masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgPITTSBURGH – If you’re manager Buck Showalter, do you stick with the same lineup tonight that churned out nine runs last night?

The Orioles are facing another left-hander, Wandy Rodriguez, so it’s a convenient excuse.

Rodriguez has faced the Orioles once in his career, back in 2005 while he pitched for the Astros. He allowed four runs and seven hits in six innings in a 5-1 loss at Camden Yards.

The Orioles’ lineup included Eli Marrero in center field and Sal Fasano behind the plate….PITTSBURGH – If you’re manager Buck Showalter, do you stick with the same lineup tonight that churned out nine runs last night?

The Orioles are facing another left-hander, Wandy Rodriguez, so it’s a convenient excuse.

Rodriguez has faced the Orioles once in his career, back in 2005 while he pitched for the Astros. He allowed four runs and seven hits in six innings in a 5-1 loss at Camden Yards.

The Orioles’ lineup included Eli Marrero in center field and Sal Fasano behind the plate. Rodrigo Lopez worked the first eight innings and Todd Williams finished up.

I can keep going.

Sammy Sosa played right field and Larry Bigbie was in left. Rafael Palmeiro was the designated hitter and Jay Gibbons started at first base.

Um… yeah… anyway, Rodriguez has made one start since April 19. He’s 0-2 with a 6.84 ERA in five outings.

J.J. Hardy is 6-for-23 with three doubles and two home runs against Rodriguez.

The Orioles improved to 4-5 against left-handed starters last night after roughing up Francisco Liriano.

Chris Tillman wants to improve his first inning against the Pirates after throwing 49 pitches in the opening frame in Game 2 of a May 1 doubleheader at Camden Yards. He lasted 4 2/3 innings and allowed three runs and six hits, with three walks and eight strikeouts, in his only career start against Pittsburgh.

The Pirates fouled off 16 pitches in that first inning, which lasted 24 minutes. Tillman issued two walks with the bases loaded.

Tillman is 4-0 with a 3.71 ERA in five road starts in 2014. In his seven career interleague starts, he’s 0-1 with a 4.82 ERA over 37 1/3 innings and the Orioles are 4-3.