Scott McGregor, 1986 Leaf #165

That's right, I'm on vacation again. Just a long weekend in Williamsburg; I'll be back on Tuesday! In the meantime, enjoy more of This Day in Orioles History.

This Day in Orioles History: September 27, 1986

Orioles 7, Brewers 0 at County Stadium

As the Orioles' first losing season in several years ground to a finish, veteran lefty Scott McGregor provided a brief respite by two-hitting the Brewers. After a leadoff bunt single by Paul Molitor, the O's pitcher retired the next twenty-four batters in order, a streak that ended with Rick Cerone's leadoff walk in the ninth inning. McGregor improved to 11-14 on the season, and tossed his twenty-second career shutout.

The O's provided their pitcher with a healthy margin of error before he even took the mound, chasing Milwaukee starter Juan Nieves with just one out in the top of the first inning. Six of the seven batters that he faced got base hits, with Eddie Murray's two-run double counting as the biggest blow. John Shelby provided more of a cushion with a two-run single in the third inning. Rookie outfielder Ken Gerhart chipped in with three hits and a pair of RBI himself.

Unfortunately, the Birds lost six of their final seven games after this big win in Milwaukee, perhaps hastening skipper Earl Weaver's decision to end his second managerial stint.