Five days ago, Edwin Jackson tossed a complete-game gem, allowing one run on two hits with nine strikeouts. Yeah, things haven't gone quite that smoothly so far this outing. Jackson got lit up in the first inning tonight, allowing six straight hits and five runs. Remarkably, three of Houston's six hits were triples, marking the first time in Astros history they've recorded three triples in an inning. It also ties an Astros record for most triples in a single game. Jackson was able to...

If someone told you at the start of this road trip that the Orioles would split their 10 games in Toronto, Chicago and Anaheim, I'm guessing that most of you would have taken it. Well, 5-5 is the worst that the Orioles can do with three games remaining against the Angels, and they're not going to be satisfied with .500. The Orioles have played two road series and won both of them, taking two of three games from the Blue Jays and three of four from the White Sox. They didn't win their...

Five days ago, Edwin Jackson tossed a complete-game gem, allowing one run on two hits with nine strikeouts. Yeah, things haven't gone quite that smoothly so far this outing. Jackson got lit up in the first inning tonight, allowing six straight hits and five runs. Remarkably, three of Houston's six hits were triples, marking the first time in Astros history they've recorded three triples in an inning. It also ties an Astros record for most triples in a single game. Jackson was able to...

When Bryce Harper was demoted to minor league camp back in spring training, he joked that it was probably for the best. Harper's rationale was that had he made the Nationals out of spring, when - not if - he started slow, people would've been all over him. The basis for that wisecrack was that Harper has struggled early on at literally every new level of ball that he's reached. It happened at the College of Southern Nevada, it happened at his professional stop at the Arizona Fall League,...

The Nationals started Tyler Moore in left field again Thursday night for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs. It was his second career game in the outfield after playing first base exclusively. Moore made one catch Monday with no problems and general manager Mike Rizzo said the 25-year-old will continue to see time in the outfield this season. "He just started working out in the outfield," Rizzo said. "We've got our outfield coordinator, Tony Tarasco, kind of putting him through the paces. He's...

CHICAGO - I'm heading to the airport shortly for my flight back to Baltimore, where it better be warmer. But first, here are some quotes from Jim Johnson, Pedro Strop and Adam Jones. Johnson: On the late drama: "You said it. I wasn't trying to make it as dramatic as it was, but it's good to get three out of four here. We want to keep it going." On getting his sixth save: "It's just the way the game's being played. We're battling. We're had a lot of close games this whole road trip....

CHICAGO - Orioles manager Buck Showalter thought starter Jason Hammel had "good stuff" today in the Orioles' 5-3 victory at U.S. Cellular Field. It wasn't always easy for Hammel, but he made it through the sixth and held the White Sox to two runs while also tying his career high with 10 strikeouts. Gary Thorne catches up with Buck Showalter following the Birds' 5-3 win over the White Sox "We elongated an inning behind him today with the wild pitch, couple other things that got his...

In his pregame session with reporters, Davey Johnson was asked what he thinks of Steve Lombardozzi's defensive play at shortstop. "He's adequate. I've had a lot worse out there," Johnson said. Quite a ringing endorsement for the guy who will be Johnson's starting shortstop tonight. Ian Desmond gets a breather tonight, as Lombardozzi will hit leadoff and play short. The last time Lombardozzi started a game, he went 4-for-5 with two RBIs in Monday's win over the Astros. While Desmond...

It got shaky there in the last of the ninth but the Orioles won another close one today, beating Chicago 5-3 to improve to 8-5 on the season. The White Sox loaded the bases against Jim Johnson in the last of the ninth, but he fanned Alex Rios to end the game and strand the bases loaded. Johnson is now six for six in saves this year and has recorded 14 consecutive saves dating to last August. Last year the Orioles won just five road series all season. After this win today, they are now 2-0 in...

CHICAGO - Pedro Strop allowed a run in the bottom of the eighth on a leadoff walk to Paul Konerko, Alex Rios' double and Alexei Ramirez's ground ball. Strop struck out Dayan Viciedo and Tyler Flowers, and the Orioles are taking a 5-3 lead into the ninth. Strop's fastball reached 99 mph. Jim Johnson is getting ready in the bullpen. He's converted 13 straight save opportunities. And no, I'm not trying to jinx him. Nick Johnson drove in his first run today with a grounder, but he's...