A courageous, 99-pitch, 1-earned-run outing by Jeremy Guthrie was wasted by a last-of-the-ninth Jim Johnson meltdown.

A two RBI hit by Garrett Atkins in the sixth inning and a double by Cesar Izturis that led to the Team's third run in the 8th almost proved to be enough to move the tanking Orioles back into the win column.

Those of us dumb enough to follow the game came oh so close to listening to Joe Angel making that very call. Because the game was not televised. But nope. As most of us figured it would, the wheels ultimately came off again.

As some wag said in the Game Thread*: It is supremely XXXXing ironic that our starting five has been goodish all year and the Team is even worse than ever.

Atkins', 2-RBI hit, if it can believed, marked the first time an Oriole has come up with runners in scoring position with 2 outs ALL YEAR and actually delivered. (Yes, Brian Roberts had another such hit earlier in the year but it didn't plate a run.)

But then Johnson came on to "close."

Adam Rosales singled. Eric Patterson came in to pinch run and moved to third -- and Rajai Davis reached first -- on a wild pitch strikeout. Davis then moved to second when Johnson uncorked another wild pitch. Daric Barton was intentionally walked to load the bases. And then Ryan Sweeney hit a game winning two-run single.

"The Orioles have lost nine straight," Joe Angel said. "And I'm ready for a straight jacket."

Making things even crappier, Miguel Tejada apparently injured himself running out a bunt hit in the 6th inning. As of the end of the game there was no word on Miguel's condition. The hit had left Tejada at 3-for-3 on the day. Miguel is known as a tough player and you have to figure he's hurt. It's hard to get him out of a game.

Angel noted that Tejada was spotted in uniform near the end of the game in the dugout. Maybe that's a good sign.

* hahah that was me and Duck one day I'll collect my scrapple and bacon sammich. I might pass on the ZK smooch though. No offense