Saturday Game Thread: O's-Jays 6-7-08

Jeremy “No Run Support” Guthrie (2-6, 3.58 ) vs. A.J. “O’s Killer” Burnett (5-5, 4.32)

BALTIMORE
1. B. Roberts, 2B
2. A. Jones, CF
3. N. Markakis, RF
4. A. Huff, 3B
5. K. Millar, 1B
6. L. Scott, DH
7. J. Payton, LF
8. G. Quiroz, C
9. A. Cintron, SS

TORONTO
1. S. Stewart, LF
2. M. Scutaro, 2B
3. A. Rios, CF
4. S. Rolen, 3B
5. M. Stairs, DH
6. L. Overbay, 1B
7. R. Barajas, C
8. B. Wilkerson, RF
9. D. Eckstein, SS

Jeremy “No Run Support” Guthrie is 0-3 in his last 4 starts despite a 2.33 ERA, as Baltimore's offense has given him only 4 runs of support. "I know Guthrie as well as anybody," said Dave Trembley. "Guthrie is as tough as nails. Guthrie is the epitome of a team guy. Guthrie doesn't get all wrapped up in winning and losing and all that. Guthrie is all about doing the best he can all the time and the things that are out of his control ... I don't think those things bother him."

A.J. “O’s Killer” Burnett is 5-0 with a 3.32 ERA in 6 starts against Baltimore. He dominated Baltimore to win 2 meetings at home last season, allowing only 3 runs and 6 hits while striking out 16. Burnett has a 3.21 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 33 2-3 innings over his last 5 starts. But, like Guthrie, he gets little run support with only 11 total runs of support in that span. Former O’s closer B.J. Ryan wasted Burnett's performance on Sunday by giving up 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th inning of a 4-3 loss at Los Angeles.

Adam Jones moves up to the #2 spot in the O’s lineup today. Huff plays 3rd while Mora is on the bench. Quiroz is behind the plate while Ramon is also on the bench. Cintron is at short, Payton is in left field and Scott is the DH.

All is well as O's take 3-1 lead into top of the 4th. Guthrie picthing well and looks like he's going to get his first win in a long time.

cfb_66 wrote:

All is well as O's take 3-1 lead into top of the 4th. Guthrie picthing well and looks like he's going to get his first win in a long time.

Let's hope so. If Trembley uses Johnson and Sherrill in relief, then it should work out. If he goes in another direciton, then who knows what will happen.

I like the way Quiroz has worked behind the plate today. Threw out another fast runner.

The big break of the game has been the 1st base ump saying Payton didn't go around with 2 strikes on him. The next pitch he got the hit and 2 RBIs. I think we got a huge break there.

Muah ha ha ha haaaaaah.

Love it!

Funny how Payton is our offensive hero today.

He's not my favorite, but he's not a complete schlub, either.

Pretty amazing stuff. O's will be 4-1 on this road trip and everyione is hitting. They're also beating good pitchers who have dominated them in the past.

Let's keep those stinkin Yankees in last place!

Who are these guys and what have they done with my O's?! We are now in 3rd place and rolling! Amazing.

jeffhandsofstone wrote:

Who are these guys and what have they done with my O's?! .

I think you're on to something here. They must have switched the O's and Mariners back when Bedard supposedly got traded. Only explanation I can come up with. I'm also strugging with feeling good instead of frustrated after O's games..I'm really out of sorts.

Well, that was an ugly 9th inning (thanks Freddie!) but we survived and got Guthrie a much-deserved win. O's in 3rd place. Let's keep it going!

Super duper Oriole win!

Guthrie finally got some run support today, that was nice to see. Hopefully it keeps up.