Miguel Tejada really wanted a sweep.
At least, that?s what his play dictated Sunday afternoon, as he brought 21,301 fans to their feet at Oriole Park at Camden Yards with a game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth.
The O?s (59-71) downed Tampa Bay (52-72), 5-4, for the ball club?s second three-game sweep of the season, and the first since May 12-14 against Kansas City.
“He came through with a big base hit to win it, so it was a great day for him and us,” said O?s manager Sam Perlozzo.
Tejada also made some highlight-reel plays at shortstop, including two great plays to his backhand side.
“He made some great plays in the field. I don?t know how he did that one,” Perlozzo said, referring to a play where Tejada fielded the ball on the outfield grass, spun and threw a strike to first to cut down Devil Rays outfielder Damon Hollins.
“I think that was one of my best throws, because I threw it off balance, and I [hit first baseman Kevin Millar] in the chest,” Tejada said.
“Only special players can do those kinds of things, and he did it,” Perlozzo said.
Tejada?s ninth-inning single off Tampa Bay reliever Seth McClung drove home rookie Nick Markakis, who had singled with one out, from second base.
LaTroy Hawkins (2-2) earned his second win, while McClung (4-12) was saddled with the loss.
Following an eight-inning, four hit win over Minnesota Aug. 22, Orioles? rookie starter Adam Loewen went five innings, surrendering nine hits and three runs.
“He battled through,” Perlozzo said. “He kept us in the game and gave us the chance to win it.”
Perlozzo noted prior to Sunday?s game that Triple-A right-hander Hayden Penn will be recalled Sept. 1, and will likely start for the O?s in Oakland. Penn threw eight shutout innings with 10 strikeouts for Ottawa Saturday.
