A day after the Nationals packed an offensive punch, put together some late-inning dramatics and smacked four more home runs, their bats have been dead silent through four innings against Ricky Nolasco. Same can't be said for the Marlins' bats against Edwin Jackson. The Nats trail 5-0 after four innings, as they've yet to record a hit against Nolasco and also watched as Miami has put up seven hits and two multi-run innings. Jackson allowed three runs in the second inning on four straight...

The Orioles have a chance today to do a few things they have not done since 1997. For one, a win over the Yankees would give them the season series versus New York, 10 wins to eight. The last time they won a season series against New York was in 1997, when they went 8-4. The Orioles are 3-5 in Baltimore and 6-3 in New York, where they won all three series this year. A win today gives the Orioles sole possession of first place in the American League East. They last did that this late in the...

The Orioles are playing from behind again. Zach Britton gave up a run and two hits, walked a batter and was hurt by an error in the top of the first inning. He threw 24 pitches before making it back into the dugout. Derek Jeter reached on another infield hit and took second on Manny Machado's errant throw. Machado has two errors with the Orioles, one of them legit. Alex Rodriguez bounced into a 6-4-3 double play, but Robinson Cano followed with an RBI single. Shortstop J.J. Hardy...

There is no question that losing Nick Markakis is a big loss for the Orioles. But one thing they may add to the leadoff spot with Nate McLouth batting there is a base stealing threat atop the order. McLouth said he has the green light to run and may look to do that more when batting first. "I think that is a good point (that he can use his speed more batting first). Hitting third, having (Adam) Jones and (Matt) Wieters right behind me, a lot of times you want to let those guys hit. Not...

The Orioles plan on selecting Endy Chavez's contract on Tuesday, giving them an extra outfielder and a plus-defender in Nick Markakis' absence. They had discussed bringing him up from Triple-A Norfolk once rosters expanded on Sept. 1. He's currently in New York because the Orioles wanted him to stay close. Chavez batted .190/.222/.281 with five doubles, two home runs and eight RBIs in 47 games. He also went on the disabled list twice and was designated for assignment when the Orioles...

Yesterday was the first Nationals home game I've missed all season. Good thing I didn't miss anything. Oh, Stephen Strasburg was shut down, the Nats and Marlins played a game which finished nearly six hours after it was scheduled to begin, Jayson Werth hit a dramatic game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth and the Nats then won it in the bottom of the 10th? Yup, sounds about right. You step away for one day and everything goes nuts. Thanks to Pete Kerzel for filling in yesterday...

We don't know if the move will become permanent for the rest of this season, but for today, Chris Davis is the replacement for Nick Markakis and will be starting in right field for the Orioles. "I feel good about it," Davis said moments ago in the O's clubhouse. "Not happy with how it came about. Nicky has been on fire lately. It just gives us that much more reason to go out there and win. I went out there today and took some fly balls. Feel good, my legs feel good. I've had plenty of...

After Saturday's marathon, rain-delayed, 10-inning victory over the Marlins, the Nationals lineup will have a different look for the Sunday series finale. Both third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and shortstop Ian Desmond will get the day off, meaning a new left side of the infield. Chad Tracy will play third and Danny Espinosa will man shortstop, with Steve Lombardozzi taking over for Espinosa at second base. Here's the lineup that will face right-hander Ricky Nolasco: 2B Steve Lombardozzi CF...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter has settled on Nate McLouth as his leadoff hitter for today's game against the Yankees at Camden Yards. McLouth is starting in left field. Chris Davis is playing right as the replacement for Nick Markakis, who broke his left thumb last night. Well, CC Sabathia broke Markakis' thumb, but you get the idea. Wilson Betemit is the designated hitter today. He's 3-for-6 with two home runs lifetime against Yankees right-hander Freddy Garcia. For the Orioles: Nate...

Wow. There was a lot to digest and soak in during and after Saturday night's game. A controversial ending. The Nick Markakis injury. Lew Ford helps beat CC Sabathia. Joe Girardi is screaming at reporters. Mark Reynolds homered. Again. Pedro Strop struggled. Again. Oh, yes, and the Orioles tied the Yankees for first place. Again. Now the Orioles have to show their resilience. Again. Having seen them do that about 20 times this season, I wouldn't bet against them overcoming the loss of...