Ripken Can Do Little Things Too

Cal Ripken’s 250th career hit against the Texas Rangers was a bunt, of all things.

But it loaded the bases in the fifth inning, driving Texas starter John Burkett (1-2) from the game and setting the stage for two sacrifice flies in a 10-8 Baltimore victory on Saturday.

Ripken got two other hits, and B.J. Surhoff drove in three runs as Baltimore stopped a three-game losing streak and ended the Rangers’ five-game winning string.

“Cal put down a great bunt to move the runners along. I guess it was telepathy because I was thinking it and he did it,” Baltimore Manager Ray Miller said.

The bunt brought on reliever Eric Gunderson, who gave up sacrifice flies to deep right by Surhoff and Chris Hoiles, giving Baltimore the lead for the first time.

“It was a good bunt. It’s the kind of one that you just tip your hat to him and say, ‘Nice play’ ,” Burkett said.

Still, if Burkett hadn’t stumbled coming off the mound, he might have been able to get a force at third.

Mark McLemore homered twice and drove in four runs for Texas. He hit a solo shot in the fifth inning, then hit a three-run shot in the ninth for his first multi-homer game.

“I’ve hit a lot in Nintendo, but it’s my first two-homer game up here,” McLemore said.

The Orioles led, 6-4, entering the ninth. They scored four times in the top of the inning, enough to offset Texas’ four-run rally in the bottom half.

Scott Kamieniecki (2-0) went five innings, giving up four runs and five hits. Arthur Rhodes allowed three runs in 3 1/3 innings before giving way in the ninth to Armando Benitez, who got the last two outs.

NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Baltimore Orioles

WHERE: Edison Field

WHEN: Monday, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.