rich thompson

Orioles third baseman is on pace to break the all-time record for most doubles in a single season

The word that seems to follow Baltimore Orioles' Manny Machado through a clubhouse full of older players is "aware." His teammates marvel at the maturity he displays while somehow showing the deference that is expected from someone so new to "The Show."

In the top of the ninth inning last night, with the Tampa Bay Rays threatening to break a 2-2 tie, rookie Manny Machado made a sparkling play at third base to help closer Jim Johnson get the Orioles out of a jam. And after the game, ESPN gave Machado a little love.

Every time the Orioles arrive at what I like to call a "critical juncture" in the season, they seem to do something that reinforces the notion that they are on a special mission to change the face of baseball in Baltimore.

When Orioles rookie third baseman Manny Machado was charging Evan Longoria's slow grounder in the ninth inning of the Orioles 3-2 win Wednesday, the 20-year-old phenom said that intincts took over.

Manny Machado's key defensive play and Nate McLouth's walk-off single gave the Orioles a thrilling victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night.