Chris Davis strikes out five times, almost makes history with six

Had he recorded one more strike on Wednesday afternoon, Chris Davis would have joined one of the most exclusive groups in baseball history. But it wasn't to be. Since 1919, only seven players have struck out six times in a game: Geoff Jenkins (2004), Alex Gonzalez (1998), Sam Horn (1991), Cecil Cooper (1974), Billy Cowan (1971), Rick Reichardt (1966) and Don Hoak (1956). Davis was on the verge of joining the group, striking out five times to start the O's 5-4 victory in 11 innings over the New York Yankees on Wednesday. And I really mean the verge: He started his sixth at-bat of the game in an 0-2 hole and only escaped that list by managing a groundout to second off Yanks pitcher Hector Noesi. So close, yet so far away. Davis had to settle for a "platinum sombrero" instead of what late O's pitcher Mike Flanagan called the "Sam Horn." Considering that no reporter in their right mind would sidle up to a five-strikeout guy in a victorious clubhouse and s...