Athletics 4, Orioles 2: Back to normal?

The Orioles hitters had multiple opportunities tonight to score more than four runs and they simply refused to take advantage. They were retired in order in the 6th and 9th innings. In every other inning the leadoff Oriole got on base, but only twice did they score. A's starter Vin Mazzaro was all over the place, walking six (including Adam Jones and Corey Patterson, so you know he was wild), throwing two wild pitches, and hitting Julio Lugo (who acted like he was going to charge the mound or something. Calm down, ya big baby). But the Orioles couldn't get the job done, going 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. 

Brian Matusz pitched a good, not great, game. Unlike his A's counterpart, Matusz walked only one, but he wasn't lucky enough to avoid the loss. He left the game after 6.1 IP, having given up two runs and leaving a runner on second base. Jason Berken took over and was victim of some bad luck, as a single to third that deflected off of Tejada's glove allowed the runner to score, giving Matusz his third run on the day. 

It was just a frustrating game to watch, plain and simple. I guess it's hard to beat a team when they don't make a bunch of errors in the field like the Nationals. 

Good stuff:

• Nick Markakis reached base three times with a double and two walks. His walk total is now 46, just 10 less than in all of 2009. His OBP is now a lovely .401. 
• Adam Jones was hitless, but he took his first walk since 9 June. Of course, Mazzaro was walking anything that held still long enough, but it was still nice to see. 
• Matt Wieters pinch hit in the 8th inning and worked the pitcher for a 9 pitch at-bat that ended in a walk. 
• Felix Pie played a full game in left field for the Bowie Baysox, going 4-for-5 with a double. He's still expected to join the team when they hit the road for Boston on Friday. 
• Josh Bell hit two home runs for the Norfolk Tides tonight in consecutive innings.