masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgI guess that 38-pitch first inning didn’t take too much out of left-hander Brian Matusz.

Matusz blanked the Red Sox over the next four innings. He’s allowed three hits, walked three and struck out four.

Unfortunately, his pitch count is up to 102 because of that early workload and David Hernandez has replaced him. Matusz falls an inning short of a quality start.

If you want to get under manager Buck Showalter’s skin, suggest that a young pitcher is getting stronger as we approach the end…I guess that 38-pitch first inning didn’t take too much out of left-hander Brian Matusz.

Matusz blanked the Red Sox over the next four innings. He’s allowed three hits, walked three and struck out four.

Unfortunately, his pitch count is up to 102 because of that early workload and David Hernandez has replaced him. Matusz falls an inning short of a quality start.

If you want to get under manager Buck Showalter’s skin, suggest that a young pitcher is getting stronger as we approach the end of the season. He’ll take a deep breath and remind you that nobody gets stronger. Some players become less tired. There’s a difference.

Showalter will smile and ask whether he really has to repeat that statement. And he’ll do it.

Matusz has allowed one earned run or fewer in six of his last nine starts, including his most recent outing that was cut short by the line drive. He’s surrendered three earned runs or fewer in eight of his last nine.

I guess he isn’t as tired as some other pitchers.

I grew a bit weary in that first inning, but he’s passed a 2-1 lead to the bullpen.

Update: The lead is already gone. A one-out walk, hit batter and single did the trick. Matusz will get another no-decision.

Update II: Ty Wigginton’s 70th RBI of the season, a sacrifice fly in the seventh off Daniel Bard, gave the Orioles a 3-2 lead, and Luke Scott followed with his second RBI of the night.

Back in spring training, did anyone predict that Wigginton would drive in 70 runs?