Twins 10, Orioles 4: At least Luke Scott was good

It was a bad day for pitching as starter Jake Arrieta lasted just four innings and was replaced by Mark Hendrickson who wasn't any better. It hardly mattered though as the Orioles couldn't get to Kevin Slowey for more than a sacrifice fly and had to score three runs in the bottom of the ninth just to make it a six run game. 

As is often the case, Arrieta struggled with his control, walking four batters and hitting one on his way to allowing five runs in four innings. Jason Kubel struck the biggest blow with a grand slam in the third, and after Arrieta allowed four more to reach base in the fourth, his day was finished. Hendo took over to start the fifth and had the complete opposite problem as Arrieta. As James F said in the gamethread, "I think Hendo would get a lot of outs if the other team wouldn't swing." Hendo didn't walk anyone, he just gave up eight hits in three innings, including two home runs. It was brutal to watch. 

After an hour rain delay, Koji Uehara came in to pitch the eighth. He was the only Orioles pitcher to not allow a run, but he did give up two hits. David Hernandez came on to pitch the ninth and gave up a home run to Jason Repko of all people. 

Here's the thing about Kevin Slowey: he's not a very good pitcher. He's not awful, but he's not that impressive. I guess no one gave the Orioles the memo. They scored one run in the first inning on a Nick Markakis sacrifice fly, but after that they could only manage four more hits through six innings. It took Nick Blackburn, who actually is quite bad, in the 9th for the Orioles to score again. Luke Scott (of course) led off the inning with a double and scored on a hit by Ty Wigginton. Felix Pie followed Wiggy with a single and both came home on a hit by Cesar Izturis. 

Good stuff: 

• Luke Scott continues to be ridiculous. No home runs today, just two doubles and a walk. 
• Felix Pie has been swinging at everything lately and not looking so hot. But today he looked patient, didn't swing at any first pitches, and ended up with two hits.