At Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Day Time TV Starters

Tonight 7:35 13, 50 Steve Karsay (1-1, 1.17) vs.

Mike Mussina (3-1, 2.17)

Tomorrow 12:35 HTS Bobby Witt (1-1, 7.66) vs.

Arthur Rhodes (0-3, 10.95)

Radio: All games on WBAL (1090 AM) and WTOP (1500 AM)

Athletics update

The Athletics haven't won in a week, losing six straight on their trip East. They were the Orioles' favorite foe last season, dropping 10 of 12 in the series, including five of six at Camden Yards. Oakland's pitching has been woeful. Dennis Eckersley is 0-3 in save chances and all the starters have struggled except Karsay, who has been strong in all three outings. He lost 2-0 to Roger Clemens the last time. Orioles nemesis Mark McGwire (13 homers, 38 RBI in 34 Baltimore games) may rest tonight because of a sore heel. Stan Javier has a 16-game hitting streak and Geronimo Berroa is the team's hottest batter (20-47, .426 with 16 RBIs).

Orioles update

Mussina seeks to join Ben McDonald as a four-game winner tonight. Rhodes, who has improved lately, strives for more consistency and his first victory tomorrow. Mussina is 4-1 lifetime against Oakland. This series will determine the Orioles' record on their first long homestand (currently 3-3). They follow with an seven-game trip to the West Coast. Chris Hoiles was the Orioles' top hitter against A's pitching last season with four homers, 10 RBIs and a .395 average. Brady Anderson has five homers in his last 12 games against the A's. Cal Ripken has an eight-game hitting streak.