masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThey’re left-handed and their paychecks are distributed by the Orioles, but there’s more to the connection between Brian Matusz and Zach Britton.

Britton wouldn’t have made his major league debut April 3 without Matusz going on the disabled list.

The Orioles are 1-11 in Oakland since 2008. The one victory was provided by Matusz. And I seem to recall guaranteeing it.

Matusz threw a bullpen session today in Oakland, the last step before making his 2011 debut Wednesday in Seattle. It…They’re left-handed and their paychecks are distributed by the Orioles, but there’s more to the connection between Brian Matusz and Zach Britton.

Britton wouldn’t have made his major league debut April 3 without Matusz going on the disabled list.

The Orioles are 1-11 in Oakland since 2008. The one victory was provided by Matusz. And I seem to recall guaranteeing it.

Matusz threw a bullpen session today in Oakland, the last step before making his 2011 debut Wednesday in Seattle. It reportedly went exactly as the Orioles and Matusz had hoped.

Britton, meanwhile, is starting today against the Athletics.

And finally, I’m guaranteeing an Orioles victory today, just as I did with Matusz pitching. I can’t give you a score, but Britton will turn in another quality start while also taking some pressure off the bullpen. And the bats will perk up and actually give him some run support.

Britton is 2-1 with a 3.50 ERA in his three road starts this season. Two of them have resulted in quality starts.

Make it three out of four after today.

Instant update: Britton gave up first-inning run for only the second time this season. Josh Willingham singled with one out to score Daric Barton.

Britton threw 19 pitches.

OK, so he got that run out of the way early. I’m standing by my prediction.