Ups and downs
Albert Belle -- UP -- Got the best of Armando Benitez, in a big way.
Vizquel and Vizcaino -- UP -- The little guys that could ... and did.
Todd Zeile -- DOWN -- A real stinker of a day. An error, three strikeouts, a missed bunt and double-play groundout. Yeesh.
The umpires -- DOWN -- They postured all week and went back to work last night -- and blew at least two calls, both going against the Orioles.
B. J. Surhoff -- UP -- Three homers in three games, and playing with an inflamed knee.
Jesse Orosco -- DOWN -- Walking the bases loaded is no relief.
Managing -- DOWN -- Cleveland's Mike Hargrove and Orioles' Davey Johnson made a lot of moves that never paid off.
STAT OF THE DAY
The last five hitters Jesse Orosco has faced in this series: Single, single, walk, walk, walk. Five batters became five runners.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Ladies and gentlemen, as I've said before, we are the group that represents the honesty and integrity of our national game." -- Al Clark, one of the umpires forced to work yesterday by an injunction.
A Move That Paid Off ...
Cleveland manager Mike Hargrove had closer Jose Mesa start )) throwing as the Indians batted in the bottom of the seventh. After Belle's grand slam, Mesa sat down and Eric Plunk pitched the eighth. Mesa took over in the ninth and finished off the Orioles.
... And One That Didn't
Orioles manager Davey Johnson replaced Mike Mussina with left-hander Jesse Orosco to pitch the bottom of the seventh, after Mussina had retired seven straight hitters and thrown only 10 balls to the last 15 hitters he faced. As all of Maryland knows, Orosco walked all three hitters he faced.
The Good
Cleveland's running game finally became a factor, the Indians challenging the Orioles' catching, stealing five bases.
The Bad
The incorrect call made by right-field umpire Ken Kaiser in the top of the eighth inning had no bearing on the outcome of the game. Kaiser, barely moving from where he was standing on the line, ruled that right fielder Manny Ramirez caught a sinking liner by Eddie Murray. Replays showed Ramirez wasn't close to making the play, short-hopping the ball.
The Ugly
Albert Belle knocked down Mike Mussina with a line-drive single over the mound in the third inning.
The Bullpens
The Orioles will have everybody available today, because no reliever had to throw too much. Armando Benitez pitched an inning, and probably could pitch to a batter or two. Indians closer Jose Mesa pitched an inning, and will be available today.
Pub Date: 10/05/96
