masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles were one strike away from a homestand-opening win vs. Cleveland.

They took a 4-3 lead to the top of the 9th and closer Jim Johnson got the first two batters out. Then Matt Laporta singled and number nine hitter, Andy Marte hit a two-run homer to left to put Cleveland ahead 5-4.

The Tribe went on to the 5-4 victory on Marte’s second homer of the year that made it into the first row of the left field seats. He hit a 3-2 pitch for the game winner.

Melvin Mora had three hits and…The Orioles were one strike away from a homestand-opening win vs. Cleveland.

They took a 4-3 lead to the top of the 9th and closer Jim Johnson got the first two batters out. Then Matt Laporta singled and number nine hitter, Andy Marte hit a two-run homer to left to put Cleveland ahead 5-4.

The Tribe went on to the 5-4 victory on Marte’s second homer of the year that made it into the first row of the left field seats. He hit a 3-2 pitch for the game winner.

Melvin Mora had three hits and scored a go-ahead run on Luke Scott’s double in the 6th for the O’s, who began a ten-game homestand tonight.

It was the first meeting of the year between the teams.

Mora hit a solo homer in the 2nd, singled in the 4th and singled with two outs and none on in the 6th. He then came around on Scott’s double to right center to break a 2-2 tie.

Matt Wieters’ solo homer to left in the 7th made it a 4-2 game. It’s his 5th homer of the year, all to the opposite field. Shin-Soo Choo had three hits, two doubles, for Cleveland and his RBI double in the 8th cut the O’s lead to 4-3.

David Hernandez, whose ERA was 7.11 over his last four starts, gave up just two runs over six innings but did not get a decision. Cumberland, Maryland native Aaron Laffey was the Tribe starter and gave up three runs over 5 2/3 innings.

The Orioles fall to 12-28 in the second half.

Clev…5-10-2
Balt….4-10-1