J.J. Hardy hits tie breaking run as Baltimore Orioles level ALDS series 2-2 – MLB Update
J.J. Hardy had one of the best nights of the season as he drove in the go ahead run in Baltimore Orioles’ 2-1 victory against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York, NY on Thursday, October 11 in Game 4 of their five match American League Divisional
Series.
Hardy has given some impressive performances since the start of the season. However, none of them were as good as his effort in a crucial Game 4 of the ALDS against the Yankees. Showing great determination and composure, Hardy snatched victory from the jaws
of defeat for his team as he forced the series into the decider.
"There hasn't been a whole lot of opportunities to score runs," Hardy said in a post game interview, "so when there are those opportunities, I think we're trying a little bit too hard."
Starting pitcher Joe Saunders had a decent outing as he gave up just three hits and one run in five plus innings to keep Orioles in the game. Striking-out five batters, he used his fastballs and slider very effectively.
"I don't take for granted at any time what these guys are accomplishing so far," Orioles’ manager Buck Showalter said. "They know that. I have so much respect for our guys."
Relief pitchers Tommy Hunter, Troy Patton, Luis Ayala and Brian Matusz combined to pitch one plus scoreless inning to force the game into an extra inning. Pedro Strop grabbed his first win of the season after he gave up just a hit in two shut-out innings
and closer Jim Johnson held off the Yankees to earn his second save.
"You know, we played an elimination game last week to start our postseason. It's like a Game 7," reliever Darren O'Day said.
Nate McLouth smacked a solo home-run to right in the fifth inning to break the deadlock. Yankees responded immediately as Robinson Cano grounded out to second in the sixth to level the score 1-1.
However, Orioles were not prepared to give up. Hardy delivered the tie breaking run in the 13th to stun the home crowd at Yankee stadium.
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