aaaaalmost

If you stayed up late enough to watch the Orioles' ninth-inning rally against major league saves leader Fracisco Rogriguez, you would have been pumped. If you stayed up past that? Not so much. Closer George Sherrill allowed a bases loaded walk to Chone Figgins, giving the Angels a 6-5 lead over the O's.

Angels starter Joe Saunders lasted six innings, only allowing a run and six hits. The O's only run came in the fifth when Saunders hit Luke Scott with a pitch, Jay Payton and Brian Roberts walked and Scott came home on a groundout by Nick Markakis.

Orioles starter Dennis Sarfate, demonstrating his rookie status, gave up five runs, six hits and three walks over three-plus innings in his second big league start.

But it seemed like we were going to salvage the damage in the ninth. Kevin Millar led off with a leadoff single against Scot Shields, who retired the next two batters. But pinch-hitter Alex Cintron kept the rally going with a single, bringing Rodriguez into the game. Then Roberts loaded the bases with a grounder to first that two-time Gold Glove winner Mark Teixeira misplayed. Then Markakis had a two-run single and Melvin Mora tied it with a two-run double. Yes!

Then George "Why Was He an All-Star" Sherrill blew it big time. He gave a leadoff double to Torii Hunter, who advanced on a groundout. Then Howie Kendrick was intentionally walked and Juan Rivera popped out. But Sherill walked Jeff Mathis and Figgins to bring in the winning run.

Another game with a powerhouse (albeit late) offense and unreliable pitching. If we can't get a confident beginning and end to these games, it's hard to stay focused in the middle.

PS: Scot and Torii? What is with the names on this Angels roster?