Orioles 2012: Top of the 9th

If you've followed the pennant race at all this year, you know that the 2012 Orioles are crazy good at winning close games.  They've won approximately 5,000 extra-inning games in a row and their record in 1-run games is the best in Major League history.  The first statement in the last sentence is a gross exaggeration.  The second is actually the truth.
 

Photo via Wikipedia

Such success is not possible without a great closer and Jim Johnson has been the most dependable player on the team all season long.  With his save in the first leg of today's doubleheader with the Blue Jays, Johnson leads the Majors with 48 on the year.  Not surprisingly, he also leads in save opportunities with 51.  He made his first All-Star Game, too.

Photo via Wikipedia

Zach Phillips, a September call-up from the minors, has made two relief appearances for the team over the past nine-game stretch.  He has only had five innings of work for the big league club all season, compiling a not-so-impressive 7.20 ERA.  He was born in Sacramento.

Photo via Warehouse Worthy

Living in New England, it's easy to catch Red Sox games on NESN.  The Orioles were in Boston over the weekend and, as a result, I was able to see Dylan Bundy's Major League debut at Fenway.  You may have already heard of Bundy.  He was Baltimore's first round draft pick last year and the best pitching prospect the organization has had in decades.  Sports Illustrated did a feature article on him earlier this season.  He faced only two batters and got both out with only seven pitches.  The future is very bright.