Matusz masters Boston again
Matusz masters Boston again
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Brian Matusz didn't face Boston last year. He's seen them four times this year and the Red Sox are still trying to figure him out. Tonight he gave up two runs and six hits over six innings plus one batter as the Orioles beat Boston 5-2 to start a three-game series. The O's improved to 8-1 in series-opening games under Buck Showalter. Brian Matusz talks about his outing following the O's 5-2 win over the Red Sox Matusz is now 2-0, 2.55 on the year vs. Boston. Sox batters are hitting...
Showalter time
Showalter time
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles improved to 8-1 in series openers under manager Buck Showalter. They were 9-25 before his arrival. Showalter used one of his favorite expressions, saying he didn't think Brian Matusz was "carrying all his bullets tonight." He brings up bullets frequently. I hope he isn't forced to start calling them "wizards." "He got through it and gave us a chance to win," Showalter said. "I'm not going to say he made the pitches when he had to. You hear enough of that, but tonight I...
Matusz with the win and Scott, Pie homer as O's top Boston
Matusz with the win and Scott, Pie homer as O's top Boston
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The Orioles did not post another shutout, but they did post a pleasing victory over an AL East rival that was desperate for a win. Luke Scott hit his 26th homer, that's a new career high and Brian Matusz pitched well again vs. Boston as the Orioles beat the Red Sox 5-2 at Camden Yards Tuesday night in the opening game of a six-game homestand. Matusz improved to 7-12, 4.72 as he gave up two runs and six hits over six innings plus a batter. When he gave up a two-run homer in the fifth to Jed...
Five-out save (updated twice)
Five-out save (updated twice)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Koji Uehara replaced Michael Gonzalez with one out in the eighth inning and retired the next two batters, fielding a bouncer to the mound and getting the force at second base, and inducing a fly ball to right-center field. Nothing to it. Nobody is warming in the bullpen. Uehara is coming back out for the ninth after throwing eight pitches. No way you take him out. And it made sense to go with your hottest reliever with a runner on first base in the eighth. The baton is being passed, but it...
More on Markakis (w/game updates)
More on Markakis (w/game updates)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Nick Markakis became the 19th outfielder since 1900 to record at least four seasons with 40 doubles in his career. Markakis is now tied for the third-longest streak of 40-double seasons. The other three players are in the Hall of Fame. Joe Medwick did it for seven straight years beginning in 1933. Harry Heilman's streak lasted five seasons beginning in 1923. Markakis is tied with Tris Speaker, whose streak of four consecutive seasons began in 1920. Yeah, it's been a while. Jay Moskowitz,...
30 Rocked
30 Rocked
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The Orioles scoreless streak, dating back to Brad Bergesen's first-inning balk at Anaheim Friday night, ended at 30 innings tonight when Jed Lowrie hit a two-run homer off Brian Matusz in the fifth inning. After 30 straight, Lowrie rocked one out to left as Matusz found too much of the middle of the plate on a 3-1 pitch. That cut the O's lead to 3-2 and was Lowrie's fourth homer. Matusz has fanned David Ortiz twice tonight and Big Papi is now 0 for 8 with 7 strikeouts vs. the...
Matusz no longer cruising
Matusz no longer cruising
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Left-hander Brian Matusz took a two-hit shutout into the fifth inning, but Jed Lowrie deposited a 91 mph fastball into the left field seats with one out and Mike Lowell on base to reduce the Orioles' lead to 3-2. The Orioles scored twice in the third on Adam Jones' infield hit and shortstop Marco Scutaro's throwing error. Luke Scott raced home from first base as the ball rolled into right field. Manager Buck Showalter walked over to Scott in the dugout and engaged him in a lengthy...
Markakis turning 40
Markakis turning 40
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Not his age. He hasn't been around that long. Nick Markakis just collected his 40th double with one out in the first inning. He becomes the first player in franchise history with four consecutive 40-double seasons. Markakis scored on Luke Scott's single, giving the Orioles an early 1-0 lead against Josh Beckett. Scott was in a 2-for-21 slump. Brian Matusz got through the first inning without allowing a run, though he needed 23 pitches to do it. Victor Martinez singled with two outs before...
Taking notes
Taking notes
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Luke Scott is 2-for-21 since homering off Chicago's Gavin Floyd. Felix Pie is hitless in his last 12 at-bats. The Orioles have 18 quality starts in their last 26 games. Their pitchers are riding a 26-inning scoreless streak and haven't allowed an RBI since Alex Rios homered in the eighth inning of Thursday's game in Chicago. In Brian Matusz's 26 starts, the Orioles have scored two runs or fewer 14 times while he's been in the game. They're 3-11 in those instances. Matusz is 0-9. Only...
Lombardozzi thrilled to get AFL invite
Lombardozzi thrilled to get AFL invite
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Harrisburg Senators second baseman Stephen Lombardozzi has picked up where he left off with Potomac, hitting above .300 in 19 games so far at the Double-A level. This week, the talented young infielder got word he has been selected by the franchise to participate in the prestigious Arizona Fall League representing the Nationals. "I found out a couple of days ago. I was really pumped," says Lombardozzi. "I think it will be a great experience for me to go out there. I have never been out...