Matusz Topples Sox as O's Win Again

I could start to get used to this. The Birds won their fourth straight on Tuesday night, beating the Boston Red Sox 5-2 at Camden Yards.

Starter Brian Matusz made one mistake: a pitch that Jed Lowrie sent over the wall for a two-run shot in the fifth inning, putting the Sox on the board and ending the O's streak of scoreless innings at 30. That was all the Sox would score, as Matusz was awarded the win after six strong innings, and the bullpen took care of the rest...Koji Uehara notched his fifth save in as many tries...Orioles pitching has allowed just three runs through the past four games.

The Birds gave Matusz an early lead to work with, scoring three times off Josh Beckett. Nick Markakis laced his 40th double of the season in the first inning, and came around to score on Luke Scott's broke-bat single. The O's took advantage of a throwing error in the third to score twice more. The team was clinging to a one-run lead until the bottom of the eighth, when Scott and Felix Pie launched back-to-back solo jacks to put the team up 5-2 and give Uehara some breathing room. Scott set a new career high with 26 home runs so far this season...

The Birds finished August 17-11 (17-10 under Buck Showalter), and picked up three separate four-game win streaks over the month. The O's had just two four-game win streaks over the previous four months...behold, the power of Buck.

As I stated in yesterday's post, it doesn't get any easier for the O's in September. The trouble begins on Wednesday night, when Jon Lester takes the mound for Boston. The Orioles have never beaten Lester (12-0 against Baltimore), and will turn to Jake Arrieta to snap that streak...Go O's!

Birds Post Back-to-Back Shutouts; Sweep Angels

On Saturday, Kevin Millwood pitched the O's to a 5-0 win over the Angels. Jeremy Guthrie matched him on Sunday afternoon, pitching into the ninth inning as the Birds held on for a 1-0 victory.

This marked the first time the Orioles had ever swept the Angels on the road, and was the team's first winning road trip of the season (4-2 on the trip). It was also the first three-game road sweep this year (the O's swept Texas in four games before the All-Star break) and the first time since 2007 the O's posted back-to-back shutouts. In fact, if not for the run that Bergesen allowed on a balk on Friday, the Birds would have blanked the Angels in three straight contests.

Are you noticing a pattern here? A whole lot of firsts, thanks mainly to new skipper Buck Showalter. In Buck's first month at the helm, the O's have gone from laughing stock of the league to a team that poses a real threat to any club in contention. The Birds have a 16-11 record in August (16-10 under Buck's command), marking their first winning month in over two years and their first winning August since 1997 (their last winning season).

The Orioles enjoyed a well-deserved day off on Monday, and now battle the visiting Red Sox starting Tuesday night. Win or lose, the Birds have one of the best records in baseball for the month.

September doesn't look nearly as welcoming....the O's play just five teams all month, and only one isn't in the AL East. The Birds play 27 games in September, and 21 of them are against the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays and Blue Jays. Detroit is the only non-divisional foe the O's will face...all five teams are over .500, and most are playing for the postseason.

It will be tough, but I can't wait to see how the O's handle this stretch of the season. After a stellar August, I have no reason to believe that the Orioles can't keep up the performance against their divisional rivals. If nothing else, at least Buck will get to experience first-hand what he has to look forward to next season...

Brian Matusz starts it all off on Tuesday night...Let's Go O's!

Bergesen Pitches O's Past Angels

Brad Bergesen sparkled, the O's defense dazzled and the offense did just enough to give the Birds a series-opening 3-1 victory against the Angels on Friday night.

Bergesen (6-9) went eight strong innings to pick up the win, allowing just four hits while walking none and fanning four. Bergesen allowed a run to cross the plate in the first inning on a balk (he was called for a second balk later in the game) but kept his composure and completely dominated the Angel's lineup.

Koji Uehara pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up his third straight save in three appearances...

The Birds managed three runs off eight hits; Mick Markakis gave the Birds a quick (though short-lived) 1-0 lead in the first inning. Brian Roberts opened the game with a double and stole third base before Markakis drove him home. Luke Scott and Corey Patterson both plated runs in the later innings to give the O's a cushion...

With three games left in August, the Birds need to win just one to post their first winning August since 1997...thank-you, Buck Showalter! Kevin Millwood takes the mound for the O's on Saturday night.

Birds Blown Out Of Chicago

It was an ugly game to watch if you were rooting for the Orioles...the Birds dropped the finale against the White Sox 8-0 on Thursday night.

Jake Arrieta struggled early, walking three batters and allowing a run in a 35-pitch first inning. Arrieta (4-6) lasted just four innings, allowing four runs off seven hits and those three walks. The bullpen didn't fare much better, with Rick VandenHurk and Armando Gabino combining to allow another four runs off seven hits and a walk through the final four frames...

Meanwhile, the O's offense could barely manage a hit off Sox starter Edwin Jackson, who got the win after allowing just three hits over eight innings, walking two and fanning ten. The Birds finished with four hits on Thursday night, and went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Overall, it was just an ugly game to watch (the O's committed two errors as well), as the team dropped the series to Chicago. The Birds now head to California to take on the Angels for a three-game set...Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the O's on Friday night.

Matusz Dominates as O's Roll

Orioles 4, White Sox 2. That was the final score on Wednesday night, as the O's continued to impress and dominate a team in contention.

Brian Matusz (6-12) allowed just three hits and one run (a solo homer) over seven innings, while fanning five and walking just one batter. Michael Gonzalez pitched a scoreless eighth and Koji Uehara actually gave up a run but was awarded his second save in as many tries this season...it looks like Buck Showalter has made his decision on who will close out the remaining games this season, but nothing has been made official as of yet...

In a well-pitched battle between two lefties, Matusz was given the early cushion...both teams went scoreless until the Birds pushed two runs across in the fifth inning. The Birds took a 3-0 lead in the sixth, and after Matusz gave up the solo shot, Brian Roberts answered right back in the seventh inning with a solo homer of his own.

The O's took a 4-1 lead into the ninth...Uehara gave up an RBI triple but struck out the next batter on three pitches to give the Birds the win.

The O's send Jake Arrieta to the mound Thursday in the rubber-match game...the Orioles need to win just two of the five remaining games this month to pick up their first winning month in over three years and their first winning August since 1997 (their last winning season).

Thanks, Buck! Go O's!

Late Rally Not Enough as O's Fall to Chicago

The Birds dropped the first game of a series for the first time since Buck Showalter took over, falling to the Chicago White Sox 7-5 on Tuesday night.

The O's gave starter Jeremy Guthrie a two run cushion in the fourth inning...Luke Scott blasted a solo shot to open the frame, his 25th of the season and third in as many games. Guthrie allowed the Sox to score a run in the bottom of the inning and again in the fifth to deadlock the game.

Guthrie (7-13) unraveled in the seventh inning, allowing four runs to cross the plate and all but assuring his second consecutive loss...he allowed six runs off 10 hits while walking two and hitting two batters in 6 2/3 innings.

The Orioles mounted a rally in the ninth inning, scoring three runs off Chicago's bullpen, but the Sox's seven runs were just too much to overcome...

Brian Matusz takes the mound for the O's Wednesday night...

O's Split with Rangers as Millwood Falls Again

It's been a familiar occurrence so far this season...the O's offense disappears for Kevin Millwood, but the team is typically down by a few runs before coming to the plate. It was no different on Sunday afternoon, as the O's split the four-game set with the visiting Texas Rangers after a 6-4 loss.

After a lead-off single and a walk, Millwood gave up a three-run blast to Josh Hamilton, and the O's were down 3-0 before he recorded an out. Millwood settled down, but gave up another three-run blast in the fifth to put the Birds in a hole they would never recover from.

Luke Scott launched a two-run homer in the sixth, and Ty Wigginton went deep in the ninth, but the hole was too deep. Scott and Wigginton have now hit homers in two straight games...the Birds are now 12-8 under Buck Showalter...

I'd post more, but I'm way too late to be informative, so let's just go from here...the Orioles were off on Monday but start a six-game road trip, beginning in Chicago, on Tuesday night. Jeremy Guthrie takes on Gavin Floyd...Go O's!

O's Blast Lee Again

The Birds belted four homers off Cliff Lee en route to an 8-6 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

Rookie third baseman Josh Bell hit his first Major League home run in the third inning, a two-run bomb to center field that put the O's on the board...after Ty Wigginton and Luke Scott hit back-to-back solo shots in the fourth inning, Bell crushed a three-run blast to center field, finishing his career day with five RBIs (he had four total coming into the game).

Brad Bergesen allowed five runs over seven innings, but the offense bailed him out as he recorded the "W" without his best stuff. Koji Uehara pitched a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his first Major League save. Given how well Koji has pitched lately, this may have been a sign that Buck Showalter has found his new closer...that remains to be seen.

The Birds have now taken two of three from Texas and have a chance to win the series on Sunday afternoon. Kevin Millwood takes the mound to face his former club...

Markakis, Showalter Ejected in Tough Loss

A questionable strike zone led to two ejections in a 2-0 loss to the Texas Rangers Friday night at Camden Yards.

After Nick Markakis struck out looking for the third time in the game, Markakis said something to home-plate ump Jeff Nelson and was tossed in the seventh inning. It marked the first time in his career that Markakis was ejected from a game...

Buck Showalter had seen enough of Nelson's strike zone and said something about it prior to the start of the ninth inning, and was tossed from the game as well.

O's starter Jake Arrieta took the loss, but turned in yet another quality start. Arrieta allowed just two runs (one earned) off eight hits through 6 2/3 innings, walking three and whiffing three. Arrieta didn't enjoy the same strike zone as mound counter-part C.J. Wilson, who finished the game with 12 strikeouts...the O's managed to work just one walk and record three hits off Wilson.

The Birds will take the national stage yet again on Saturday afternoon, as they take on Texas on FOX. Brad Bergesen is slated to take the mound for the third game of this four-game series...

Matusz Nearly Goes the Distance as O's Blank Texas

Buck's O's know how to start a series off right...for the fifth consecutive series, the Orioles drew first blood, shutting out the visiting Texas Rangers 4-0 on Thursday night.

Brian Matusz started, and nearly finished, the game for the O's. Matusz turned in one of the more impressive starts of his young career, pitching eight scoreless innings while allowing just five hits, striking out six and walking one. Koji Uehara came on in the ninth, and despite allowing two hits, kept the shut-out intact.

The game was deadlocked until the offense exploded for four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Corey Patterson, playing DH, drove in the first run of the ballgame before Brian Roberts doubled home two more runs. Nick Markakis plated Roberts before being tagged-out at second base in a run-down...

That was all the support Matusz would need, as he cruised through the eighth before being pulled in the ninth for Uehara...this marked the first time three O's starters went eight innings consecutively since 2005...Sidney Ponson was still on the roster back then. Wow...

The O's have now won five straight against Texas, and send rookie Jake Arrieta to the mound Friday night...Go O's!

Birds Drop Series to Seattle

Jeremy Guthrie wasn't at his best, and the O's fell just shy of a series win against the Mariners after losing 6-5 on Wednesday night at Camden Yards.

It was the second time the Birds have dropped two straight since Buck Showalter took over, and the team's second consecutive series loss.

Guthrie wasn't bad; he just wasn't the ace we've seen since the All-Star Break. Guthrie gave up six runs (five earned) off eight hits over eight innings, walking one and fanning three.

The Birds jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning off Luke Scott's two-run single, but failed to score again until the seventh inning, when Matt Wieters slapped a two-run bomb that put the O's within a run. The Orioles had the tying run in scoring position with just one out in the bottom of the ninth, but Brian Roberts struck out and Nick Markakis grounded out to end the game.

The Birds host the Texas Rangers for a four-game set starting Thursday night. It will be the first time Showalter faces his former team. Brian Matusz is slated to take the mound...

O's Offense Goes Quietly in Loss

The game was a lot closer than the final score suggests, but the Orioles were shut out 4-0 by the visiting Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

Despite pitching one of his best games of the season, O's starter Kevin Millwood was charged with his AL-leading 13th loss of the year. Millwood allowed just one run off six hits through eight innings, walking three and fanning four, but the outcome remained the same: the offense abandoned him yet again. The O's average just under three runs every time Millwood is on the mound, and the results are typically the same each outing...another loss for the veteran pitcher.

The Birds managed just three hits all night, with two coming off the bat of rookie third baseman Josh Bell. The O's only real scoring threat came in the bottom of the eighth...trailing 1-0, the Birds had runners on the corners with two outs before Nick Markakis grounded out to end the inning.

In the only move I've questioned since Buck Showalter took control, Millwood sat out the ninth inning and was replaced in a very close (and highly winnable) game by rookie Armando Gabino. After a single and a walk, Gabino allowed a three-run bomb that put Seattle up 4-0 and effectively ended any hope of another ninth-inning comeback. Matt Albers needed to come on to record the final two outs, and five of Seattle's 11 hits came in the top of the ninth inning...

The Birds are now 10-5 under Showalter, but could take the series Wednesday night, as new staff ace Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound in search of his eighth win of the season...Let's Go, O's!

O's Walk-Off With Another Extra-Inning Win

Adam Jones' bunt single in the 11th inning scored Nick Markakis from third to give the Orioles a 5-4 win over the Seattle Mariners at Camden Yards on Monday night.

Yup. You read that right. The Birds used a little trickery to snap a two-game losing streak, their longest in August under Buck Showalter.

Brad Bergesen, fresh off a complete-game two-hitter, got knocked around early and left after just 5 1/3 innings. Bergesen allowed a run in the second before giving up back-to-back solo shots in the third, as Seattle evened the score 3-3. Bergesen was pulled with the bases jammed in the sixth inning with just one out...reliever Mark Hendrickson induced a ground-out and a strikeout to keep the game knotted.

Both teams stayed off the scoreboard until the tenth inning. The Orioles' bullpen was absolutely magnificent, as they combined to allow just three hits and one run (a solo blast off Alfredo Simon in the tenth) over 5 2/3 innings. The staff combined for 13 strikeouts, a season high.

The Birds loaded the bases in the bottom of the tenth, and scored the tying run on a bases-loaded, four-pitch walk to pinch-hitter Julio Lugo. After Matt Albers kept the Mariners off the board in the top of the 11th, Nick Markakis smacked a lead-off double to open the bottom of the inning.

The O's had 15 hits on the night...Markakis' double (the 200th of his career) was their first extra-base hit of the game. Ty Wigginton's ground-out moved Markakis to third, and after Corey Patterson grounded out, it was up to Adam Jones to win the game...Jones layed a perfect bunt down the third base line, scoring Markakis and sending the O's to their fifth straight series-opening victory in five tries under Showalter.

Kevin Millwood gets a chance to keep it going on Tuesday night...Go O's!

O's Lose a Close One to Rays

For the first time since Buck Showalter took over as manager, the Orioles lost consecutive games, falling to Tampa Bay 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.

Starter Jake Arrieta turned in yet another quality start for the O's but took the loss. Arrieta (4-4) allowed three runs in the first three innings before settling down enough to keep the Birds in the game. The bullpen kept Tampa off the board through the final frames, but the offense was unable to produce.

The Orioles totaled just five hits in the ballgame, and went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position. Felix Pie's sac fly in the second put the O's on the board, but it wasn't until Jake Fox's solo homer in the seventh that the Birds managed to push another run across...too little, too late.

The O's missed out on their first winning road trip in nearly two years, finishing 3-3 against Cleveland and Tampa Bay. A win would have also given the Birds four consecutive winning series, which hadn't been done in over five seasons...

The Orioles head home and take on the Seattle Mariners on Monday night...Brad Bergesen, fresh off a complete-game 2-hitter, takes the mound...Go O's!

Rays Get Revenge on National Stage

Playing an afternoon game on FOX for the first time this season, the O's started out hot but faded fast in a 7-3 loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday.

Adam Jones broke open a scoreless game with a three-run blast off the left field foul pole in the third inning, but the bats went cold after that. The O's squandered a bases loaded opportunity with one out in the first inning, but seemed to grab the momentum after Jones' shot...

Brian Matusz was unable to hold onto it though, as the Rays tagged him for a five-run fourth, with four runs coming on a grand slam off the bat of back-up catcher Kelly Shoppach. Matusz was charged with the loss, and is now tied with Kevin Millwood for the most losses (12) in the A.L.

The Birds could still win the series with a victory on Sunday afternoon, which would give the team it's first winning road trip this season. Jake Arrieta takes the mound.

Retro O's Shut Down Rays

The pitching was dominant, the offense was clutch and the defense was solid as the O's (shining brightly in all-orange uniforms) cruised to a 5-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.

Jeremy Guthrie turned in yet another quality start, giving up just two hits over six innings while picking up his team-leading seventh win. Guthrie wasn't as sharp as usual, walking four while fanning three, but managed to completely shut down Tampa's offense. Koji Uehara continued to impress from the 'pen, tossing two scoreless innings, and Michael Gonzalez struck out two in a scoreless ninth.

The offense gave Guthrie a cushion right out of the gate; with two outs, the Birds strung together four straight hits...Adam Jones' triple gave the O's an early 2-0 lead and the Birds led by three before Guthrie even took the mound. Luke Scott continued to punish the baseball, going 3-for-3 and smashing his team-leading 22nd homer off ex-Oriole Lance Cormier in the seventh inning. Overall, the Birds banged out 12 hits, five for extra bases (Felix Pie went 3-for-4 with two doubles) and went 3-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

The O's have now won 9 of their past 11 games, the best stretch the team has had in over five years, and if the Birds can win one of the next two in St. Petersburg, it will mark their first winning road trip this season...Brian Matusz takes the mound in a nationally televised game on Saturday afternoon...Go O's!

Win Streak Snapped at Four (Again)...

Five. That's the magic number this season. The O's missed out on five straight wins after falling to the Cleveland Indians 4-1 at Progressive Field on Thursday night.

Honestly, I can't complain. The O's have won four straight,before dropping one,twice now behind Buck Showalter, giving them a more than respectable 8-2 record under the new manager. Heck, if the Birds can win four of five for the rest of the season, I'd be in heaven...no complaints here!

Kevin Millwood gave up a few runs early on, but gave the O's yet another quality start, as he went seven innings and allowed just three runs...the O's starting staff has now turned in nine quality starts in the past ten games. Showalter just missed out on an Orioles' record: only Davey Johnson turned in a better record (9-1) in his first ten games as the new skipper in town. Buck is still the first manager in history to turn around a team so far under .500 this quickly...and hopefully, it can only get better (stats courtesy of Orioles.com).

Earlier this season, Millwood had pitched well but the offense let him down. Lately, he's been hit hard early, and Thursday night was no exception. But Millwood was able to settle down and keep the O's in the game. Unfortunately, the past came back to haunt him, as the O's bats went silent in the finale against Cleveland.

The Birds managed just one run off six hits, and didn't get on the board until the sixth inning. Cleveland's 'pen held them hitless through the final three frames, ending any hope of a late comeback.

You have to look at the positives here: the O's missed out on a sweep but have still won their last three series...a first this season. Jeremy Guthrie, the hottest pitcher on the staff since the All-Star break, leads the Orioles against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. Guthrie started the initial surge under Showalter, and certainly has the momentum on his side to do it again.

Like I said before, if the O's can't win five straight, I'm more than happy with four...let's get it started tonight!

Bergesen's Gem Keeps O's Rolling

The Orioles won their fourth straight game on Wednesday night, taking down the Indians 3-1 at Progressive Field.

This is getting scary...in a good way, of course. These Orioles look nothing like the team we watched for the first four months of the season. Since Buck Showalter took command, the season-highs and season-firsts are becoming an almost every-game occurrence.

Take tonight, for instance. Brad Bergesen pitched a complete game two-hitter for the win. Have you seen an O's pitcher do that lately? Not just a complete game, mind you, but a two-hit victory? I didn't think so.

Meanwhile, the defense behind Bergy was virtually flawless, and the offense stepped-up just enough to give him a cushion to work with. The Birds banged out 13 hits, and while they could only tack on three runs, it kept Bergesen sharp, focused and confident.

So...just nine games into the Buck Showalter era and the O's have accomplished more in 10 days than they had all season. Two four game win streaks...I think that happened just twice over the past four months. Three straight series victories...a first this year. The seven straight quality starts was a new high; I think I read it was the best performance since 2003. The O's victory on Monday night was the first Monday win since 2009. The Birds put up 14 runs on Tuesday, a season high. And while I don't have the exact stats on hand, the clutch hitting with runners in scoring position has improved drastically. In fact, every single facet of this team has improved over the past nine games. No wonder the Orioles are 8-1 going into Thursday night's contest.

Oh, and after the Pirates (39-74) lost tonight, the O's (40-74) are no longer the worst team in baseball. It's been a LONG time since I could say that! Forget the first draft pick; I want to see what this team is capable of. I know this season is over, but for the first time in a long time, the phrase, "We'll get 'em next year," actually has some meaning behind it. I think we've all waited long enough for a winning team, and it's never too early to install a winning atmosphere for these young kids, as well as the veterans.

The Birds look for a clean sweep of Cleveland on Thursday night...Kevin Millwood takes the mound...Go O's!

Arrieta Hit Hard, but O's Bats Hit Harder

Sadly, the O's string of seven consecutive quality starts came to an end on Tuesday night. Strangely enough, that didn't stop the Birds from spanking the Cleveland Indians 14-8 at Progressive Field.

One day removed from winning on a Monday night for the first time this season, the Orioles scored a season-high 14 runs to improve to 7-1 under Buck Showalter. It's simply amazing...

Starter Jake Arrieta was nearly unhittable early on, but after surrendering a run in the third, Arrieta was tagged for five runs in the fourth inning. Showalter kept him in the game, and Arrieta was rewarded with a win after allowing six runs on six hits through six innings, while walking two and striking out three.

Though the starting pitching wasn't quite up to par, the Birds offense battled back and stole the show on Tuesday night. The Orioles posted three straight multi-run innings (four on the night), and tied a season-best with six runs crossing the plate in the eighth. Four O's went deep in the victory: Felix Pie, Matt Wieters, Corey Patterson and Luke Scott all used the long ball to put runs on the board. In the eighth inning, the team hit for the cycle before an out was recorded: Felix Pie led off with a double before Wieter's long drive scored them both. Corey Patterson followed with a triple and came around to score on Cesar Izturis' single. Luke Scott finished the monster inning with a three-run bomb.

The O's could guarantee a third straight winning series with a victory on Wednesday night. Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the Birds...Go O's!

Roberts Lifts O's in Extras

This has been an absolutely incredible week to be an Orioles fan. Brian Roberts capped off the festivities with a lead-off homer, his first of the season, to give the O's a 3-2 walk-off win in the tenth inning against the Chicago White Sox.

It honestly doesn't get much better than this. After sweeping the Angels, the Birds took three of four from the Sox to take a season best homestand, 6-1. All seven games have been played with new skipper Buck Showalter at the helm, giving even more credence to the fact that a manager can, in fact, turn a team around. The O's have been playing the best baseball I have seen from this team in years...

Brian Matusz turned in his second straight quality start, but took a no-decision after the bullpen blew the lead in the ninth. The O's starters have now turned in seven consecutive quality starts...pitching, defense and timely hitting...wow, what a difference a week makes!

Matusz went six innings, allowing just one run off three hits and two walks while fanning four. Down 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth, Ty Wigginton evened the game with a solo shot to left before Luke Scott scored on a play at the plate to give Matusz the lead and a chance to win the game. Koji Uehara pitched two innings of no-hit ball before handing the game over to Alfredo Simon in the ninth inning...

Simon gave up a first-pitch-swinging lead-off home run, and the game was knotted at two. Michael Gonzalez and Matt Albers (who took the win) came on in relief and held Chicago's potent lineup to just one hit through the final 1 2/3 innings.

With the game tied in the bottom of the tenth, Brian Roberts led-off with a mammoth homer over the right-field scoreboard to give the Birds yet another walk-off victory. Roberts crushed the second pitch he saw, perfectly timing his first round-tripper of the season...glad to see that man back in the lineup!

The Orioles now head out on the road...they take on Cleveland for three games before squaring off against the Tampa Bay Rays for another three-game series. Jake Arrieta takes the mound for the Birds Tuesday night...Go O's!

Streak Snapped on Saturday; O's Win on Sunday

The O's lost a heart-breaker, 4-2 on Saturday night, but bounced back to take down the visiting Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday, Kevin Millwood turned in the fifth straight quality start under new skipper Buck Showalter. Jason Berken came on in relief and was charged with the first O's loss under Showalter's watch.

The win streak may have come to an end, but Jeremy Guthrie did his best to ensure a losing streak would not begin. Guthrie went eight solid innings, allowing just one run on six hits and a walk. Guthrie's quality start was the sixth straight for O's starters, a season-high, and he now leads the team with six wins. Alfredo Simon picked up his 17th save in 20 attempts, but was tagged for two runs in the ninth.

Offensively, the Birds looked good. Felix Pie gave the O's a 1-0 lead with a solo shot in the second inning. After Guthrie allowed a run in the fifth, the Birds answered right back, plating two runs in the sixth and another in the seventh, which would prove to be the game-winner in the ninth.

After sweeping the Angels, the Orioles have now taken two of three from the White Sox and have a chance to win the series on Monday night. Brian Matusz is slated to take the mound...Go O's!

O's Win Fourth Straight Under Showalter

The O's continued an impressive streak on Friday night, taking the first game against the visiting Chicago White Sox 2-1 in ten innings.

The Birds took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, and didn't score again until Adam Jones' walk-off single scored Nick Markakis in the bottom of the tenth. Jones had popped out with the bases loaded in the eighth, but was the hero after the O's walked-off with a win for the second straight game. Markakis went 4-for-5, marking his first four-hit game of the season...

Brad Bergesen became the fourth straight starter to log a quality start, but had to settle for a no-decision. Bergesen allowed just one run (a solo homer) on five hits through seven innings, walking one while fanning five. Koji Uehara pitched an inning of scoreless relief, striking out two. Alfredo Simon pitched the final two frames and was credited with the win.

The Orioles are now 4-0 in the Buck Showalter era, and look to win their fifth straight game for the first time all season on Saturday night. The Birds send Kevin Millwood to the mound...

O's Walk Off with Sweep of Angels

Believe it. The O's swept the visiting Angels on Thursday night with a walk-off single off the bat of Cesar Izturis. The Birds won, 5-4, and are now 3-0 in the Buck Showalter era...

You can't make this stuff up. The Orioles have simply looked like a different team over the past three games...

Starter Jake Arrieta pitched into the eighth inning, and took a no-hitter into the fifth...the third straight quality start by an O's pitcher.

The offense gave Arrieta an early lead; Nick Markakis slapped a solo shot in the sixth and the O's led 4-0 heading into the eighth. The team went 4-for-10 with runners in scoring position, and 5 of it's 13 hits went for extra bases. Every starter recorded a hit...timely hitting...I hope Dave Trembley was watching.

The bullpen struggled, which may be due to overuse. Jason Berken, who leads the majors in relief appearences, gave up a three-run blast in the top of the eighth to nullify Arrieta's strong start and give the Angels new life. Showalter kept him in to pitch the ninth, and Berken took them down 1-2-3 to set up the O's ninth inning heroics...

Matt Wieters led-off the bottom of the inning with a double, and was replaced with pinch-runner Julio Lugo, who took third base on a sacrifice bunt off the bat of Corey Patterson. Cesar Izturis followed with a single up the middle to give the Birds the win.

Thus, the first series under new skipper Buck Showalter was a success, to put it mildly. The "old" Orioles have emerged throughout the series (the O's almost let a 9-1 advantage slip away on Wednesday, and needed ninth inning heroics to win a game they led 4-0 in the eighth tonight). But most importantly, the "new" Orioles have emerged. The team has played good baseball, and has now won three straight. The O's hadn't swept the Angels since 1999. It was about time...

The Birds now host a red-hot Chicago White Sox team for a four-game set starting Friday night. Brad Bergesen will take the mound, as the O's look to extend the streak to four straight...Go O's!

O's Sloppy After Rain, But Win Again

Honestly, the Orioles 9-7 victory over the Angels could be viewed as two separate games...

The Birds cruised to a 9-1 lead through the first six innings on Wednesday night at Camden Yards. Brian Matusz was incredible, and the offense was unstoppable.

After a brief rain delay that lasted less than 30 minutes, the O's bullpen crumbled and the bats went silent.

Still, the Birds won their second straight game under new skipper Buck Showalter, and have ensured their first series win since the All-Star break.

Brian Matusz went six strong innings, allowing just one run on seven hits while walking none and fanning two. The offense backed him up, as the O's plated three runs in the second inning and another in the third before exploding for five runs in the fourth. The Birds amassed 14 hits, five for extra bases, and went 6-for-12 with runners in scoring position. The five runs scored in the fourth all came with two outs, a new season high for the Orioles.

Then the rains came...

Matt Albers started the seventh inning and was charged with four runs after recording just one out. David Hernandez came on in relief and was charged with another run before he was forced to leave the game with an ankle injury (he will most likely be placed on the 15-day DL). Koji Uehara was the unlikely hero of the 'pen, recording the final out of the seventh before striking out the side in the eighth. Closer Alfredo Simon recorded the save, but was hit hard in the ninth (three hits, two for doubles, and a run scored).

While the pitchers (excluding Uehara) were flailing, the bats were held at bay...the O's managed just a few hits off the Angel's bullpen, and were held scoreless through the final four frames.

When all is said and done, though, the Orioles won. Brian Matusz picked up his first victory since July 4th, and Alfredo Simon earned his 16th save in 19 tries. It would've been nice if a blow-out hadn't turned into a nail-biter, but I'll take the win! Jake Arrieta takes the mound Thursday night as the Birds look to sweep the Angels...Go O's!

O's Snap Streak Under Showalter

I think even the most cynical fan would have to agree that the Orioles looked pretty good on Tuesday night's 6-3 victory over the Angels at Camden Yards.

Jeremy Guthrie turned in yet another quality start and picked up the win...he's looked like the ace of the pitching staff since the All-Star break. Guthrie allowed three runs off five hits through seven innings, fanning two while walking none. Michael Gonzalez pitched 1 2/3 innings of one-hit ball in relief, and Alfredo Simon came on and struck out the only batter he faced to end the game.

After Guthrie allowed two runs in the fifth to break open a scoreless game, it didn't look good for the Birds. But the offense responded with a run in the bottom of the inning before exploding for four more runs in the sixth. Offensively, Matt Wieters went 3-for-3 with two RBIs, Luke Scott blasted a two-run shot (his team-leading 19th long ball) and rookie Josh Bell picked up the first RBIs of his brief major league career with a two-run double. Five of the O's nine hits went for extra bases, and the Birds went 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

Solid pitching...check. Good defense...check. Timely hitting...check. For one night at least, new skipper Buck Showalter was able to get his team to do things Dave Trembley could only dream about. And that's a very good thing for O's fans...

Brian Matusz looks to continue the trend when he takes the mound Wednesday night...Go O's!

O's Unable to Send Samuel Out With a Win

The O's came close on Sunday afternoon, but were sent home losers after falling to the Kansas City Royals 5-4.

Kevin Millwood (2-11) took the loss, and was charged with five runs over 5 2/3 innings; Millwood continued a disturbing trend after allowing three runs to cross the plate in the first (over one third of Millwood's runs allowed have come in the first inning this season).

The O's bullpen pitched no-hit ball through the final frames, but the damage had been done. Luke Scott and Ty Wigginton both slapped solo shots, and Nick Markakis laced an RBI double, but the team went just 1-for-8 overall with runners in scoring position and stranded nine men on base.

The Birds dropped three of four to the Royals, and six of seven on the road trip. Juan Samuel finished his term as the O's manager with a 17-34 record, slightly better than Dave Trembley's 2010 numbers (15-39). Samuel will stay with the organization, but declined to return as the third-base coach, saying he was simply looking out for his and the players' best interests.

The Birds had Monday off, but there was plenty of activity in Baltimore...Buck Showalter was officially introduced as the Orioles 17th manager in a press conference on Monday afternoon.

A lot of fans seem to think that Tuesday is officially the start of the O's 2010 season. While it is hard to look at the first four months of Orioles baseball as spring and summer "training camp," I certainly feel that these next two months under Showalter will give the fans a much better perspective on what to expect in 2011. In that sense, it's fair to say that though the season has been over for the O's for a few months, this is a new beginning, and one worth getting excited about...

Under Showalter, the O's take the field on Tuesday night to face the Angels with Jeremy Guthrie on the mound...the Birds are a season-worst 41 games under .500. Here's looking to the future...

O's 'Pen Blows it Again

Another game, another loss for the O's. The Birds dropped their second straight to Kansas City, 4-3, on Saturday night.

Starter Brad Bergesen was magnificent, allowing just two runs on five hits and a walk through seven innings. David Hernandez came out of the bullpen and surrendered a two-run homer in the eighth, giving the Royals the lead, and eventually, the win.

As usual, it's the same old story with the O's this year. If the starting pitching is dominant, the bullpen typically falters...

The O's send Kevin Millwood to the mound for the series finale on Sunday afternoon. Millwood will face former Oriole Bruce Chen...