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.

4-5-8-20-22-33

One down, two to go. If the O's give half the effort they gave against one of the better pitchers in the NL, they should do alright in the final 2 games of this series. Let's hope the managers can stick around long enough to see the whole game.

4-5-8-20-22-33

A little late to follow up on this one...I was quite impressed with the Orioles' pitching performance yesterday. I was also impressed with Rodrigo Lopez shutting down the O's after a 2 run 1st. Unfortunately, something has to give and in this case it was the 10th inning double by Kaz that drove in the winning run. Can't win 'em all, but hopefully Bedard will be as strong as the last 3 starters and go into the late innings, preferably with an early lead. Gotta win this series, boys!!