The stunning struggles last night of Baltimore closer Jim Johnson in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the American League Division Series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards had some people questioning whether he should have entered the game when it was tied, 2-2, after eight innings.

That's foolish. No pitcher -- on any team -- has been more reliable in these situations this year. Johnson, who led the majors with 51 saves during the regular season, said he had made a couple of mistakes against the Yankees, and he paid for them.

Johnson said that the Orioles didn't want to go down 0-1 to New York during the series, but it was somehow fitting.

"It's unfortunate to lose this first game, especially at home," Johnson said. "We've battled all year. Why would we make it easy now? We're going to come back and play hard."

Posted Oct. 8, 2012