The Orioles already have a magic number.
And it?s not how many wins they need to guarantee a playoff berth or their first winning season in 10 years. But it is a number that almost guarantees victory.
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When the Orioles ? 27-29 entering Tuesday night?s game at Minnesota (30-27) ? score at least four runs, they are a staggering 24-8.
“We don?t have one guy [other teams] have to worry about,” first baseman Kevin Millar said. “If you pitch around one guy, you?ve got the next guy. We?re in dogfight mode every day. We know we?re not the most talented guys, but we hope that we?re the best team out there.”
But getting to four runs has been tough for the American League?s 13th-ranked offensive lineup.
The Orioles, who are hitting .247, are 3-7 in their past 10 games, but they split the six games in which they scored at least four runs. And with such a light-hitting lineup, it?s important the team make the most of its minimal chances, starting with production from the team?s stars.
Right fielder Nick Markakis, who collected only three hits on the team?s most recent six-game road trip, raised his batting average five points and his on-base percentage six points during the team?s seven-game homestand.
Markakis is hitting .263 with nine home runs and 24 RBIs but lags behind last year?s pace when he batted .300 with 23 homers and 112 RBIs. The left-handed hitter, however, has shown a more disciplined approach at the plate this season with an on-base percentage of .373, 11 points higher than where he finished last year.
“I think the past couple of weeks, I?ve been trying to do a little much and not trusting myself,” Markakis said after going 3-for-4 in a win over the Yankees during the homestand. “I just felt good at the plate. I just have to trust myself.”
And that?s what hitting coach Terry Crowley says is the young star?s secret to success.
“We worked on a few things,” Crowley said. “He?s a lot more calm and patient [with] not as much body movement. Hitting is such a tough thing to do. [Pitchers] are throwing the ball 95 mph, and you have to be quick and explosive. But on the same hand, you have to show patience.”
Defensively, Markakis has been stellar all season, as he leads themajors with eight outfield assists.
“He certainly showed last year what he could do,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “He knows how to play right field. With two outs he plays it shallow and charges the ball real well and is just a good baseball player.”
