After a disappointing weekend for the Birds, the Chicago White Sox will head into town, seeking to continue the Orioles series losing streak. In four games against the White Sox this season, the Orioles are 3-1. Baltimore also leads the all-time series 373-359.
Mark Reynolds continues to have a thing for the long ball. On Sunday, Reynolds connected on two shots, one which landed in the first row of the club level seats in left-centerfield. It was the second longest home run (450ft) recorded by an Oriole in Camden Yards.
As for the rest of the Birds, hits have grown scarce in recent games. Oriole batters have recorded five or fewer hits in each of the last three games. Adam Jones seems to be the only bright spot in the Orioles’ lineup. His home run on Saturday was his 20th of the year, a new career best. Jones is having quite the year in the field as well. Tied for third in the AL with 11 outfield assists, Jones also leads all outfielders with 293 total chances.
White Sox slugger Paul Konerko is still ailing from a nasty bone bruise last week. While Ozzie Guillen played Konerko on Sunday afternoon, it is still hard to say how effective he may be. Konerko leads the White Sox in average (.306), home runs (26) and RBI (79).
The Baltimore Orioles haven’t won a series since the last week of June. They have their work cut out for them as the Chicago White Sox head into Charm City to play four.
Game One: Monday, August 8 at 7:05PM RHP Jeremy Guthrie (5-15, 4.34) vs. LHP John Danks (4-9, 3.90)
The Orioles will send Jeremy Guthrie to the mound tonight. Guthrie receives the 7th lowest run support in the AL. In his 28 losses dating back to the beginning of the 2010 season, the Orioles have averaged 1.4 runs per game. Guthrie’s last start was less than fantastic. The Kansas City Royals pounded out six earned runs on eight hits in seven innings and he struck out just two.
John Danks takes the hill for the White Sox tonight in the opener of a four-game set. In his last start against the O’s, Danks surrendered five runs on eight hits in six innings. The Yankees mashed two home runs (four earned runs altogether) off Danks in his last start.
Game Two: August 9 at 7:05PM TBA vs. RHP Gavin Floyd (9-10, 4.56)
Maryland-native Gavin Floyd gets the call in game two of the series. In his last start against the O’s, Floyd yielded six runs on seven hits. Even better news for Oriole fans: Floyd is coming off one of the worst starts of his career after giving up 10 runs on nine hits in just 2.1 innings of work against the Yankees. The final score may have been 7-18 in favor of the Yanks, but this game was over in the second inning.
The Orioles have yet to name a starter for this game, although it is expected that Jo-Jo Reyes will make his first start for the O’s after being claimed off waivers from Toronto. Reyes was 5-8 with a 5.40 ERA with the Blue Jays. Reyes has never faced the White Sox in his career.
Game Three: August 10 at 7:05PM RHP Tommy Hunter (1-2, 4.43) vs. RHP Philip Humber (8-8, 3.56)
Tommy Hunter will start his second game for the Orioles, and he hopes to improve since his last showing. Last Friday night, Hunter gave up four runs in as many innings. His eight hits surrendered ended in an early shower for the newly acquired Oriole.
Philip Humber will start game three for Chicago, and hopes to learn from his last start against the Orioles. In seven innings, Humber held the O’s to just three hits earlier this season, but surrendered two runs.
Game three is this series’ matchup to watch. Both pitchers are looking to rebound from lackluster performances with a strong outing in Baltimore. While neither hurler may dominate this game, it could be interesting to see who lasts the longest. With the Oriole’s bullpen in desperate need of a break, Hunter needs to give at least seven quality innings if he wants to walk away with his first W as an O.
Game Four: August 11 at 7:05PM TBA vs. LHP Mark Buehrle (9-5, 3.04)
Turn up your Buehrle-meters, because the lefty will be taking the hill in Baltimore for the final game of this mid-week series. Mark Buehrle has been consistent this season when it comes to his body of work. He has thrown seven or more innings in five out of his last seven starts, and has started 17 consecutive games where he has allowed three or fewer runs. In his last start, Buehrle threw eight flawless innings, giving up only a home run to Jason Kubel in the first.
The Orioles have yet to name a starter for this game.
By the Numbers:
- Adam Jones has seven home runs since the All-Star break, tying him with Mark Teixeira and Billy Butler for second behind Jacoby Ellsbury.
- Oriole relievers have worked 111.1 innings and pitched to a 5.10 ERA in 31 games since July 3.
- Since June 1, the Orioles’ 82 home runs lead the majors.
