Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Top 5 Performances for Erik Bedard

Much in the way I did with Miguel Tejada, I decided to take a look back at at some of the highlights of Erik Bedard's career. Remember when you read this, he was a homegrown Baltimore Oriole. Thanks for the memories Erik.


#5 - September 2, 2004 - Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Toward the end of his rookie season, Erik Bedard put together his first great game. Bedard scattered 6 hits and worked himself out of a few jams over the course of the game. Twice, he had two runners on with one out and got out of the inning without allowing a run. Bedard would hold them to 1 run over 7 IP and the Orioles cruised to a 13-2 victory. It was a glimpse of things to come.


IP H R ER BB SO HR
Bedard 7.0 6 1 1 1 6 0









#4 - May 4, 2005 - Toronto Blue Jays

It looked like a mismatch for Bedard as he squared off against former Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay. However, it was Bedard who was a mismatch for Blue Jay batters as he fanned 12 over the course of 8 innings. There were few jams to work out of this time. After putting two men on with one out in the first, Bedard proceeded to set down the next 9 batters in order including striking out the side in the top of the second. After allowing a walk to Corey Koskie in the 4th, he set the next 8 batters down in succession. It was a career high 12 strikeouts for Bedard as the O's roughed up Halladay and won 5-1.

IP H R ER BB SO HR
Bedard 8.0 4 1 1 2 12 0






#3 - June 21, 2006 - Florida Marlins

The Marlins were not a great team in 2006 but they were winners of nine straight as Erik Bedard took the mound at Camden Yards. But Bedard was dominating as no runner made it to second base until the 8th inning. He again struck out 12 including Miguel Cabrera three times. This was the second game in a string of seven straight starts that Bedard would win, lowering his ERA nearly a run and a half over the rest of the season. In a way, it was his coming out party.

IP H R ER BB SO HR
Bedard 8.0 2 0 0 0 12 0






#2 - July 7, 2007 - Texas Rangers

Against a lineup that would put 30 runs on the scoreboard against the O's later in the year, Bedard hurled a gem. He struck out a career high 15, walked none and gave up only two weak singles. Both baserunners were erased by double plays so Bedard faced the minimum. Bedard was rarely allowed to finish starts and this was his first (and only) complete game shutout. He finished the game strong by striking out the side in the bottom of the 9th.

IP H R ER BB SO HR
Bedard 9.0 2 0 0 0 15 0







#1 - June 27th, 2007 - New York Yankees

Just as the Yankees were beginning to catch fire and make a white-hot run at the AL East crown, Bedard sent them home with their tale between their legs. Facing off against a roided-up Roger Clemens, Erik threw down the gauntlet as he struck out Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui and Alex Rodriguez in succession to open the game. (Jeter and Rodriguez would whiff twice against our former ace that day.) Bedard held one of the most feared lineups in baseball scoreless for 7 innings before turning the game over to Jamie Walker and Chad Bradford to complete the shutout.

IP H R ER BB SO HR
Bedard 7.0 2 0 0 1 8 0






See you later Erik. Too bad we couldn't build a contender around you. When you face the Orioles this year, could you leave a hanging curveball over the plate every now and then? Thanks.

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