IT WAS OVER WHEN …
Six consecutive Texas batters reached — and scored — in the fifth inning. The Orioles needed two relievers (relief not included) to get through the inning. Texas would score six runs in the inning to take a 12-6 advantage.
O’S FANS CHEERED …
When Melvin Mora parked a two-run home run into the Orioles bullpen with one out in the top of the first. It was Mora’s 17th home run of the season, and No. 150 for his career. After the Rangers scored four runs on five hits in the first, the Orioles offense needed to make a statement. It did, but it wasn’t enough.
O’S FANS JEERED …
When Orioles shortstop Alex Cintron lost Ian Kinsler’s pop fly in the sun. It was the first batter of the game, and Kinsler reached on a soft single. He eventually scored — as did two other runners — when Josh Hamilton parked a Chris Waters offering 420 feet and over the center field fence.
FANTASY STUD …
Josh Hamilton has been as good a pick-up for fantasy owners as he has been for the Rangers. Hamilton — acquired in an offseason trade from Cincinnati — hit his 28th home run Sunday, going 3-for-6 with three RBIs and two runs scored.
GOOD CALL …
Giving Lou Montanez a start in left field Sunday. The rookie responded with an all-out defensive effort — diving for two eventual hits, yet coming up empty — and drove in his second big league run. Montanez, who went 3-for-4 Sunday, will provide a spark to the O’s bench.
BAD CALL …
By manager Dave Trembley, in hindsight, to go with Randor Bierd in the fifth. Bierd allowed four hits, a walk and five runs without recording an out. Granted two balls narrowly escaped the glove of shortstop Alex Cintron, and another fell between he and left fielder Lou Montanez. But Bierd had no command and was hittable when he found the strike zone.
IF ONLY …
The pitchers and defense followed the boost Brian Roberts tried to give them Sunday. The Orioles lead-off man reached base in all four plate appearances, going 4-for-4 with two doubles, two walks and three runs scored. He also stole his 29th base of the season.
