masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Orioles’ last two games have been completed in 2 hours, 3 minutes and 2 hours, 19 minutes. The crowds have been under 10,000, including Wednesday’s no-fan zone.
The explanation probably has more to do with pitching changes made between innings instead of the middle. No interruptions in the action. And the Orioles rotation has produced four consecutive quality starts, which tends to quicken the pace.
Miguel Gonzalez will try to make it five in a row tonight at…

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Orioles’ last two games have been completed in 2 hours, 3 minutes and 2 hours, 19 minutes. The crowds have been under 10,000, including Wednesday’s no-fan zone.

The explanation probably has more to do with pitching changes made between innings instead of the middle. No interruptions in the action. And the Orioles rotation has produced four consecutive quality starts, which tends to quicken the pace.

Miguel Gonzalez will try to make it five in a row tonight at Tropicana Field, where the Orioles are expected to wear their orange jerseys as the home team. In case you’re looking to coordinate outfits.

miguel-gonzalez-orange.jpgGonzalez began a different streak for the rotation, becoming the first of five consecutive starters to complete six innings. He allowed four runs on April 24 in Boston.

Gonzalez is 8-9 with a 3.32 ERA in 21 career starts on six days rest or more. He’s 4-4 with a 3.82 ERA in 12 starts against the Rays and 3-2 with a 2.48 ERA in six starts at Tropicana Field. He’s 6-5 with a 2.80 ERA in 14 starts in a dome.

Place your imaginary bets.

It’s probably wise to consider the opposing pitcher, Chris Archer, who’s 3-2 with a 0.84 ERA in five starts this season. He’s surrendered three earned runs (five total) in 32 1/3 innings, with six walks and 37 strikeouts.

The three earned runs came in 5 2/3 innings against the Orioles on opening day. He’s been on quite a roll.

Archer is 1-3 with a 5.58 ERA in eight career starts against the Orioles. Steve Pearce, expected to start again at second base tonight, is 2-for-5 with two home runs against Archer. Chris Davis is 2-for-6 with a double and home run. Manny Machado is 4-for-12 and Travis Snider is 2-for-4.

Adam Jones has one hit in 14 at-bats.

Pearce, by the way, has played every infield position in professional baseball, including one game at shortstop with Triple-A Indianapolis on July 16, 2011 at Columbus.

Opponents are batting .211 against Tampa Bay’s starters, lowest in the majors.

Desmond Jennings is only 6-for-25 (.240) against Gonzalez, but he’s hit four home runs. He hasn’t played since April 25 because of a knee injury.

Asdrubal Cabrera is 3-for-8 with a double and home run against Gonzalez. James Loney is 4-for-20.

The Rays are 10-0 when they score first. The Orioles are 0-8 when their opponent scores first.