Orioles Walk Off With 5-4 Win After K-Rod Falters

Game Summary

Livan Hernandez was on his way toward his sixth win of the season after delivering another solid performance, but Francisco Rodriguez blew his second save of the season and the Orioles won it on a walk-off single by Aubrey Huff to give the Birds a 5-4 win.

Game Recap

Livan Hernandez delivered yet another quality start and held the Orioles to just two runs in seven innings pitched. He allowed eight hits, walked one, and struck out four batters.

Pedro Feliciano pitched to one batter who quickly doubled and was quickly replaced by Sean Green who allowed the runner to score, but finished the inning with no further damage.

With a one-run lead in the ninth inning, Francisco Rodriguez came into the game and simply didn’t have any control. He allowed a leadoff double, walked the next batter, and loaded the bases with no outs. He walked Adam Jones to tie the game, and the Aubrey Huff singled in the winning run resulting in K-Rod’s second blown save of the season. Nobody’s perfect I guess…

Offensively, the Mets were held in check by rookie Jason Berken who had a 15.25 ERA in his last two starts for five innings, striking out seven times.

Finally they broke through and got on the board in the sixth inning with a leadoff single by Alex Cora another single by Carlos Beltran, and a sac fly by David Wright. Ryan Church then ripped a single off the wall in right field to drive in the Mets second run of the game.

The Mets then managed to add two more runs in the seventh, first on Daniel Murphy’s RBI double and then on a run-scoring single by Beltran against reliever Danys Baez.

They left nine runners on base and blew a couple of chances to add on runs.

Game Thoughts and Notes

The Mets have now lost their third straight series, and fourth in the last five series. They are 5-10 in their last 15 games.

David Wright was held hitless for the second straight game.

The Phillies lost to Toronto before the Mets took the field, but the Mets fail to take advantage and still remain three games back.

John Maine will not come off the disabled list Monday when he can be activated, and the Mets are uncertain when he will rejoin the rotation.

Game Ball

Livan Hernandez – Nice job!

On Deck

The Mets now face a tough home stand starting with the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, followed by the Cardinals and then the Yankees. Fasten your seat belts.