The Orioles returned home tonight after a road trip where they scored just 16 runs in six games. They got five tonight, but the Texas Rangers used one inning bigger than that to beat the Orioles 8-5 in the opener of a four-game series. Making his second O's start and first at home, right-hander Scott Feldman allowed six runs in the sixth inning to a Rangers team he pitched for from 2005 to 2012. Ian Kinsler's three-run double capped the frame for Texas, which won for the 13th time in 18...

Left-hander Matt Purke did not have a good outing in his second start for high Single-A Potomac on Monday night, a 12-9 loss at Winston-Salem. Purke (0-1) allowed two home runs to shortstop Chris Curley in three 2/3 innings, totaling 11 hits, nine runs, one walk, two wild pitches and three strikeouts. His ERA jumped from 1.80 to 10.38 in the loss. Purke had allowed only one run in his first start for the P-Nats on July 3, also against Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem scored two runs in the first...

The Orioles gave up six runs to the Rangers in the top of the sixth tonight to fall behind 8-3 and continue their woes in that inning. Opponents have outscored the Orioles 69-40 in the sixth. They've scored 40 in the first, 39 in the second, 38 in the third, 62 in the fourth, 46 in the fifth, 53 in the seventh, 26 in the eighth, 32 in the ninth and four in extras. Scott Feldman was charged with seven runs and nine hits - both season highs - in 5 1/3 innings. He walked one, struck out two and...

PHILADELPHIA - Through five innings tonight, John Lannan is outpitching the guy the Nationals replaced him with this offseason and sticking it to his former team in the process. Lannan has held the Nats to just two hits over five scoreless innings, and he and the Phillies hold a 2-0 lead. The Nats had their only real chance against Lannan in the fourth. Bryce Harper walked and then appeared to have second base stolen, but slid into the bag incredibly late, allowing Jimmy Rollins to slap down...

The Orioles haven't scored in the first three innings tonight against Rangers left-hander Derek Holland. It's not due to a lack of opportunities. The Orioles are 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and have stranded five. They trail 1-0 as we head to the top of the fourth. Manny Machado and Adam Jones had back-to-back singles in the first inning. J.J. Hardy led off the second with a single and advanced on Nate McLouth's sacrifice bunt. Nick Markakis and Machado opened the third with...

PHILADELPHIA - Reporters have still not laid eyes on Scott Hairston since the veteran outfielder was acquired by the Nationals for minor league righty Ivan Pineyro in a trade with the Cubs last night. Hairston's flight out of Chicago was delayed by a couple hours earlier today, and he had yet to arrive in the Nats' clubhouse when the open-media period had ended around 5:30 p.m. That said, the Nats expect to have Hairston in uniform and available tonight, and assuming he is, they feel he...

Tonight the Orioles meet the Texas Rangers for the first time since they beat Texas in the American League Wild Card game last October 5. That was just the O's fourth win in the last 14 meetings against the Rangers. The Orioles are 2-10 the last two regular seasons against the Rangers. Texas has won seven of its last 10 games at Camden Yards and is 21-14 in this park since 2005. As they return home tonight the Orioles hope their offense returns as well. During the six-game trip to Chicago...

PHILADELPHIA - Not only is Bryce Harper going to be a starter in the All-Star Game, he'll also be participating in the Home Run Derby the previous night. Harper has accepted Mets third baseman David Wright's offer to take part in the National League team for the Home Run Derby, joining Wright and the Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer. The American League team will be made up of the Yankees' Robinson Cano (who is the AL captain), the Orioles' Chris Davis and the Tigers' Prince...

Robinson Cano didn't ignore the obvious choice while picking his team for the Home Run Derby. Cano, the captain who made the selections for the American League, announced that Orioles first baseman Chris Davis will be among the four participants. Cano also chose Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder. He hasn't decided on the fourth participant. National League captain David Wright selected Bryce Harper, Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer. The Derby will take place next Monday night at Citi...

The Washington Nationals today reinstated right-handed pitcher Dan Haren from the 15-Day Disabled List and optioned first baseman/outfielder Tyler Moore to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Haren, who missed the last 14 games with right shoulder inflammation, is slated to start tonight's series opener in Philadelphia. Haren is 4-9 with a 6.15 ERA in 15 starts this...