masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAfter starting the season with seven straight wins, the Orioles find themselves in the midst of a slight skid after back-to-back losses.

The losses were going to come eventually, but making sure each step back is followed by multiple steps forward is important to the team’s long-term goal of returning to the postseason.

They’ll get that chance tonight against the Rangers’ Martin Perez.

Fortunately, the Orioles have found success against Perez in the past. Mark Trumbo, one of the most…After starting the season with seven straight wins, the Orioles find themselves in the midst of a slight skid after back-to-back losses.

The losses were going to come eventually, but making sure each step back is followed by multiple steps forward is important to the team’s long-term goal of returning to the postseason.

They’ll get that chance tonight against the Rangers’ Martin Perez.

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Fortunately, the Orioles have found success against Perez in the past. Mark Trumbo, one of the most pleasant surprises, is a career .444 hitter against Perez. He is 4-for-9 lifetime versus the left-hander with a home run and four RBIs. Manny Machado is a lifetime .333 hitter against Perez with one home run and three RBIs.

One part of the season that hasn’t been any surprise is the team’s ability to hit home runs. The Orioles lead the American League with 15 home runs, and haven’t shown any signs of slowing down.

Trumbo hit his third home run of the season in last night’s opening game against the Rangers, one behind team leader Chris Davis.

It’s hard to imagine Orioles starter Vance Worley is too picky over which Orioles player is clearing the fences. Any run support is a welcome gesture.

Worley gets the call tonight for his second start of the season. Back on April 10, Worley picked up a no decision against the Rays, throwing 4 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits. He showed good control, though, issuing only one walk and picking up five strikeouts.

Around all of baseball, today is Jackie Robinson Day. All players will wear No. 42 jerseys to commemorate one of the game’s most iconic and influential figures. It’s definitely a day to appreciate the great history of the game and Robinson’s vital importance to it.

Side note: Don’t let the byline fool you. Steve Melewski is covering Kevin Gausman in Frederick, where the weather is crisp and the internet connection is spotty. He’ll still be able to comment on the game action, though, so keep those comments coming.