ATLANTA - In many ways, today's 2-1 Nationals loss was a microcosm of their season to this point. The Nats got pretty solid starting pitching, as Gio Gonzalez allowed two runs over seven innings. They gave themselves chances to do damage offensively, putting 12 runners on base and getting 13 at-bats with runners in scoring position. And yet, they drove in a single run and ended up on the losing end of another tight ballgame. The Nats couldn't capitalize on putting the first two runners on...

After they combined for seven hits, two homers and four RBIs today, Adam Jones talked about the combination of Chris Davis batting third with him fourth in the O's batting order. "I like the combination of me and Chris," Jones said. "If it's four and five (in the order), we've done the same damage. Me and him following each other, we both make each other better. We both drive the ball, we are both athletic to score on doubles. Whatever has been working with me and him, it's a pretty...

The Orioles optioned pitcher Josh Stinson to Triple-A Norfolk following today's 7-2 victory over the Rockies at Camden Yards. A corresponding move will be announced before Monday's game against the Rays at Camden Yards. The Orioles have a three-man bench, so a position player is likely to come up. Danny Valencia isn't in Norfolk's lineup tonight and is the likely choice. Stinson, 25, appeared in the last two games for the Orioles after being recalled yesterday, tossing 2 1/3 scoreless...

The Orioles announced after today's game that they have optioned right-hander Josh Stinson to Triple-A Norfolk. Stinson, 25, appeared in each of the last two games for the Orioles after being recalled yesterday, pitching a total of 2.1 scoreless innings. A corresponding roster move will be announced before tomorrow's game.

Scott Feldman pitched a strong game, Adam Jones joined an exclusive homer club and Brian Roberts came up with another key hit as the Orioles beat Colorado 7-2 this afternoon in front of 22,238 at Camden Yards. The O's won the series after losing the Friday opener and improved to 67-56. Not to be upstaged, Chris Davis hit another homer, a two-run shot in the eight to extend the lead to 7-2. It was his 45th of the year and leaves him one behind Jim Gentile, who hit 46 in 1961, for third on the...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter is getting a reminder of how Brian Roberts can impact a game when healthy. Roberts has two more hits today, and his two-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning increased the Orioles' lead to 5-2. Roberts is 11-for-23 with seven RBIs in his last seven games. Is that good? His average is now up to .275. This is the first time that Roberts had strung together back-to-back multi-RBI games since April 1-2, 2011. The first two games of the season. Yeah, a...

ATLANTA - The Nationals haven't had a problem getting runners on base today. That's been relatively easy. The problem has been doing anything at all with the scoring opportunities that have presented themselves. The Nats are a ridiculous 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position through just three innings this afternoon. They've put the first two runners on base in every inning so far, and have done nothing with those chances. In the first, Bryce Harper, Jayson Werth and Adam LaRoche went...

Center fielder Adam Jones didn't want the Orioles relievers to be bored, so he deposited a ball at their feet in the bottom of the third inning. Jones homered off Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin with Chris Davis on second base and two outs to increase the Orioles' lead to 3-0. He launched an 81 mph slider after Chacin started him off with a fastball. The significance goes beyond the scoreboard. Jones has reached the 25-home run mark for the third time in his career. The only other Orioles...

ATLANTA - Apparently Davey Johnson isn't the only guy who is unsure of how exactly Taylor Jordan suffered the lower back injury that landed him on the disabled list yesterday, essentially bringing his 2013 season to an end. Jordan isn't entirely sure, either. The rookie right-hander first felt the back issue (diagnosed by the Nationals as a lower right back strain) after he got out of a dentist's chair early this week, but he doesn't know exactly when discomfort originated. He does,...

Orioles starter Scott Feldman won the first battle today with Rockies first baseman Michael Cuddyer, retiring him on a force play to end the top of the first inning. Cuddyer began the day 7-for-13 with three doubles, two homers and five RBIs lifetime against Feldman. Manager Buck Showalter provided updates on some injured Orioles before today's series finale against the Rockies at Camden Yards. Showalter revealed that Jason Hammel will throw on flat ground Monday and Wednesday before moving...