Anderson a Hit Against Rangers

Brady Anderson didn’t hit a fair ball in the first inning, but he sparked a 10-run inning an set a record in the process.

Anderson set an American League record by getting hit by a pitch twice in the same inning, and he came around to score each time as the Baltimore Orioles routed the Texas Rangers, 15-6, Sunday night.

“It’s like a heavyweight championship fight. You come running out of your corner and he hits you with the first punch, right to the chin,” Texas Manager Johnny Oates said, slapping his fist against his palm.

Anderson was hit twice by Mike Morgan, who was pulled after plunking the Orioles’ leadoff hitter a second time. Morgan (6-4) was charged with eight runs and the only outs he recorded were two sacrifice flies.

It was the third time in baseball history that a player has been hit by a pitch twice in the same inning. Willard Schmidt of the Cincinnati Reds did it in 1959 and Frank Thomas of the New York Mets in 1962.

Anderson downplayed the feat, but after being told his name would be placed in the baseball record book, said, “I like that. It’s quite a thrill.”

Mike Bordick hit a three-run double and B.J. Surhoff had a two-run homer during the 10-run inning, which tied a franchise record. The Orioles scored 10 runs in an inning three times previously, most recently in 1985 against Seattle.

Mike Mussina (7-1) was the beneficiary of the barrage, although the Orioles’ ace didn’t need nearly that much backing. The right-hander gave up two runs and nine hits in seven innings and improved to 6-0 at home this season.

“We hit the ball quite hard and got big hits when we needed them,” Mussina said. “To get runs like that in the first inning makes my job quite a bit easier.”

The Rangers have lost five of seven and Ranger starters are 0-5 with a 12.38 earned-run average during that span.

NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Baltimore Orioles

WHERE: Edison Field

WHEN: Tuesday, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, 7 p.m.