Baseball is a game full of surprises.
Never was that more apparent than at Oriole Park at Camden Yards June 22, when embattled right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez delivered one of the most unexpected outings of the season, a six-inning quality start against the San Diego Padres. Jimenez's solid performance led the Birds to a 7-2 win, giving them a split of the brief two-game interleague series.
Jimenez entered the game carrying a 7.34 ERA to the mound amidst the groans and protestations of many fans, who chalked up the game as a guaranteed loss. In fairness, fans had plenty of reasons to think the night wouldn't go well for Jimenez and the Birds. Jimenez was recently bounced from the Orioles' rotation after allowing five runs in .1 innings during his previous start June 12. He made one relief appearance afterward and was little better, surrendering another five runs in 2.1 innings June 17. Yet he found himself making a spot start against the Padres June 22 mainly because the O's ran out of alternatives.
