james shields
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Down the stretch is a daily Orioles Insider blog that will set up the coming day for the O's and their American League competition as the push for the postseason continues. - Shields has pitched slightly better at home (3.42 ERA) than on the road (3.83 ERA) and has been a much better pitcher in the second half (2.97 ERA) than the first (4.17 ERA), which is just enough information to cast doubt on whether his earlier performances against the Orioles this year are even relevant at this point.
- Down the stretch is a daily Orioles Insider blog that will set up the coming night for the O's and their American League competition as the push for the postseason continues.
- Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he doesn't pay attention to the standings until August. For the past 14 years, Orioles fans haven't had the need to, their team usually already long out of contention by this time of the year.
- They were referring to the Orioles' two key hits with runners in scoring position in a five-run fifth inning, which fueled their 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. For a team that came in batting just .152 with runners in scoring position since June 14, those hits made the Orioles feel like they were suddenly cured.
- Chris Tillman picked up the win as the Orioles snapped their three-game losing streak with a 6-2 win over the Rays in front of an announced crowd of 21,301.
- X-Rays taken on shortstop J.J. Hardy's left side following the Orioles' 6-2 win over the Rays Thursday afternoon were negative.
- It has been a quick rise and a fast start for Orioles rookie Xavier Avery. The speedy outfielder has reached the majors at just 22 years old and made an impact.
- The Baltimore Orioles' 9-8 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays -- which ended with the game-winning run on second base -- ended this series in bittersweet fashion.
- The Orioles play in their final Grapefruit League game today against the Rays. After today, the Orioles will play three more exhibition games, including the first two at Ed Smith Stadium against Florida Southern on Monday night and then State College of Florida on Tuesday afternoon.
- Rays of gratitude: As they meet Monday, Tampa Bay will thank the Baltimore Orioles for their part in eliminating the Boston Red Sox back in September.
- We'll have a late start today because the Orioles first full squad workout doesn't begin until noon. That's because most of the position player have to take their physicals beforehand.
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- There are a number of dark horses this year, including the Tampa Bay Rays' surprising Kyle Farnsworth
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