Orioles Up Next

The Rays are coming off of solid series against the Blue Jays taking 2 out of 3. The bullpen has looked solid and the offense has done its job. Up next for the Rays are the Baltimore Orioles who will be coming off of a set with the Red Sox. The Rays will look to keep the momentum going,

but they have had a tough time against the O's this year and in the past. The O's have taken 8 out of the 9 games this year and won 12 out of the 16 games last year.

This is a different team than the O's have played earlier this season because of the addition of the bullpen so hopefully there will be a different result. The O's and Rays have played some great games so far this season and this series should be an exciting one no matter what happens.

The Rays will send James Shields, Scott Kazmir, and Andy Sonnanstine to the mound on the three game set. The Orioles will counter with Daniel Cabrera, Brian Burress, and Erik Bedard. The Shields and Cabrera match up will be a huge contrast in styles. Cabrera's main flaw has been walking batters, while Shields does not walk batters. Scott Kazmir has been dominant since the All-Star break especially at home. Since the break Kazmir has pitched 25.2 innings giving up only 4 runs, with a 1.16 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts. In the three games at home since the break he has 19 IP, giving up only 1 run, with a 1.00 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts.

Carl Crawford has found his stroke since hurting his wrist against the Sox and is leading the offense. BJ Upton has continued his pace and Johnny Gomes has found the stroke for the long ball. If the Rays bullpen stays solid they should have a good series. For information on the Orioles check our Alliance member The Loss Column.