Today's attendance: 33,919. Brian Matusz has turned in a quality start today by definition. He allowed three earned runs over six innings. But he gave up four total, and the Orioles are losing 4-2, in the top of the seventh. Matusz has served up two home runs among his seven hits - solo shots by Billy Butler in the first and Jeff Francoeur leading off the top of the sixth that broke a 2-2 tie. Alcides Escobar singled with one out and scored on Humberto Quintero's two-out double. Darren...

The Nationals lamented losing outfielder Erik Komatsu to the Cardinals in the Rule 5 draft at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, posturing that he was an important piece of organizational depth. Now, they might have another crack at reacquiring the 24-year-old, who came to Washington from the Brewers in exchange for utility man Jerry Hairston Jr., last July 30. This morning, the Twins designated Komatsu for assignment to open up a roster spot, meaning he will have to pass through waivers in order...

Matt Wieters' name was not in the original lineup that was posted today, but he was later added. We haven't heard yet exactly what changed that, but Wieters is out there for today's game with Kansas City. Backup catcher Ronny Paulino told reporters he was not hurt, so Wieters playing had nothing to do with Paulino or his status apparently. Right now, maybe Wieters just wants to get out there, realizing you can't get any hits on the bench. He is mired in quite a slump coming into today's...

Adam Jones received a nice ovation when he walked to the plate in the bottom of the first inning. He grounded to third base after Nick Markakis' double scored J.J. Hardy with the tying run. Jones overran Jeff Francoeur's leadoff single in the top of the second, putting the go-ahead run in scoring position. Francoeur scored on Mitch Maier's sacrifice bunt, giving the Royals a 2-1 lead. A ground ball and an error. Not exactly the way Jones wanted to celebrate his new contract. Must be all...

If today's Orioles game goes as well as the Adam Jones press conference, the O's have a great chance to get a win today. There were some very sincere and heartfelt comments made by Jones, O's vice president Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter. "This commitment by the Orioles reflects that Adam Jones is more than a fine player. He's a leader in our community, and he's a winner. He has heart and his work in the community makes clear that his heart is always in the right place....

The Orioles just concluded their press conference to announce center fielder Adam Jones' six-year contract extension. Among the highlights: Jones: "Everybody knows I'm not from Baltimore, but this is now my town." Executive vice president Dan Duquette: "The dude rang the cash register every time he hit a home run." Cha-ching! Jones: "I'm 26. I feel like the best years are ahead of me." Jones: "I'm glad it's over with, and we can all focus on baseball. We have a good team here,...

Ronny Paulino gets the start behind the plate today, with Matt Wieters resting after catching the first two games of this series. Wieters caught Brian Matusz's last start, the first time they were paired up since May 1. For the Orioles: Xavier Avery LF J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B Wilson Betemit 3B Nick Johnson DH Ronny Paulino C Robert Andino 2B Brian Matusz LHP Update: Forget what I wrote above. The lineup has changed, and Wieters' name is in it. Paulino...

Left-hander Brian Matusz has registered quality starts in his last two outings, and he'll go for three in a row this afternoon against the Royals. Matusz has allowed four runs and nine hits in his last 12 1/3 innings, with two walks and 11 strikeouts. He's permitted six earned runs in his last three starts and 18 innings. It's imperative that Matusz, who's 4-1 in May, continues to pitch effectively with left-hander Zach Britton perhaps coming off the disabled list after one more minor...

The Nationals have now won every series they have played against National League East opponents, currently 10-3 versus Atlanta (2-0), Philadelphia (4-2), Miami (2-0) and the N.Y. Mets (2-1). This is a good time to be playing well because the schedule is all within the division for two weeks. The Nationals are in the middle of 15 straight games against NL East combatants. After tonight's finale at Atlanta, they go to Miami for three games beginning Monday afternoon. Next week, the Nationals...

FREDERICK, Md - Frederick manager Orlando Gomez has been around baseball for many, many years but he admits that tonight's game was special as