4-5-8-20-22-33

The O's start a 3 game set against Colorado on Friday. Going for the Orioles are Steve Trachsel, Jeremy Guthrie, and Erik Bedard, all 3 of which have had decent outings in the past few weeks. Seems the only thing they have going against them is run support. But if they can last past the 6th inning, everything should be ok. Brian Roberts will be fresh off 2 days rest, and Tejada, serving as DH Wednesday, should be well rested too. Let's hope Hernandez takes advantage of the day off to rebound from his 0 for 5 performance against Seattle. The O's might have their work cut out for them on Friday, though, as Jeff Francis takes the mound for Colorado. He has won 4 out of his last 6 appearences, giving up only 8 runs, 2 of those via solo home runs. In those 6 games he dropped his ERA from 6.19 to 3.70. Former Oriole Rodrigo Lopez goes Saturday night bringing with him a 2-0 record and 2.96 ERA in 5 appearences this year. Making his first appearence since June 3rd where he gave up 4 runs on 8 hits in 4.1 innings of work. That marked the second time in 3 outings he was yanked in the 5th inning. Jason Hirsch will matchup against Bedard on Sunday. Hirsch is winless in his last 8 outings, losing his last 5 decisions. This series looks good on paper, but like the season so far, it all depends on how far the starters go and if the bullpen can step up or not. Let's hope Steve, Jeremy and Erik can follow Danny's lead and have 3 strong outings producing some much needed wins.