A recap of the Orioles' 6-5 victory over the White Sox last night:
Empty bench, fulfilling win
The circumstances weren't ideal, only the result. The Orioles rallied from being down 5-2 in the eighth to win in 10 innings on Adam Jones' single that scored Kevin Millar. The Orioles were out of reserves, so Melvin Mora moved to shortstop, Aubrey Huff went to third base and the designated hitter was eliminated. But a pitcher never got the chance to hit because Jones ended the game after Millar and Luke Scott opened the 10th with walks against left-hander Boone Logan.
Homecoming night
Severna Park native Gavin Floyd keeps flirting with no-hitters. Maybe one of these days, they'll hook up. He retired the first 12 batters he faced last night before Millar opened the fifth inning by reaching on an infield hit. His fastball touched 92 mph, but he also baffled the Orioles with an assortment of sliders and changeups, his speeds dipping down into the 70s and jumping back into the 90s. He escaped a jam in the fifth, but Nick Markakis hit a two-run homer in the sixth to tie the game at 2. Floyd was in line for his third win in three decisions when the White Sox reclaimed the lead in the seventh, but he settled for a no-decision.
Back-to-back
Just as Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie was given a reprieve with Markakis' home run, he surrendered two of his own to remain winless this season. Carlos Quentin led off the seventh by reaching the seats in left-center field, and Joe Crede followed with another bases-empty shot to give the White Sox a 4-2 lead. Guthrie threw 102 pitches and allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits.
On deck
The New York Yankees come to town tonight (7:05) to begin a three-game series. Both starters are looking for their first wins, with Daniel Cabrera (0-0, 5.94 ERA) opposing Phil Hughes (0-2, 9.00). Cabrera is 3-6 with a 4.95 ERA and one shutout in 13 career games against the Yankees. He nearly no-hit them in his final start in 2006 in the Bronx, losing his chance to make history when Robinson Cano singled with one out in the ninth inning. Cabrera was 1-3 with a 6.67 ERA in five games against the Yankees last season.