masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAs you probably know by now, the Orioles’ last three starters have each gone eight innings, which hasn’t happened in this organization since May 2005.

Yes, it’s been a long time. And it’s only occurred twice in the 2000s.

On May 3, Daniel Cabrera was outdueled by former Oriole Josh Towers in a 1-0 loss to Toronto. He allowed one run and four hits, walked four and struck out eight while throwing 119 pitches.

Sammy Sosa went 0-for-3 as the cleanup hitter. Javy Lopez, serving as the…As you probably know by now, the Orioles’ last three starters have each gone eight innings, which hasn’t happened in this organization since May 2005.

Yes, it’s been a long time. And it’s only occurred twice in the 2000s.

On May 3, Daniel Cabrera was outdueled by former Oriole Josh Towers in a 1-0 loss to Toronto. He allowed one run and four hits, walked four and struck out eight while throwing 119 pitches.

Sammy Sosa went 0-for-3 as the cleanup hitter. Javy Lopez, serving as the designated hitter, was 1-for-3. Rafael Palmeiro went 0-for-2 with a walk, and David Newhan pinch-ran for him.

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Feeling nostalgic yet?

Luis Matos started in center field and Larry Bigbie played left. Geronimo Gil was the starting catcher, with Jay Gibbons pinch-hitting for him.

Come on, you’re tearing up a bit. Admit it.

Jorge Julio retired two batters in the ninth, but he also allowed a hit, issued an intentional walk and threw two wild pitches. Steve Kline got out of the jam.

Who needs a hug?

The next night, Erik Bedard defeated Roy Halladay, 5-1. He also allowed one run and four hits, with two walks and 12 strikeouts. The Orioles roughed up Halladay, who usually dominates them, for five runs and 12 hits in 7 1/3 innings.

Javy Lopez hit a three-run homer in the eighth to break open the game. Miguel Tejada was 3-for-4. Sammy Sosa was 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Brian Roberts and Melvin Mora each went 2-for-4.

The next game took place May 6 against Kansas City, also at Camden Yards, and the Orioles improved to 19-9 under manager Lee Mazzilli with a 3-1 win.

Sidney Ponson allowed one run and five hits in eight innings, with two walks and eight strikeouts.

Piece of cake (That’s five, I believe).

B.J. Surhoff, starting in right field, went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Chris Gomez replaced Mora at third base. B.J. Ryan picked up his sixth save.

Former Oriole Denny Bautista, traded to the Royals for reliever Jason Grimsley, allowed three runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings. He also threw three wild pitches.

Seriously, who needs a hug?