Adam Jones Defeats the Los Angeles Angels

Jul 21, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (10) heads for the dugout after hitting his second 2-run home run of the game in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

A pair of two-run homers byAdam Joneswas all the offense the Orioles would need on Monday night in Anaheim to defeat the Angels 4-2. The “no-miss” long balls each followed a single and double byNick Markakis. Beyond that,Steve PearceandNelson Cruzeach had an isolated single. And that is the end of the offensive report for this game.

The Angels’ starting pitcherMatt Shoemakerwas extremely good, apart from the four hits by Markakis and Jones. He had about the best split-finger pitch you will ever see, and over his 5.2 innings he tallied 10 strikeouts. By the end of the game, 15 Orioles had struck out. The only starter to not have a strikeout against him was Cruz.

Yet at the same time, a total of 11 Angels walked away from the plate, most of them looking … some of them angry at the umpire. The last reference is toMike Trout, who said at the All-Star game that he wanted to be likeDerek Jeter. Yep. He’s doing it.

Orioles fans have to love starterBud Norris. He is the quintessential “battler.” He had some good stuff, though it was not as outstanding as Shoemaker. But Norris fought and battled the whole evening. He gave up eight hits and two walks over his 6.2 innings, yet always seemed to have the critical pitch at the most important moment. What a great competitor.

Along the way, in the second inning, Norris also had to overcome a nasty “comebacker” that hit him in the right shin or ankle. It was clearly an extremely painful event, but he walked it off and threw a 95 mph fastball for his first pitch after the incident.

After tonight, I am a Bud Norris fan for sure! He does not have the best stuff, but he is one very feisty competitor who won’t let up in any circumstance.

The bullpen ofBrian Matusz, Darren O’Day, andZach Brittongot the final seven outs of the game in order, preserving the win that puts the Orioles back to four games ahead of the Jays and Yankees who both were losers. Yes, I called them “losers” … and it felt good.

But again, the star of the game is Adam Jones, who totally centered and smashed a pair of pitches to account for the difference. Being from Southern California, he looked totally at home in every way. When asked about it after the game, he remarked about the weather and the air as compared to Baltimore, “You don’t have to worry about sweating your life away in BP (batting practice).”

Game two of the series (#99 on the year) will haveMiguel Gonzalezheaded to the mound with his 4-5, 4.04 ERA. Will he be able to keep the potent Angels offence under control?Erick Aybarwill be returning to the lineup tonight.

In his career, Gonzalez is 2-1 with a 2.10 ERA in 21 innings against his former franchise. The LA roster against him is a combined 9-for-47 (.191). Trout is 2-for-9, but both hits were home runs.Howie Kendrickis 3-for-9 … and that’s about it!

The Angels will counter withHector Santiago– no ace, with a 2-7 record and 4.32 ERA. The 26-year-old has only ever pitched 14 innings against the O’s who are a combined 10-for-46 (.217) against him. Adam Jones is 3-for-8 with a home run, andChris Davisis 2-for-6 with a homer; butJ.J. Hardyis 0-for-8.

Game time is again at 10:05.

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