CINCINNATI - The Nationals sure are catching the Reds at the right time. Cincinnati had won seven of its last nine games going into the All-Star break, sat seven games over .500 and was 1 1/2 games back of the National League Central-leading Brewers. Now, the Reds have lost six in a row coming out of the break, are just a game over .500 and sit six games back of the Brewers. Not a bad time for Matt Williams' squad to swoop into the Great American Ballpark for three games, hoping to push...

Have you experienced a random act of ballpark kindness? Better yet, have you performed one? It seems we've heard much in recent years about boorish ballpark behavior. The most publicized incidents have involved fights between opposing fans that resulted in serious injuries. It's enough to make even the most dedicated fan consider passing up on the peanuts and Cracker Jack and decide to never go back. Less publicized are the simple kindnesses shared between strangers that add to the fun of...

Please remind me again whether the Orioles need to acquire another starter for their rotation or if they should stick with the current five and figure out later how to make room for Ubaldo Jimenez. The rotation has registered a 3.12 ERA in the last 40 games, with Wei-Yin Chen tossing eight scoreless innings last night in a 4-0 victory over the Mariners. If you subscribe to the theory that you don't fix what ain't broke, I know where you stand on this subject. Critics will say the rotation...

The Orioles used a big three-run homer and a fourth straight strong starting pitching performance to win their series opener at Seattle tonight. Wei-Yin Chen pitched eight scoreless innings and Delmon Young backed him with a three-run homer as the Orioles beat the Mariners 4-0 at Safeco Field. With the win, the Orioles improved to 4-3 on this road trip and to 56-45 on the year. They maintain a three-game lead atop the American League East over New York and Toronto after those clubs posted...

The Orioles begin a four-game series in Seattle tonight. They are 3-3 so far on this west coast road trip. They hope to continue playing well this month. July has been the O's best month of the year by winning percentage: .500 in March/April at 12-12 .500 in May at 15-15 .571 in June at 16-12 .667 in July at 12-6 The O's strong record this month has been built more on pitching than offense. The team ERA is 3.42. On offense the Orioles are averaging 4.4 runs per game on a .246 team average,...

Wins are just one stat for a pitcher, but it's nice to get them. There is a pitcher in the Orioles organization that has been racking them up this year. In fact, he is second in all of minor league baseball in wins through Wednesday's games. Triple-A Norfolk right-hander Tyler Wilson began this year with Double-A Bowie and moved up to Norfolk, where he has made his last four starts. In 20 games on the year between those teams, he is 12-5 with a 3.35 ERA. Only top Red Sox pitching prospect...

Last night, David Lough started for the first time since June 27 and collected two hits in Anaheim. Orioles manager Buck Showalter is reaching into his bench again tonight, putting Delmon Young in the lineup for the first time since July 6 in Boston. Young is playing in his sixth game this month after batting .417 (15-for-36) with a double, two homers and five RBIs in June. He's appeared in three games since his start at Fenway Park, going 1-for-3. The Orioles have faced Mariners...

Third baseman Manny Machado remains out of the lineup tonight for the Orioles series-opener against the Mariners at Safeco Field. Machado was scratched from Tuesday's lineup in Anaheim with tightness and spasms in his lower back, and he didn't play last night. Ryan Flaherty gets another start at third base. Delmon Young is batting second and serving as the designated hitter. Nelson Cruz is in left field. Steve Pearce is out of the lineup for the second consecutive game. Pearce is 1-for-12...

The Orioles have reached the final series on their three-city West Coast tour, beginning a four-game set tonight against the Mariners. They went 2-4 against the Mariners last season, losing two of three at Safeco Field. Manny Machado batted .360 (9-for-25) with four doubles and two home runs in six games. The Orioles were 12-3 against the Mariners over the two previous seasons. On May 31, the Orioles (26-27) and Mariners (26-28) began the day under .500. They would make the playoffs if the...

Kevin Gausman is known for more than his skills on the mound. His donut-eating reputation has made its way to the big stage, so MLB Fan Cave decided to put it to the test. Gausman went up against American League East rival Marcus Stroman of the Blue Jays to find out who could eat six powdered donuts the quickest. I won't spoil the ending for you, but let's just say it was a nail-biter. Or should I say donut-biter? Too corny? OK, just watch the battle below. Your browser does not support...