Five-run first inning carries Orioles to 8-4 victory

In their final game against the White Sox this season, the Orioles didn’t score early and often. But at least they scored early. They got out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning and went on to win 8-4, their third win in seven games against Chicago this season. The win improves their record to 43-106. The 1988 Orioles still have the distinction of having the most losses in club history for now.

The Birds should have coasted after their big first inning. But the White Sox consistently had traffic on the basepaths and the O’s offense went cold through the middle innings. The lead never felt very secure. But the bullpen didn’t give up a run and the offense put up insurance runs in the seventh and…