O's Take Game #2 5-2 (Plus Farm Report) - N51_rob's Blog

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O's Take Game #2 5-2 (Plus Farm Report)

Posted on April 19, 2012 at 12:47 AM.

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Chicago, IL The Baltimore Orioles may never want to go back to Camden Yards. The Birds downed the White Sox to take the second game of the 4 game series. Jake Arrieta picked up his second win of the season and Jim Johnson recorded save number 4.

Baltimore's offense was again jump started by Nolan Reimold who saw his average reach .216 as he becomes more comfortable in the everyday lead off role. JJ Hardy brought him home for his 5th RBI in his first game back from an aggravated shoulder injury that sidelined him for 3 games. The Orioles were also benefited from the long ball, a common occurance early this season. Nick Johnson and Nick Markakis each hit a 2 run bomb. Johnson's in the top of the 4th gave Baltimore the 3-2 lead and Markakis' in the top of the 9th gave the O's some breathing room.

Arrieta recorded his 3rd straight quality start to open the year. Arrieta worked 6 innings striking out 5 and keeping Chicago batters off balance with his fastball, and off speed pitches. He surrendered 6 hits and 2 runs. Arrieta has been locking up right handed hitters all year. For the year right handers are hitting .040 against him through 19 innings. After Arrieta took a seat the Bull pen went three innings allowing only 2 hits over the final three innings. Johnson continued his scoreless streak to start the season which is now at 4 inning of scoreless relief after hit pitched a perfect ninth inning. Darren O' Day picked up his second hold of the season in the 8th as he looks to challenge Matt Lindstrom for the 8th inning man spot.

Baltimore and Chicago will meed for game three of the series on Wednesday as Jake Peavey and Jason Hammel will face off.

Down on the Farm

The Baltimore Orioles elected to have super prospect Dylan Bundy forgo single-A ball and placed him with Bowie (AA) to start the season, with eyes on him competeing for a rotation spot in 2013. Through his 3rd AA start Bundy has done nothing to dash those hopes. He has pitched 18 innings to a 3.00 ERA. While his record is 1-2 that is not what concerns the big club. GM Dan Duquette "We want to see him get lefties out a little better, but he has 8Ks with runners in scoring position so he is getting big out, which is a huge plus."