masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAfter their great run of starting pitching was derailed last night against New York, we will find out if the Orioles can get back on the wagon this weekend against Washington, which has struggled offensively.

Before last night, Orioles’ starters had pitched to an ERA of 1.29 over the previous eight games. But Brad Bergesen gave up eight runs, all earned, in just 3 1/3 innings against the Yankees.

In fact, during the eight-game run, O’s starters had given up just eight earned runs total over…After their great run of starting pitching was derailed last night against New York, we will find out if the Orioles can get back on the wagon this weekend against Washington, which has struggled offensively.

Before last night, Orioles’ starters had pitched to an ERA of 1.29 over the previous eight games. But Brad Bergesen gave up eight runs, all earned, in just 3 1/3 innings against the Yankees.

In fact, during the eight-game run, O’s starters had given up just eight earned runs total over 56 innings.

Jake Arrieta, who has been very solid and consistent this year, makes his 10th start tonight. He is 5-1 with an ERA of 4.03.

Since giving up eight runs in his second start versus Texas, Arrieta is 5-0 with a 2.81 ERA. His ERA is 2.37 over his last three starts. The Orioles are 6-3 in his starts this year and 15-12 in his 27 career starts.

Tonight, Arrieta will face a Nationals team that is last in the National League in batting average and team OPS. Washington has been shutout in two straight games and four times in the last 10 games.

By the way, if Adam Jones hits National League pitching this time like he did last year, his hot bat will stay hot. In 2010, Jones hit .348 with seven homers, 16 RBIs and a 1.062 OPS over 18 interleague games.

Jones is batting .292 this season after getting two more hits last night. Over his last nine games, he is batting .421 (16-for-38) with four doubles, a triple and seven RBIs.

Here are the pitching matchups for the Washington series:

Tonight at 7:05: Jake Arrieta (5-1, 4.03) vs. Jason Marquis (5-1, 3.54)

Saturday at 4:05: Jeremy Guthrie (1-6, 3.91) vs. John Lannan (2-4, 4.53)

Sunday at 1:35: Chris Tillman (2-3, 5.35) vs. Jordan Zimmerman (2-4, 4.13)