Verrett factors big in win on day of O's callup

NEW YORK -- When Logan Verrett arrived at Yankee Stadium on Sunday morning, he was just excited at the prospect of making his Orioles debut. Verrett, who flew from Triple-A Norfolk along with Richard Bleier on Saturday night, was thought to be some long-relief insurance behind starter Wade Miley.
Instead, the righty played a pivotal role in Sunday's sweep-avoiding 7-4, 11-inning win, tossing two scoreless innings to pick up the 'W' in his first Major League outing of the season.
"I thought to myself, 'This is my opportunity to have a big moment at Yankee Stadium and put a stamp on my Orioles debut,'" said Verrett, who worked out of a bases-loaded spot in the 10th inning. "I thought it was a lot of fun out there. It was a long game, but glad we came out on top."
Called on after Darren O'Day's blown save in the ninth inning, Verrett gave up a perfectly placed blooper into right field to start the 10th. He unsuccessfully tried to go to second base on Brett Gardner's sacrifice-bunt attempt, leaving the Yankees in a threatening spot. One out later, the righty hit Greg Bird with a pitch to load the bases with one out.
But Verrett, who had warmed up earlier in the game, got a key out on Starlin Castro's fielder's choice when shortstop J.J. Hardy made a great stop and a perfect throw to catcher Wellington Castillo to get the force at home plate.

"It was awesome," O'Day said of watching Verrett get the job done in a big spot. "It takes a special kind of guy. He believes in himself and you know he came in there and made some big pitches after some exciting plays in the infield. That says a lot about who Logan is, and he's going to help us out."
Verrett followed Castro's out by striking out red-hot rookie Aaron Judge to leave the bases loaded and saddle the Yankees -- who stranded 16 -- with another missed opportunity.
"That Verett inning gave us some momentum back," Orioles starter Wade Miley said. "It kind of knocked the air out of them and gave us the momentum to score in the top of the 11th."
For Verrett, it marked his fifth career Major League win and third as a reliever, capping a whirlwind 24 hours.