Around this time last season, the bottom fell out for the Orioles. They lost three dependable veterans, and soon they lost their dignity, falling from three games under .500 on July 1 to 35 under at season's end.

That's why there was a sinking feeling 11 days ago when first baseman Jeff Conine strained his right hamstring and third baseman Tony Batista took a fastball to the helmet.

A team that had already lost David Segui, the No. 3 hitter in its lineup, faced the prospect of moving forward without its No. 4 hitter and No. 6 hitter as well. "It was like, 'Oh, boy,' " shortstop Mike Bordick said.

Batista shook off the cobwebs and kept playing. He cut open a knee that same game trying to catch a pop-up in foul territory. But like Cal Ripken, the man he replaced at third base, Batista has become something of an iron man, starting all 73 games.

Conine had to go on the disabled list for the first time since 1998. The tentative plan is to have him begin strengthening exercises today and try running by the end of the week. He is eligible to return Sunday but will likely need more time to heal.

Segui, who underwent surgery on his left wrist May 21, isn't expected back until August.

But the Orioles learned something about themselves on this latest 10-game trip. Conine went down on the second night, and the team finished 4-4 the rest of the way, defeating Curt Schilling and almost beating Randy Johnson.

"Now we have to do other things, like running and playing good defense," said Orioles leadoff hitter Melvin Mora. "We beat one of the best pitchers in the game in Schilling, so I think we just have to go out and fight."

The Orioles carry a 35-38 record into the start of a three-game series with the New York Yankees, tonight at Camden Yards. It's an ominous prospect considering the Orioles reached the halfway point of last season at 39-42 before the Yankees came in and swept them, sending them into a tailspin.

Pat Hentgen tore an elbow ligament in May. Bordick separated a shoulder in June. Segui made extended trips to the disabled list in July and August with knee injuries. And rookie Jay Gibbons, who had shown promise with 15 home runs, broke the hamate bone in his right hand in early August.

With inexperienced players such as Brian Roberts, Larry Bigbie and Luis Matos trying to pick up the slack, the Orioles stumbled. Their 6-21 record in July was their worst since they went 1-22 in April 1988.

"I think this team is deeper," said Orioles manager Mike Hargrove. "You can't go for an extended time with your two best hitters out of the game because it'll catch up with you. But I think the team is more suited to make up the difference."

With Conine and Segui out, the Orioles have become even more reliant on Batista, who leads the club with 17 home runs and shares the team lead in RBIs with Conine at 45.

Gary Matthews, who replaced struggling Chris Singleton in the No. 3 spot, hit .290 (9-for-31) on the latest trip as the Orioles finished 5-5. Marty Cordova, who had cooled down after a hot April, had three home runs in two games this past weekend. Mora's nine-game hitting streak ended Sunday.

"I think Melvin's been our MVP, as far as being able to play everywhere and fitting in at the top of the order," Bordick said. "There might just be a better mindset, too. Guys go out there and believe they can win every night."

Bordick would never say it himself, but his mere presence has made a difference. He has gone 56 consecutive games without an error, three shy of his career high, and that is a big reason the Orioles rank among the American League leaders in defense.

Offensively, Bordick has shown flashes of his old self, but his average continues to hover below .230.

"I really think Bordy's going to have a big second half for us, as he gets back into the rhythm of things," Hargrove said. "I think we've all had the tendency to forget this time last year he had surgery on his shoulder. When you're out of the loop and out of activities for that long, it takes awhile to get your legs back under you."

Bordick said the team's biggest strength has been its pitching. After posting a 4.67 ERA last season, the Orioles have lowered that mark to 4.25 this year, giving players a sense they will be in every game.

"Obviously our goal is to get to .500," Bordick said. "If we can get there and get Niner and Segui back, getting a full offense going again, you never know."

Orioles tonight

Opponent: New York Yankees

Site: Camden Yards

Time: 7:05

TV/Radio: Comcast SportsNet/WBAL (1090 AM)

Starters: Yankees' Andy Pettitte ( 1-1, 4.66) vs. Orioles' Sidney Ponson (3-4, 4.07)