Orioles Beat Embattled Blue Jays 13-7
Posted October 2, 2009 10:44 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Baltimore Orioles endorsed the guaranteed return of manager Dave Trembley in grand style.
Michael Aubrey hit a two-run homer and his first career grand slam, Matt Wieters added a three-run shot, and Baltimore ended the Toronto Blue Jays’ six-game winning streak with a 13-7 victory Friday night.
Before the game, the Orioles exercised the 2010 option on Trembley’s contract, assuring his return next season. Baltimore then scored its most runs since Aug. 28, a 13-run outburst against Cleveland.
It was quite a contrast from Aug. 22, 2007, when the Orioles gave up 30 runs hours after the team announced Trembley would return in 2008.
Playing in his 44th major league game, Aubrey hit multiple homers for the first time. His six RBIs doubled his previous career high and most by an Oriole since Luke Scott had seven on July 7.
Cesar Izturis and Nick Markakis each had three hits for the Orioles, who have won two straight following a 13-game skid. Baltimore needs to win one of its final two games to avoid the third 100-loss season since moving from St. Louis before the 1954 season.
Edwin Encarnacion, Randy Ruiz and Jose Bautista homered for the Blue Jays. Before the game, several players expressed the desire to have a team meeting to address their concern over the fashion in which manager Cito Gaston is running the club.
Gaston said the derisive faction is a minority, and dismissed the idea he has to regain favour in his own clubhouse.
The 13 runs were the most allowed by Toronto this season.
This game was a disaster for the Blue Jays from the outset, when David Purcey (1-3) gave up three first-inning runs, including a two-run double by Markakis.
After an RBI single by Melvin Mora made it 4-0 in the third, Encarnacion hit a three-run shot and Ruiz added a solo drive to tie it in the fourth. In the bottom half, however, Wieters homered with two on to put the Orioles ahead for good.
Aubrey hit his first homer in the fifth to chase Purcey, and his grand slam came in the sixth off Dirk Hayhurst.
Orioles starter Jason Berken (6-12) gave up four runs and five hits in five innings. Half his wins this season have come against Toronto.
