The Orioles have taken the first three games of this series after today's tense, 6-4 victory over the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. Kevin Gregg made it interesting, to say the least, by walking leadoff hitter Alexei Ramirez and giving up a single to Carlos Quentin before recording his first out in the ninth inning - a called third strike on Paul Konerko.
Gregg fell behind, 3-1, to Alex Rios before getting another called third strike - which Rios hotly disputed, leading to his ejection by plate umpire Cory Blaser. And no wonder. The ball wasn't anywhere near the strike zone. It was so far outside, it took a little paint off the right field foul pole. A.J. Pierzynski grounded out, and the Orioles reached .500 at 13-13. Gregg notched his fifth save. He hasn't allowed a run in his last five outings, and this is the first time during that stretch that he surrendered a hit.