If past performance is any indication, the Orioles can't count on much production from the top of their lineup when they face the California Angels tonight.

John Dopson (1-2, 6.00) doesn't have dominating numbers against the Orioles (0-1 last year, 2-2 lifetime). But the hitters who have been occupying the first three places in the lineup are hitting a collective .148 (9-for-61) with one home run and three RBIs against the Angels' right-hander.

Of the Orioles' hitters, Dopson has been most successful against Brady Anderson (1-for-15, .067), Mark McLemore (2-for-11, .182) Mike Devereaux (3-for-16, .188) and Rafael Palmeiro (3-for-19). And one of his biggest tormentors, Harold Baines (7-for-16, .438) is sidelined with a pulled groin muscle.

Of those expected to be in tonight's lineup, only Chris Hoiles (5-for-9, .556), Cal Ripken (6-for-20, .300) and Leo Gomez (3-for-12, .250) have had any success against Dopson, the former Red Sox right-hander who signed with the Angels as a free agent last winter.

Sid Fernandez (0-0, 2.38) will be making his third start in search of his first American League victory. The big left-hander will be trying to extend the Orioles' current win streak -- if not complete-game streak -- to three.