When the Orioles found themselves down early Saturday to Detroit, there was a definite feeling of "Here we go again" and "the beginning of the end is here." The Orioles looked listless Friday, and Saturday's first-inning stumbles appeared to be only a continuation.

But, 12 innings later, the Orioles were looking like the Orioles of April and May, getting late-inning heroics from unexpected sources -- this time in the form of a two-run, walk-off homer from Taylor Teagarden for an 8-6 win against the Tigers. The backup catcher was out the entire first half of the season with a back injury. He was only spoken of, so you could forgive people for thinking he wasn't real.

It came on a day when the Orioles needed something to feel good about. Standout pitcher Jason Hammel is considering arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, which could keep him out for two months.

The Orioles must deal with Hammel's absence quickly. The club's front office can turn to one of the recently demoted pitchers in Triple-A Norfolk -- Brian Matusz, Jake Arrieta and Tommy Hunter -- or go make a big splash in the trade market to keep playoff hopes alive.

The Orioles can't get in run fests all season long the way they did Saturday. They can't sustain it. They need an answer, but not an irrational one either.

Posted July 15, 2012