The scoreless streak by Orioles pitchers came to an end tonight in the eighth inning, but Chris Tillman pitched a gem in beating his former team as the Orioles topped Seattle tonight, 3-1, at Camden Yards. It was the good way to start a three-game series and ten-game homestand, as the Orioles improved to 58-51 overall and 26-26 at home. Baltimore has now won three in a row and six of their last eight. They are 12-7 over the last 19 games. Tillman gave up just one run and five hits over 7 1/3,...

The Orioles finally gave up a run tonight, ending their scoreless innings streak at 28 and sending Chris Tillman to the bench. Eric Thames led off the top of the eighth with a double into right-center field, and he scored on No. 9 hitter Munenori Kawasaki's single into center field. Kawasaki was thrown out trying to advance to second base, and Tillman walked off the mound to a standing ovation. Tillman allowed one run and five hits, with one walk and five strikeouts. He threw 99 pitches, 68...

Chris Tillman retired the Mariners in order in the top of the first inning tonight, which might not seem like such a big deal until you consider how badly he's struggled at the beginning of his starts. Tillman had posted a 11.57 ERA in the first inning in his five outings this season, and opponents were batting .462 against him. He gave up four doubles and two home runs, and he walked two batters. Also, consider that six runs against him on July 16 were unearned, when he lasted only...

Some notes about the Orioles and Mariners as the two teams get ready to begin a three-game series tonight at Camden Yards: * The Orioles are six games over .500 on the season, but against American League West teams, they are six games under .500, going 8-14. They are 2-1 against Seattle, 3-3 vs. Oakland, 1-3 against Texas and 2-7 vs. Los Angeles. The Orioles are 4-8 at home against the AL West. * In the Tampa Bay series, the Orioles allowed just two runs in three games with a team ERA of 0.67...

In a surprising bit of news, Janet Marie Smith has left the Orioles to accept a job as the Los Angeles Dodgers' Senior Vice President of Planning and Development. Dodgers president Stan Kasten made the announcement today. In her new role, Smith will oversee upgrades and enhancements to Dodger Stadium, according to a press release issued by the club. Smith rejoined the Orioles as Vice President of Planning and Development in September 2009. Her responsibilities included overseeing the...

Last Thursday, Jim Thome received an epidural for the herniated disc in his neck. He said the doctors told him he cannot take part in baseball activities for 30 days after that, but he still is hopeful he can return to play for the Orioles in September. "We got the MRI and it basically showed a herniated disc," Thome said this afternoon. "It looks like I'm going to be out about 30 days of rest. Obviously I can continue to do my exercises in the sense of my low back. But baseball...

Orioles designated hitter Jim Thome is at Camden Yards today, but he's no closer to getting back into the lineup. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters that Thome is expected to miss three to four weeks because of a herniated disc in his neck. The epidural injection from last week apparently has improved Thome's condition, but not enough that he'll make an early return. Thome received the epidural in California. Two specialists will examine him in Baltimore, and Thome will decide whether...

The Nationals begin a four-game series with the worst team in the majors, the Astros, tonight from Minute Maid Park. Obviously, nothing is guaranteed in this game, but this would seem to be a nice chance for the Nats to rattle off a few wins and put a little more distance between themselves and their National League competition. The Astros have gone just 2-17 in their last 19 games, a stretch which included a 12-game losing streak. They did take one of their three games against the Braves...

With another left-hander facing them tonight, the Orioles are going with their right-handed lineup for the series opener against the Mariners at Camden Yards. Robert Andino starts at third base and Lew Ford starts in left field. However, Chris Davis will serve as the designated hitter. For the Orioles: Nick Markakis RF Robert Andino 3B J.J. Hardy SS Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Chris Davis DH Lew Ford LF Mark Reynolds 1B Omar Quintanilla 2B Chris Tillman RHP For the Mariners: Dustin Ackley...

In addition to the news that the Nationals picked up veteran middle infielder Cesar Izturis today, the team also announced the signing of four international free agents: right-handed pitcher Ramses Rosario and outfielders Aldrem Corredor, Darryl Florentino and Luis Guzman. Rosario, Corredor and Florentino are all listed as 16 years old. No age was announced for Guzman. Rosario checks in at 6-foot-3, 175 lbs. and is a native of Venezuela. The Nats feel he has "advanced pitching instincts and...