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Baltimore Orioles: Markakis Giveth, Markakis Taketh Away

By Randy Buchman

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Aug 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis (21) hits a 2-run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the eighth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis just about decapitated White Sox starter Chris Sale with the leadoff hit in the game Monday night. But it wasn’t the hardest-hit ball of the evening for Nick. After Jonathan Schoop broke open a 3-2 game with a two-out, bases-loaded double in the top of the eighth inning, Markakis totally turned on a slider and hit it about as hard as is possible for a two-run shot to right field.

The ball was about 20 feet higher than a ball hit toward Markakis in the bottom of the previous inning. With the Orioles clinging to a 3-2 lead with the Sox having a runner on base with two outs, Conor Gillaspie hit a ball to the fence that Nick timed perfectly to bring it back into the park. Within the space of one inning of play, Markakis single-handedly accounted for a four-run swing in the score.

The Orioles prevailed in the end 8-2, using a five-run eighth inning to break open what was a close game and beat one of the best pitchers in the American League.

The entire game was among the finest the Orioles have played this season.

  • The trademark power was there – with home runs by J.J. Hardy, Nelson Cruz, and Markakis … along with near-misses that resulted in doubles by Schoop and Steve Pearce.

    • There was timely hitting, as six of the eight runs (including all eight in the eighth inning) were scored with two outs.

  • The starting pitching was awesome as Bud Norris had his best game ever as an Oriole – giving up only one hit in six innings before yielding two runs in the seventh.
  • Brad Brach’s relief pitching was totally dominant, finishing the final two innings with six straight outs – saving the bullpen. Orioles pitching has now given up just five hits in the last 18 innings.

    • The trademark outstanding Orioles defense had Chicago fans applauding in appreciation for the talent displayed. Not only did Markakis make the aforementioned highlight reel catch, he will be joined on it in sports programs by an amazing sliding catch by Nelson Cruz. And a caught-stealing throw by

    Caleb Joseph

    should be shown on films of baseball fundamentals about catcher footwork in a stealing situation.

    More from Baltimore Orioles

    There is simply nothing to criticize about this game or any plays or efforts of any of the Baltimore Orioles.

    The Birds picked up a half-game each on both the Blue Jays and Yankees who were each idle.

    For the second game in the series, Chris Tillman (9-5, 3.68) will go against Jose Quintana (6-9, 3.14). Again, the O’s will face another quality starter … seems to happen every night. The problem with White Sox pitching has been the bullpen, as was seen last night.

    Quintana pitched a tough game against the Orioles in a Chicago victory on 6/24, giving up one run on six hits in seven innings. Steve Peace had the only run off him with a solo shot in the 4-2 Sox victory. Adam Jones has a pair of career homers off Quintana, while Hardy and Cruz have also gone deep against the lefty. I would expect to see the same Orioles lineup as Monday night.

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