Sloppy Play Kills Birds

After last night’s dramatic 12 inning loss to the Marlins in game one of three game series, the O’s took their 9-3 interleague record and Jason Berken‘s 6.84 ERA back into Landshark Stadium (like the crappy Jimmy Buffet beer) for tonight’s match up.

Florida countered with their former ace turned disappointment Ricky Nolasco. The Marlins mean business against the AL East. Coming into the game tonight Florida was 8-5 in interleague play, they were back at .500, and had won seven of their last ten.

Baltimore looked to shut that down and quiet the 4,000 in attendance, but had to start down 2-0 after the first inning when Hanley Ramirez drove in two with a single to center field.

Florida added another run off Berken in the 4th off Cody Ross’ RBI double that drove in Dan Uggla right past the Matt Wieters‘ tag.

Jason Berken’s night concluded after 5 innings, he gave up three runs, two earned, walked two, and struck out three. Both of Berken’s walks crossed the plate.

The O’s got on the board in the 6th when Emilio Bonifacio threw a ball past the first baseman on a Nick Markakis ground ball that allowed Brian Roberts to score. Then Melvin Mora hit a single into left that drove in Markakis.

The Marlins made a big mistake when Dan Uggla hit a single to right field. For whatever reason Jeremy Hermida decided to test Nick Markakis’ arm and was tagged out by Matt Wieters at the plate. Nick is now first in outfield assists in the American League and tied for first in all of baseball with 8. They won’t forget.

Emilio Bonifacio’s speed + Felix Pie‘s reaction time = 4-2 lead for Florida

In the 7th Bonifacio stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error by Matt Wieters, and then scored when Pie held the ball too long. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Florida added an insurance run in the 8th off Matt Albers.

What a sloppy game, I’m ready for tomorrow.