Tonight's attendance: 15,740 Remember when Jake Arrieta gave up those six runs and six hits against the Nationals in only 3 2/3 innings? Ancient history. Arrieta turned in his eighth quality start tonight, holding the Royals to a two-run homer from Melky Cabrera over six innings. Jim Johnson has replaced him in the seventh. Arrieta allowed five hits, walked three and struck out seven. He threw 106 pitches, 66 for strikes. That's not real sharp, but it's the eighth time in 11 starts...

The positive spin on Jake Arrieta after two innings is he hasn't allowed a run. Keep in mind that the Nationals abused him for six runs in 3 2/3 innings in his last start, so tonight's early returns are encouraging. However, each positive spin must also include a negative spin. Says so right here in the "spin" handbook. Arrieta has thrown 46 pitches, 23 for strikes. That's a lot of pitches for two innings. Arrieta hasn't given up a hit, but he's walked two batters. That's negative....

Here's a sampler platter from manager Buck Showalter's pregame session with the media. Napkins are optional. A cold beverage is recommended. On the AL East standings: "I see us three games out in the loss column. I think it's the only division with four teams .500 or better. I think it's that time of year where most teams start kind of seeking their level and separation starts happening one way or the other. I look at it from our perspective more than anything. I'd much rather be...

Orioles catcher Matt Wieters began this season going 7-for-7 when batting with runners in scoring position. While he wasn't going to keep hitting 1.000 in those clutch spots, he is still batting over .500 with RISP and the team is now 46 games into the season. Wieters is hitting .576 on the year at 19-for-33 with RISP. He has five doubles, three homers and 25 of his 26 RBIs in those spots. He is easily the American League's top hitter with RISP. So what is the key to hitting well in clutch...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter sent Robert Andino to the plate in the fifth inning last night with instructions to bunt a strike. The Orioles trailed by two runs and had two runners on base with no outs after back-to-back walks from Royals starter Danny Duffy. Andino offered at the first pitch, a high fastball, and popped it up for a double play. The bunt made perfect sense with the tying runs on base and no outs, but Andino wasn't supposed to go after a pitch out of the strike zone. And he...

For the Orioles: Felix Pie LF Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Vladimir Guerrero DH Matt Wieters C Luke Scott 1B Mark Reynolds 3B J.J. Hardy SS Ryan Adams 2B Jake Arrieta RHP Catcher Craig Tatum is expected to be recalled before the Orioles fly out to Oakland following tomorrow afternoon's game. You can speculate on the corresponding roster move. Brandon Snyder is a strong candidate because Scott and Jake Fox can play first base in Derrek Lee's absence. Tatum could be recalled in time to...

One thing that has been pretty true about how this Orioles season has gone is this observation. Just when you think you may have a handle on how the O's are playing, it will usually change. They began the year going 6-1 and fans were fired up by that start. They then proceeded to lose eight in a row. In late April, the Orioles won five of six against Boston and Chicago. They then lost six of seven. That was followed by a three-game sweep against Seattle and a series win on the road versus...

The Orioles are fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated military personnel throughout the region, and the organization is grateful for all of those who risk their lives each day for our country. In that spirit, as we approach Memorial Day, the club is proud to announce support for military members and their families through a variety of exclusive ticket offers, suite donations and special gameday activities. ORIOLES MILITARY APPRECIATION PROGRAM TICKET DISCOUNTS AT EVERY GAME: The Orioles...

The Colorado Rockies lost left-hander Jorge De La Rosa to a torn ligament in his elbow Tuesday. He will have to undergo Tommy John ligament replacement surgery and will be out for at least one year. With starting pitcher Jason Marquis having a very consistent start for the Nationals this season, his stock will not be any higher at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Washington could be able to cash in if they want to go after some solid leadoff prospects in the Colorado farm system. The...

The news came out yesterday, not long after I wrote this story about concern over the future for the Single-A Frederick Keys. The City of Frederick yesterday selected the Keys over an Atlantic League team to negotiate a new lease with to play in Harry Grove Stadium starting next year. This comes as great news and should mean the Keys, who have played as an Orioles' affiliate in Frederick since 1989, should continue there and remain aligned with the Orioles - hopefully for many, many years to...