masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgLHP Brian Matusz (4-2, 5.26) today is set to make his 8th Major League start of this season, his 5th on the road and the 1st of his career vs. the Yankees.

Matusz has wins over Cleveland and Texas over his last two starts, going 2-0, 3.21 in that time. He gave up just one run in seven innings vs. Cleveland and then gave up four runs in seven frames vs. the Rangers.

Right-handed batters hit .336 off Matusz while lefties bat just .219. He gives up an average of .237 when pitching with…LHP Brian Matusz (4-2, 5.26) today is set to make his 8th Major League start of this season, his 5th on the road and the 1st of his career vs. the Yankees.

Matusz has wins over Cleveland and Texas over his last two starts, going 2-0, 3.21 in that time. He gave up just one run in seven innings vs. Cleveland and then gave up four runs in seven frames vs. the Rangers.

Right-handed batters hit .336 off Matusz while lefties bat just .219. He gives up an average of .237 when pitching with runners in scoring position.

The O’s are 4-3 when Matusz starts, including a 2-2 mark on the road. Matusz is 2-1, 6.50 in four road starts.

Matusz’s control improving:
First three starts: walks 8 in 13 1/3
Last four starts: walks 4 in 24 1/3

The 22-year-old lefty, who has wins vs. Detroit, Tampa, Cleveland and Texas, has allowed 4ER or more in four of his seven big league starts.

RHP A.J. Burnett (11-8, 4.19) today makes his 29th start of the year, his 15th at home and the 13th in his career vs. Baltimore.

Burnett has not pitched as well in the second-half as he did before the break. Over his last four starts, he is 1-2, 7.66.

Burnett, 2009:
First Half: 8-4, 3.77 in 17 starts
Second Half: 3-4, 4.85 in 11 starts

The 32-year-old righty went 18-10, 4.07 last year with Toronto then signed a free agent deal with New York in December. The contract was a five-year deal worth 82 million.

Right-handed batters are hitting .282 off Burnett while lefties hit .212. The Yankees are 18-10 when he starts.

In 14 home starts, Burnett is 5-2, 3.34.

Burnett vs. Baltimore:
2009: 2-0, 5.09, 3 starts (17 2/3IP, 24H)
Career: 9-1, 5.00, 12 starts (75 2/3IP, 77H, 31B, 71K)

September first in Baltimore, Burnett got a win despite giving up six runs and a season-high 11 hits to the Orioles in 5 1/3 innings. He allowed two homers in that game.