masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgCatcher Matt Wieters will attempt to further inflate his career average against the Rays tonight as the Orioles try to even the series following last night’s one-run loss.

Wieters fell a triple short of the cycle last night and is batting .337 lifetime against the Rays, the highest average for any player with a minimum of 40 games. He’s 2-for-5 with a home run lifetime against right-hander Alex Cobb, who’s making his second start since being hit in the head by a line drive on June 15.

Cobb…Catcher Matt Wieters will attempt to further inflate his career average against the Rays tonight as the Orioles try to even the series following last night’s one-run loss.

Wieters fell a triple short of the cycle last night and is batting .337 lifetime against the Rays, the highest average for any player with a minimum of 40 games. He’s 2-for-5 with a home run lifetime against right-hander Alex Cobb, who’s making his second start since being hit in the head by a line drive on June 15.

Cobb has allowed three runs in 11 2/3 innings in two career starts against the Orioles, with four walks and 13 strikeouts. He surrendered two runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings in his only start at Camden Yards.

Miguel Gonzalez is 2-1 with a 3.97 ERA in six career starts against the Rays – the most vs. any opponent. He’s made five starts against the Yankees and Blue Jays (and one relief appearance).

Evan Longoria is 4-for-11 with a home run off Gonzalez. Jose Molina is 3-for-8 with a home run, and Desmond Jennings is 3-for-13 with two homers.

Ben Zobrist is 0-for-13, and Matt Joyce is 2-for-13.

For the Orioles
Nate McLouth LF
Manny Machado 3B
Chris Davis 1B
Adam Jones CF
Nick Markakis RF
Matt Wieters C
J.J. Hardy SS
Ryan Flaherty 2B
Brian Roberts DH

Miguel Gonzalez RHP

Down on the farm, Steve Johnson allowed three runs and five hits in five innings today in Triple-A Norfolk’s 5-3 loss to Columbus. Johnson didn’t issue a walk, struck out five, threw a wild pitch and gave up a home run. He threw 83 pitches, 59 for strikes.