masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHere is how different this series is for the Orioles against Tampa Bay as compared to their season-opening, three-game sweep versus the Rays.

In the opening three games, the Orioles allowed 12 hits total in the three games. The last two days Tampa has 12 extra-base hits off Orioles’ pitching.

Tampa batters hit just .132 with three runs over three games earlier against the Orioles. In winning the first two in this series, the Rays have hit .321 as a team scoring 14 runs.

The Orioles have had…Here is how different this series is for the Orioles against Tampa Bay as compared to their season-opening, three-game sweep versus the Rays.

In the opening three games, the Orioles allowed 12 hits total in the three games. The last two days Tampa has 12 extra-base hits off Orioles’ pitching.

Tampa batters hit just .132 with three runs over three games earlier against the Orioles. In winning the first two in this series, the Rays have hit .321 as a team scoring 14 runs.

The Orioles have had some rough days recently getting outscored 23-5 in losing the past three games. The starting pitching ERA in those games has been 11.57.

Jeremy Guthrie had pitched to an ERA of 1.32 in three home starts before yesterday when he gave up seven runs and 10 hits over five innings against Tampa.

“I actually felt as sharp as I’ve felt all season,” he said moments after the game. “Unfortunately I kind of wasted it giving up some big hits and big home runs with two outs. My location with my fastball was as good as it’s been all season. Maybe, though, just too much up in the zone.

“It’s very frustrating to not have the results you work for and prepare for.”

Guthrie seems to be asked about lack of run support after every start these days. In his 19 losses since the start of last year, the Orioles have scored just 24 runs while he was in the game.

“It’s only as much of a story as people make of it. I don’t think you’ve heard me make any story of it and I don’t think you will hear that,” Guthrie said.

The Orioles will need to win today behind Brad Bergesen to avoid a three-game sweep. Tampa is 19-8 since starting the year 0-6 and has won its last seven road games.

The O’s will have to reverse some trends to win today. They are 0-8 in Bergesen’s last eight games and he is 0-4 with an ERA of 9.00 in four career starts versus Tampa.