So much for the notion that facing a pitcher who hadn't won in 14 starts would somehow be the cure for the Nationals' offensive woes. Charlie Morton, who came into the game 0-7 in his last 14 starts, has a 2-0 lead after two innings. The Pirates got to Nats righty Jordan Zimmermann in the second, when Ike Davis singled and Russell Martin doubled to put runners on second and third with none out. Pedro Alvarez struck out and Starling Marte grounded out to score a run before Zimmermann plated...

The sound of a cash register should play each time Nelson Cruz hits a home run. Cruz, such a bargain at $8 million this season, hit his 15th home run tonight leading off the bottom of the second inning. Nelson Cruz, meet T.J. House. T.J. House, this is Nelson Cruz. Cruz drove the first pitch from House, a 92 mph fastball, over the fence in right-center field to stake Orioles starter Bud Norris to a 1-0 lead. Cruz has homered in three of the last four games and five of nine. He's now tied...

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled left-hander T.J. McFarland from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned right-hander Preston Guilmet to the Tides. McFarland, 24, is making his third stint with the Orioles this season. He has appeared in three games with the Orioles, going 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA (7.0IP, 3ER). McFarland went 0-1 with a 3.75 ERA (24.0IP, 10ER) in five starts this season with the Tides. Guilmet, 26, appeared in three games in relief for the Orioles this season, working...

Reliever Preston Guilmet retired all five batters he faced in his first stint with the Orioles and was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. He retired all seven batters he faced last night and got a return trip to the Tides. The Orioles optioned Guilmet after batting practice and recalled left-hander T.J. McFarland. Guilmet threw the last two nights, including 13 pitches Wednesday with Norfolk. The Orioles needed a fresh arm following last night's 8-7, 13-inning loss to the Indians. The Orioles...

Left-hander Gio Gonzalez's progression toward a throwing program hit a small bump in the road Friday, when left shoulder stiffness scrapped his plans to throw. Nationals manager Matt Williams didn't seem too concerned with the setback, telling reporters who expressed concern before his team's game at PNC Park against the Pirates, "It's only a day." "He's a little stiff still, so he'll continue his rehab program and we'll look to push him back a day as far as his throwing program...

Chris Tillman threw in the bullpen today and remains scheduled to start Monday afternoon in Milwaukee. No concerns about his groin after experiencing some discomfort recently. Wei-Yin Chen and Bud Norris will start the other two games in Milwaukee. The Brewers list Kyle Lohse, Matt Garza and Marco Estrada as their starters. Right fielder Nick Markakis needs one more hit to tie Paul Blair for eighth place on the club's all-time list with 1,426. Brian Roberts is seventh with 1,452. The...

Cleveland's starting pitcher tonight is 24-year-old left-hander T.J. House. He'll be making his first major league start, but his second start this year against the Baltimore organization. House made his major league debut with a scoreless inning May 17 against Oakland. Before that, he faced the Orioles' Triple-A Norfolk affiliate on April 29, pitching 5 1/3 scoreless innings on eight hits in that game. Norfolk's catcher that game will be Baltimore's catcher tonight. Caleb Joseph, who is...

The Orioles will officially recall left-hander T.J. McFarland after batting practice today and announce their corresponding 25-man roster move. It's important to note that the Orioles could send out a pitcher and bring him back on Sunday while first baseman Chris Davis spends two days on paternity leave. The reliever wouldn't be required to spend the minimum 10 days in the minors. Also, under Major League Baseball rules, that player is allowed to stay with the club after Davis...

The Orioles just posted their lineup for tonight's game against the Indians at Camden Yards, and Ryan Flaherty is starting at third base. Manny Machado, who exited last night's game in the 11th inning with tightness in his right groin, is listed among the reserves. Delmon Young is serving as the designated hitter. The Orioles haven't announced a roster move. Still waiting on that one. For the Orioles Nick Markakis RF Jonathan Schoop 2B Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B Nelson Cruz LF J.J. Hardy...

PITTSBURGH - Matt Williams is shaking up his lineup a bit a day after the Nationals put up just one run in a 3-1 loss to the Pirates. Danny Espinosa and Tyler Moore are out of the starting lineup tonight, with Zach Walters getting the start at third base and Greg Dobbs in there at first. Jordan Zimmermann will toe the rubber for the Nats, opposed by righty Charlie Morton. For the Nats CF Denard Span 2B Anthony Rendon RF Jayson Werth C Wilson Ramos SS Ian Desmond 1B Greg Dobbs 3B Zach...