by: Ari Ashe | Special To Sports Day | Friday, September 22, 2006
BALTIMORE—Orioles ride into Camden high off their first series win in September against the Devil Rays this week. Despite the brief bright spot, it’s the ninth losing season for Baltimore, who hover around twenty games under .500. One bright spot is utility man Chris Gomez, who started the year injured.
“He knows how to take care of himself, he works hard,” boasts manager Sam Perlozzo. “Someone should do a video tape on him. He never complains, always ready. In that respect, veteran he is, I’m not surprised he can produce when he’s in there.”
Gomez is .431 during his current thirteen game hitting streak that spans all September. He’ll lead off Thursday and play second base against Detroit.
The two teams face off in a make up game from May. Detroit is only 3-2 this season against Baltimore, meaning a Baltimore win splits the season set and complicates a pennant race.
American League Central contenders Detroit and Minnesota stroll right through Camden Yards this weekend, giving Baltimore an opportunity to play spoiler. The Twins play a three game set beginning Friday.
Thursday afternoon rematches two hurlers who competed in a 2-0 Detroit win last Saturday.
Kris Benson starts for Baltimore, who got the lost, despite allowing only two runs over eight innings. Oddly, Benson’s stamina has not benefited him. In his three complete games including Saturday, he’s lost two of them.
Nate Robertson one upped the Orioles right hander. In his eight innings, he blanked Baltimore on six hits. The Tigers pitcher earned his thirteenth win in that start, putting his record one game above .500 in 2006.
LINEUPS
Detroit (91-61): Curtis Granderson CF, Alexis Gomez, LF, Sean Casey 1B, Magglio Ordonez, RF, Carlos Guillen SS, Matt Stairs DH, Brandon Inge 3B, Neifi Perez 2B, Vance Wilson C.
Baltimore (66-86): Chris Gomez 2B, Melvin Mora 3B, Nick Markakis RF, Miguel Tejada SS, Ramon Hernandez C, Kevin Millar 1B, Corey Patterson CF, Fernando Tatis DH, Davis Newhan LF.
Umpires: Church Meriwether HP, Jerry Crawford 1B, Brian O’Nora 2B, Phil Cuzzi 3B
Kris Benson: 10-11, 4.54 ERA
Nate Robertson: 13-12, 3.68 ERA.
