IT WAS OVER WHEN …
Melvin Mora lined a single into left-center field in the fourth inning. With the bases loaded, Mora swung at the first pitch and drove home both Juan Castro and Brian Roberts for a 6-0 lead.
O’S FANS CHEERED …
When Nick Markakis parked a three-run homer into the Eutaw Street Reserve seats in right-center field with one out in the second. The 385-foot home run was Markakis’ 17th of the season, and gave the Orioles a 4-0 lead.
O’S FANS JEERED …
When Kevin Millar was caught looking at strike three to end the seventh. Fans weren’t happy with home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman’s call. But they also might have been upset with Millar, who struck out for the third time in the game.
FANTASY STUD …
Second baseman Brian Roberts is a sure-fire top-five second baseman, and Saturday night he showed why. Roberts went 2-for-3 with an RBI, two walks and three runs scored.
GOOD CALL …
By president Andy MacPhail for picking up Juan Castro in a minor move last month. The veteran journeyman has brought defensive stability to the gaping hole at shortstop. He’s also swinging a mediocre bat — which is more than the Orioles bargained for. Castro was 3-for-3 Saturday with two runs scored before leaving with a mild groin strain.
BAD CALL …
By Texas to pitch to the Orioles top three hitters Saturday. Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis and Melvin Mora combined to go 6-for-11 with eight RBIs and six runs. They also accounted for four walks when the Rangers tried to pitch around them. Three of the four walks turned into runs.
IF ONLY …
The Orioles offense and pitching would come together on the same evening as it has in each of the last two nights. The Orioles played a complete game, putting together 14 hits, allowing just nine runs, and doing so without committing an error on defense.
