Apparently the run well ran dry.
A day after racking up 31 hits and 19 runs, the Orioles could muster just three in the series finale, falling to the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-0.
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A crowd of 31,038 fans saw the Orioles overmatched by Phillies starting pitcher Ryan Madson, who allowed just five hits in 8.2 innings. To add insult to injury, one-time Birds prospect David Dellucci hit a two-run home run in the first inning.
The loss came on the same day many had praised the recent offense of the Orioles, under the tutelage of hitting coach, Terry Crowley. Many Orioles, like catcher Ramon Hernandez and rookie Nick Markakis had emerged from slumps before Thursday?s offensive silence.
“I don?t think anyone works any harder than Crow,” said Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo. “It?s a process, especially with the youngster that you have to work with.”
The two-run first took the wind of the Orioles from the outset and they never recovered. Orioles starter Rodrigo Lopez pitched 7.2 innings, giving up nine hits and four runs.
The Orioles now turn their attention to this weekend?s series with the Atlanta Braves, starting at 7:35 p.m. today at Turner Field. It will mark a return for two former Braves, designated hitter/catcher Javy Lopez and pitching coach Leo Mazzone.
Javy Lopez was an All-Star in Atlanta, where he spent 10 seasons and has spent the last three with the Orioles. Before Thursday?s game, he said it would be meaningful to play against his former team.
