masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgI predicted in spring training that left-hander Brian Matusz would emerge as the staff ace. Then I thought the Orioles would keep in at Triple-A Norfolk for an extended period, but they recalled him. Then I thought they would continue to send him to the mound every five days, but they pulled him from the rotation after his Sept. 5 start in New York. Then I thought they would keep him in the bullpen for the rest of the season, but they gave him the start tonight in Game 2 of a doubleheader in…I predicted in spring training that left-hander Brian Matusz would emerge as the staff ace. Then I thought the Orioles would keep in at Triple-A Norfolk for an extended period, but they recalled him. Then I thought they would continue to send him to the mound every five days, but they pulled him from the rotation after his Sept. 5 start in New York. Then I thought they would keep him in the bullpen for the rest of the season, but they gave him the start tonight in Game 2 of a doubleheader in Boston.

I should just keep my big blog shut.

Matusz lasted 1 1/3 innings in New York, allowing five runs. He lasted 1 2/3 innings tonight and was charged with six runs, the final one scoring after Chris Jakubauskas replaced him.

It’s hard to imagine that manager Buck Showalter will give Matusz the ball again with nine games left after tonight. They wouldn’t be doing him any favors. He needs to rest and regroup. He’ll also have to earn a spot in next year’s rotation.

The Orioles needed an extra starter because of the doubleheader. For whatever reason, it didn’t work out again despite the 3-0 lead in the first inning.

This game is far from over as long as John Lackey is on the mound. If I’m pitching coach Rick Adair, I’m offering the following instructions to Jakubauskas: “Don’t implode.”

Nolan Reimold’s two-run single in the top of the third cut Boston’s lead to 6-5. All the scoring came with two outs,

I sense there will be a lot more before the night is through.

For example, Boston just scored again in the bottom of the third on J.J. Hardy’s throwing error before I could publish this entry.

Finally, I got something right.

Instant update: Jacoby Ellsbury’s double scored Darnell McDonald and increased the lead to 8-5, and he raced home on Marco Scutaro’s single.

I didn’t know Tom Brady was under center tonight.

Update II: Lackey gave up eight runs and 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 105 pitches…in 4 1/3 innings.

The Oriole are down, 11-8. All they need is a field goal to tie.