports J.J. Hardy is set to begin his rehab stint at AAA Norfolk.

Jon Star (mlb.com) previews this afternoon's rubber match in Kansas City.

Shameless plug: Check out DiamondScape Scouting's midseason top 100 draft prospects, including five mini "player spotlight" scouting reports.

Game three of the series takes place this afternoon (Fox will be behind the plate). Chris Tillman (4.48 xFIP, 77 ERA+) faces-off against former Oriole Bruce Chen (4.70 xFIP, 98 ERA+). 2:10 pm Eastern start.

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