CHICAGO - -Felix Pie's role in the Orioles' first back-to-back wins in three weeks threatened to go unnoticed because of Brian Roberts' sudden power surge. However, Orioles manager Dave Trembley wouldn't let that happen.
After Thursday's and Friday's victories, Trembley, who was highly critical of the outfielder earlier this season and played him sparingly, singled out Pie for his contributions. In the Orioles' 8-7 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, Pie drew a key walk to load the bases and knock starter James Shields out of the game. Roberts then greeted former Orioles reliever Lance Cormier with a grand slam.
On Friday, Pie had three hits, including a one-out eighth-inning single ahead of Roberts' two-run homer off Chicago White Sox starter Gavin Floyd (Mount St. Joseph). Pie, who struck out as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning Saturday night against Chicago, had started three straight games, going 5-for-10 in those contests.
"The first thing he did was he tempered his approach and he got a whole lot more acceptance in the clubhouse from the players and coaches," Trembley said. "Two, I think he had to establish some patience and persistence, and his work ethic with [hitting coach Terry Crowley] has been very good.
"His swing at times is still long, but he's cut it down. He's not so apt to swing at first pitches as much as he used to. He's hit more ground balls, which utilizes his speed. I think all-in-all, he's just been better with everything."
Overall, Pie is hitting .324 (12-for-37) in August with five RBIs and nine runs, justifying the organization's decision to give him more playing time in the second half. With the trade of Aubrey Huff and Nolan Reimold's nagging injuries, Pie has gotten 37 at-bats this month, three more than he had in June and July combined.
"My confidence is better now because I'm playing more now and I'm hitting better," said Pie, whose average is .314 since the All-Star break. "I'm not worrying about anything now. The only thing I worry about is get a good pitch and swing at strikes and get on base. In the beginning, times were a little tough, but now I'm OK."
Reimold ailing
Trembley acknowledged that rookie left fielder Reimold is playing with a chronic condition in his left Achilles tendon that might require a medical procedure this offseason.
