masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgNEW YORK – The sky looks like it could open up any second and drench us in heavy rains, but tonight’s game doesn’t appear to be in jeopardy.

Brian Matusz could use a break in the clouds – the black ones that have hovered over him since spring training 2011.

Matusz has lost 12 consecutive decisions, but he’s coming off his finest start, allowing two unearned runs over six innings against the Blue Jays. Rays of sunlight are beginning to reach him. He’s also 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA and four…NEW YORK – The sky looks like it could open up any second and drench us in heavy rains, but tonight’s game doesn’t appear to be in jeopardy.

Brian Matusz could use a break in the clouds – the black ones that have hovered over him since spring training 2011.

Matusz has lost 12 consecutive decisions, but he’s coming off his finest start, allowing two unearned runs over six innings against the Blue Jays. Rays of sunlight are beginning to reach him. He’s also 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA and four quality starts in five outings in the Bronx.

Overall, Matusz is 2-5 with a 5.10 ERA and 1.54 WHIP against the Yankees. Derek Jeter is 11-for-22 with five doubles against him. Mark Teixeira is 7-for-17 with two doubles and a home run. Robinson Cano is 9-for-22 with a double and two home runs.

But let’s focus on that other paragraph.

Phil Hughes is 1-3 with a 7.88 ERA this season, and he’s got a 5.24 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 13 career games (10 starts) against the Orioles.

Nick Markakis is 10-for-29 with three doubles, a home run and six RBIs against Hughes. Wilson Betemit is 3-for-6 with a home run.

Adam Jones is 4-for-22 with two doubles and a home run. Chris Davis is 0-for-6 with four strikeouts.