Millwood rocked, Simon Activated, Bergesen Optioned

To say it was a rough weekend for the Orioles would be an understatement. After losing 2-of-3 to the Red Sox and then the Yankees, the Orioles were swept by the New York Mets, who entered the series a dismal 8-18 on the road. The sweep not only marked the first road sweep for the Mets but the first series win away from Citi Field.

Kevin Millwood suffered the worst loss of the season, he allowed eight earned runs -- three home runs -- over just 5 1/3 innings of work. After the game, Juan Samuel called Millwood a veteran and said the right-hander "just didn't have a feel for it," while he quickly tossed aside a notion Millwood's struggles could have been mental. Millwood then admitted he felt "ccnfused" and had a bunch of things running through this mind.

Adam Jones had a good day at the plate going 3-for-4 with two RBI. Tejada and Luke Scott also added RBI totaling the four runs for the O's. But the 11 runs recorded by the Mets, five in the first inning alone, were just too much to overcome.

<B>Roster  Move</B>
Brad Bergesen was optioned to Triple-A to make room on the Big League roster for closer Alfredo Simon who has been suffering from a left hamstring injury. Simon will get one inning of work before returning to the closing role (or until he is comfortable) ... until then, David Hernandez, who earned his first save of the year against the Yankees three days so, will be the O's closer.

Bergesen was surprised he was sent down to Norfolk but at the same time agreed he needs to get some work in.

"We are doing a disservice to Brad by keeping him up here in the bullpen," Samuel said. "This is a guy we think is going to be a starter for a long time."

The Orioles now head to the West Coast to face the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres. Then then return home for another nine-game homestand against the NL East Florida Marlins, The Washington Nationals for Round II of "The Beltway Series," and the Oakland Athletics.