Taking the lead (updated)
Taking the lead (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Tonight's attendance: 14,135. The Orioles scored twice in the bottom of the sixth to take a 2-1 lead and position Brian Matusz for the win. Matusz is charged with one run and three hits in six innings, with two walks (one intentional), four strikeouts and one hit batter. He threw 99 pitches, 60 for strikes. That's seven consecutive quality starts from the rotation, the first time it's happened since July 2003. The starters have allowed 10 earned runs in their last 47 2/3 innings. Ty...
Joe Mahoney interview
Joe Mahoney interview
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Joe Mahoney, first baseman for the Double-A Bowie Baysox, was a guest of Jim and Rick on MASN's O's XTRA tonight before the game here at Camden Yards. Joe is becoming quite the rock star. I've been told he was a pretty popular guy with autograph seekers after he got off the TV set out in left center here at the ballpark.
Chisox keeping Matusz busy
Chisox keeping Matusz busy
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Brian Matusz has allowed one run over three innings, and the White Sox are making him work hard. Matusz threw 14 pitches in the first inning, 23 in the second and 23 in the third, giving him 60 for the game. (I decided to save you the math.) Brent Lillibridge lined out to open the third, but he saw seven pitches. Matusz hit Juan Pierre - who never should have worn his lucky bullseye on this trip - Alexei Ramirez grounded out and Alex Rios doubled to left field on Matusz's fifth pitch. Paul...
Two in a row anyone?
Two in a row anyone?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Not two wins, two series. The Orioles, who have won just five of 35 series all year, can win two in a row for the first time in over a year if they beat Chicago tonight. After sweeping the Angels to start this homestand, they have taken two of the first three in this four-game set with AL Central-leading Chicago. The last time the O's won back-to-back series was from July 7-12 of 2009 when they took two of three at Seattle and then won two of three at home vs. Toronto. With a 5-1 mark, the...
Tatum returns, and talks about it
Tatum returns, and talks about it
Steve Melewski
Orioles
When last seen in the Orioles clubhouse Craig Tatum had a sore hand and overall, he was, well, sore about an O's roster decision. The decision made that day, July 25th, was to option Tatum to Triple-A when Matt Wieters came off the DL so the club could keep 13 pitchers. Tatum didn't hide his disappointment as he headed out to join Norfolk. The night before he had left the game with the Twins in the seventh inning after taking a foul ball off his right hand. He suffered a bruise and...
More pre-game chatter and notes (w/GCL update)
More pre-game chatter and notes (w/GCL update)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Manager Buck Showalter knew a few days ago that Cesar Izturis was approaching 1,000 career hits. The veteran shortstop reached 1,001 in yesterday's game. "I think about how underappreciated that he is. He's just solid," Showalter said. "It's not always a look-at-me mentality. He just brings it. He's just solid. That's the most common description of him from everybody. He's a guy you can count on. He's very durable. I was happy for him to have a moment yesterday. He's a good...
Buck's take on Matusz
Buck's take on Matusz
Steve Melewski
Orioles
It's been a bumpy ride at times this season for Orioles 23-year-old lefty Brian Matusz. After going 5-2, 4.63 in eight starts last year, he is 4-11, 5.26 in 22 starts this season. On July 4th, Matusz pitched seven innings of two-hit shutout ball at Boston. But then he gave up 18 ER over 13 innings in a four-start stretch. That poor run ended when he beat the Angels Wednesday night in Buck Showalter's second game. He gave up just one run over six innings. Tonight, he pitches here at...
Showalter talks about the roster move
Showalter talks about the roster move
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Craig Tatum is back in the home clubhouse after going 2-for-21 at Triple-A Norfolk. He hit .271 in 32 games with the Orioles before they optioned him. "Tatum's been struggling a little offensively down there compared to what he was doing here," manager Buck Showalter said. "We thought we'd get him back to the big leagues so he could start hitting again." Tatum's arrival gives the Orioles a four-man bench. "It's a little more comforting," Showalter said. "You're always thinking...
Orioles Recall CA Craig Tatum from Triple-A Norfolk
Orioles Recall CA Craig Tatum from Triple-A Norfolk
Lindsay Rykiel
Orioles
The Orioles announced today that they have recalled CA Craig Tatum from Triple-A Norfolk. Tatum has batted .271 (23-85) in 32 games in his first season with the Orioles.
Tonight's lineups
Tonight's lineups
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
For the Orioles: Brian Roberts 2B Nick Markakis RF Ty Wigginton 1B Luke Scott DH Adam Jones CF Felix Pie LF Matt Wieters C Cesar Izturis SS Josh Bell 3B Brian Matusz LHP For the White Sox: Pierre LF Ramirez SS Rios CF Konerko 1B Quentin DH Pierzynski C Viciendo 3B Jones RF Lillibridge 2B Jackson RHP