masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles squandered another scoring opportunity, putting runners on first and second with no outs in the ninth. Nick Markakis swung at the first pitch and bounced into a 1-6-3 double play.

Dagger.

I had to hold down my father so he didn’t launch himself through the ceiling.

The first pitch? A tapper to the mound?

Go ahead and scream at the top of your lungs. It’s OK.

Ty Wigginton walked to keep the rally alive, but second baseman Chris Getz made a diving stop of Luke Scott’s…The Orioles squandered another scoring opportunity, putting runners on first and second with no outs in the ninth. Nick Markakis swung at the first pitch and bounced into a 1-6-3 double play.

Dagger.

I had to hold down my father so he didn’t launch himself through the ceiling.

The first pitch? A tapper to the mound?

Go ahead and scream at the top of your lungs. It’s OK.

Ty Wigginton walked to keep the rally alive, but second baseman Chris Getz made a diving stop of Luke Scott’s grounder and threw to first for the final out.

I’d second-guess the decision to let Cesar Izturis lead off the ninth, but he singled to start the rally.

Never mind. I’ll still second-guess it. You have Brian Roberts, Corey Patterson and Matt Wieters on the bench. Sounds like the right time to send up a pinch-hitter.

I didn’t want interim manager Juan Samuel to leave his post without one more second-guess.

Samuel is expected to decline Andy MacPhail’s offer to coach third base. He went 17-34 as Dave Trembley’s replacement, but he did calm things down a bit after taking over. Nobody’s going to hand you a trophy for that achievement, but it just felt…calmer. I hope that makes sense.

This team has major flaws. Buck Showalter won’t plop down in the manager’s chair and instantly lead a miraculous turnaround. If that’s what you’re expecting, you’re in for a huge disappointment.