masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgBrian Matusz should have stayed in the team hotel or boarded the charter for Minnesota around noon.

Making his second start since being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, Matusz needed 50 pitches to get through the first two innings because the defense kept him on the mound.

The Orioles had three errors in three innings, none by new first baseman Matt Wieters, who was supposed to be the weak link in the field. Blake Davis misplayed two bouncers at third and catcher Craig Tatum fired the ball…Brian Matusz should have stayed in the team hotel or boarded the charter for Minnesota around noon.

Making his second start since being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, Matusz needed 50 pitches to get through the first two innings because the defense kept him on the mound.

The Orioles had three errors in three innings, none by new first baseman Matt Wieters, who was supposed to be the weak link in the field. Blake Davis misplayed two bouncers at third and catcher Craig Tatum fired the ball into left field while trying to throw out Vernon Wells on an attempted steal.

Matusz also watched helplessly while Felix Pie failed to run down a ball hit to the fence and lost another one in the sun, collapsing at the last instant as if shot with a poison dart.

Now we go to the fourth, when the Orioles loaded the bases with no outs and failed to score. Vladimir Guerrero struck out and Wieters bounced into a double play after working the count full.

In the bottom half, Pie let another ball clear his head – MASN analyst Jim Palmer is screaming for him to play deeper – that went for an RBI double for Maicer Izturis.

Izturis stole third, though it appeared that Davis made the tag before Izturis’ foot hit the bag. Third base umpire Dana DeMuth blew the call. And Peter Bourjos followed with a two-run homer to left because that’s what happens to the Orioles.

Angels 6, Orioles 0

Adam Jones robbed Torii Hunter of a home run with a leaping catch at the fence. Matusz is back in the dugout with his pitch count at 84 through the fourth. At least he got a little help from his defense today.

Meanwhile, Jerome Williams is blanking the Orioles on three hits over four innings. The last time he made a major league start, Wrigley Field didn’t have lights (OK, I’m exaggerating). But the Orioles can’t break through against him.

Another meanwhile: Ryan Adams is definitely joining the Orioles. The corresponding move will be announced later today or tomorrow. Josh Bell’s roster spot appears to be in serious jeopardy.

Update: Matt Wieters hit a home run today to prevent the Orioles from being shut out.

And you thought things were bad.

The Orioles committed a season-high four errors, including three by Davis. He misplayed two bouncers and made a wild throw to first. A few other plays should have been made, especially in left field.

Robert Andino failed to tag up at second base on Pie’s long fly ball to center field. It doesn’t show up in the box score, but it’s another fundamental breakdown.

This might have been the worst game of the season if you factor in the defense, pitching, lack of offense and short bench. It also dropped the Orioles 30 games below .500.

The Orioles were swept in Anaheim for the first time since 2006.

Update II: Bell was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after the game. He was hitting .174 with six RBIs in 17 games.