After the Orioles scored a run in the top of the first, the Rangers opened the bottom of the first with a walk and a single against Joe Saunders. It wasn't looking good. The Orioles' bullpen got busy. A single bead of perspiration trickled down Saunders' face. This was the beginning of the end ...

Then there was a run-scoring double play and ... nothin' since. Saunders allowed a hit in the second, and he pitched around a hit and an error in the third.

Ah, but this is Joe Saunders, Perfectly Adequate Starting Pitcher. He was pitching in the best hitters' park in the American League against a powerful lineup that's murder on lefties. And with one out in the fourth, Nelson Cruz hit a line-drive single. Michael Young hit an opposite-field single that moved Cruz to third. Here we go, you were right to think.

But Mike Napoli struck out, and Geovany Soto grounded out to end the threat.

Joe Saunders is pitching a helluva game.

Orioles vs. Rangers: Nothin' doin'.