At Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Day Time TV Starters

Tonight 7: 05 HTS Kevin Appier (2-1, 3.20)

vs. Mike Mussina (2-1, 6.14)

Tomorrow 7: 05 HTS Jose Rosado (0-1, 1.48)

vs. Juan Guzman (0-2, 6.75)

Thursday 7: 05 HTS Jeff Suppan (0-3, 4.44)

vs. Scott Erickson (0-4, 9.31)

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

Royals update

The Royals haven't played since Saturday because of a postponement and a day off. They could use the break, having lost seven of their last 10. One point in their favor (besides facing the reeling Orioles): They've been better on the road (3-2) than at home (3-8). The Royals are hitting just .244, with speedster Johnny Damon (.169) and catcher Chad Kreuter (.139) among the most lost. First baseman Jeff King (.212, two homers) is on the disabled list. Too bad Cal Ripken is on the DL; he's a .386 hitter lifetime against Appier, the subject of trade rumors all spring. Harold Baines is hitting .308 with two homers against Appier, and .455 with two homers against Rosado, a left-hander. Bordick, however, is batting .159 against Appier. This series also marks the return of former Orioles reliever Terry Mathews to Camden Yards.

(ROYALS STATISTICS, 6D)