REPORT CARD: Orioles 11, White Sox 3

O’S FANS CHEERED …

At a decent outing from a starting pitcher. Right-hander Radhames Liz gave the Orioles a chance to win, and with a solid defensive effort behind him — namely from Melvin Mora and Nick Markakis — the Orioles looked like a complete ballclub behind the rookie fireballer.

O’S FANS JEERED …

When White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko jacked a 415-foot home run with one out in the second inning. Konerko’s 13th home run of the season tied the game at one, and nearly cleared the lower seating bowl — landing about five rows from the top of the first section of green seats in left field.

FANTASY STUD …

Huff went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, a home run, a double and a run scored. Huff has been the Orioles’ most valuable hitter this season, and in fantasy-land, he’s likely eligible as a first baseman, third baseman, and perhaps even an outfielder.

GOOD CALL …

By manager Dave Trembley to intentionally walk Nick Swisher with two outs in the second. It seemed early for an intentional pass, but with Ken Griffey, Jr. on second base, the walk set-up a force play for the final out. But White Sox shortstop Juan Uribe hit a weak fly ball to right field to end the threat.

BAD CALL …

By White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome to take one step beyond first base on his third-inning single. Right-fielder Nick Markakis played the ball perfectly off the out-of-town scoreboard and threw a strike to second base to cut down Thome, ending the inning on the spot. It was Markakis’ 15th outfield assist — tops in all of baseball.

IF ONLY …

Dave Trembley could get a complete performance like this from his club every night. The Orioles snapped a five-game losing streak with the win, and prevented what could very well have turned into a very ugly losing streak. Six games loom with the top two teams in the division — all of them on the road.