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Orioles stave off Dye, White Sox

Jul 15, 2007 - 10:00 PM BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- The Baltimore Orioles nearly celebrated their victory over the Chicago White Sox a bit prematurely.

The Orioles built a quick four-run lead before weathering Jermaine Dye's two solo home runs to hold on for a 5-3 victory at Camden Yards on Sunday.

Baltimore got out of the blocks quickly.

Aubrey Huff's triple off the wall in right field plated Kevin Millar and Nick Markakis to give the Orioles a 2-0 lead. It was Huff's third triple of the season and first since hitting for the cycle on June 29.

Baltimore doubled its cushion in the third, highlighted by Brian Roberts solo home run. Corey Patterson then singled to center, stole second and came around to score on Markakis' double to center field.

Markakis drove in two runs, including the game-winner in the bottom of the 10th inning as the Orioles rallied for a 7-6 victory on Saturday.

"Overall we are swinging the bats really well," Markakis said. "That makes it easier on everyone. We are feeling comfortable."

The Orioles' trio of Roberts, Patterson and Markakis combined for six hits, four runs, and three RBI.

"We try to do something in day games after night games to get ourselves jump started, we try to put guys up in the top that can run and can set the table for the guys behind them," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. "It certainly opens things up and turns the lineup over for us."

As for White Sox, they turned to Dye.

His solo homer to left to lead off the fourth was just the second hit registered off Baltimore rookie starter Garrett Olson (1-0). The White Sox added two more hits in the inning, but could not inflict any damage on the scoreboard.

Patterson countered with a solo shot in the fifth to give the Orioles a 5-1 lead.

Dye responded with his 15th home run to lead off in the sixth, this time to center. For Dye, it was the 16th multi-homer game of his career.

"It's frustrating, but what can you do. That's the story of our year," Dye said. "We're not getting the breaks, and when we do, it seems like they counter back and score a few runs."

The blast also chased Olson, who allowed two runs on six hits through five innings. Three relievers bridged the gap before Chris Ray recorded the final three outs, two by strikeout to earn his 16th save.

"This will definitely provide some momentum for the upcoming road trip," Ray said.

Chicago starter Jose Contreras (5-11) dropped his fourth decision in a row by allowing five runs on 10 hits in six innings.

"I was a little happier with him today," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He did throw the ball a little bit better today."

As for Olson, making only his second major league start, he was proud of his first victory.

"You look at victories, and for me, it's a victory for the team and it's a great feeling to be a part of it," Olson said. "Being my first win, too, it's awesome."