masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAt a time when they are struggling to score runs, the Orioles have fallen behind Los Angeles 5-0 today after four innings in the final game before the All-Star break.

For what it is worth, the Orioles are now guaranteed to be holding the American League’s second wild card playoff berth at the break. Cleveland could have tied the Orioles today, but gave up three runs in the top of the ninth and lost 7-6 to Tampa Bay.

Meanwhile, back in Anaheim, the Angels hit three homers in the first three…At a time when they are struggling to score runs, the Orioles have fallen behind Los Angeles 5-0 today after four innings in the final game before the All-Star break.

For what it is worth, the Orioles are now guaranteed to be holding the American League’s second wild card playoff berth at the break. Cleveland could have tied the Orioles today, but gave up three runs in the top of the ninth and lost 7-6 to Tampa Bay.

Meanwhile, back in Anaheim, the Angels hit three homers in the first three innings today off Wei-Yin Chen. Chen had not allowed more than two homers in any start all year coming into this outing.

But Eric Aybar hit a solo shot in the second, and Mike Trout added a solo homer an inning later. Also in the third, Albert Pujols hit a two-run shot for a 4-0 edge, and a Maicer Izturis RBI single in the fourth made it 5-0.

A win today would give the Orioles their first winning road trip since they went 4-1 at Kansas City and Washington May 16-20. They were 2-4 and 3-6 on their past two trips.

The Angels are 47-38 on the season, including a 6-2 mark against the Orioles.

Nick Markakis is back in the Bowie lineup today, batting second and playing right field in a game that will start at 6:05 p.m. Taylor Teagarden will bat third and catch. Bobby Bundy is the starting pitcher. His brother, Dylan, is playing today in the All-Star Futures Game along with Manny Machado.