masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgBrad Bergesen replaced ineffective starter Chris Tillman in the third inning and gave the Orioles a fighting chance.

Bergesen shut out the White Sox on two hits over 4 1/3 innings, with one walk and no strikeouts. He threw 48 pitches, 33 for strikes.

In his previous outing, Bergesen held the Blue Jays to one run and three hits over three innings, with no walks and four strikeouts. Add it up, and he’s allowed one run and five hits over his last 7 1/3 innings, with one walk and four…Brad Bergesen replaced ineffective starter Chris Tillman in the third inning and gave the Orioles a fighting chance.

Bergesen shut out the White Sox on two hits over 4 1/3 innings, with one walk and no strikeouts. He threw 48 pitches, 33 for strikes.

In his previous outing, Bergesen held the Blue Jays to one run and three hits over three innings, with no walks and four strikeouts. Add it up, and he’s allowed one run and five hits over his last 7 1/3 innings, with one walk and four strikeouts.

Bergesen could be pushing for another chance in the rotation or establishing himself as an effective long reliever.

Jason Berken replaced Bergesen and is pitching in his third consecutive game. He tossed a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday and let two inherited runners score last night.

With the Orioles set to purchase Willie Eyre’s contract from Triple-A Norfolk, it’s fair to speculate whether they’ll option Berken again. He’s not going to be available for the next few games. Or the Orioles could remove a position player and make Eyre an extra bullpen arm.

The Orioles scored three runs in the bottom of the third, but that’s it. They continue to trail the White Sox, 6-3, in the top of the eighth.

Down on the farm, Scott Copeland made his second start with Single-A Frederick tonight and allowed four hits over six scoreless innings, with four walks and four strikeouts. He hasn’t allowed a run in two starts with the Keys spanning 12 innings.

Copeland, a 21st-round pick last year out of Southern Mississippi, was 5-9 with a 6.58 ERA in 20 starts with low Single-A Delmarva. He allowed 136 hits in 108 innings, with 46 walks and 55 strikeouts.

Maybe he pitches better the higher he goes in the system.