Michael Gonzalez recorded his first save tonight since the third game of the 2010 season at Tropicana Field. Yes, it's been that long. Ending a nine-game losing streak is never easy. So what was it like for manager Buck Showalter to watch a starting pitcher throw strikes, go seven innings and give his team a chance to win? "Kind of reminds you of the formula," he said. "Obviously, Alfredo (Simon) was really good. Most innings, he's been. Pretty close to his pitch count. We were going...

The Orioles announced after tonight's game that they have optioned left-hander Pedro Viola to Double-A Bowie. Viola has appeared in four games for the Orioles and pitched to a 9.82 ERA (3.2IP, 4ER). A corresponding roster move will be announced tomorrow.

Right-hander Brad Peacock took the loss in his debut for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs on Saturday night. He got roughed up a bit in the first inning against Lehigh Valley, allowing two homers, one a three-run shot, in a five-run initial frame. Lehigh Valley won the game 8-6. Peacock was left in and made it to the fifth inning. He posted zeroes in innings two through four. He then allowed a one-out single, hit a batter and was replaced. Zech Zinicola later gave up a three-run home run....

Why wait until tomorrow when you can announce your roster moves tonight? The Orioles placed Vladimir Guerrero on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 11, and optioned left-hander Pedro Viola to Double-A Bowie. Outfielder Matt Angle and left-hander Troy Patton have been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and will be in uniform tomorrow afternoon. Patton will be used in long and middle relief. There are no current plans to place him in the rotation.

The Orioles needed a good starting pitching effort in the worst way and got one tonight from Alfredo Simon. They also needed a win in the worst way and got one as well. Nick Markakis hit a solo homer in the last of the sixth to break a 2-2 tie as the Orioles beat Cleveland 6-5 in front of 24,835 at Camden Yards to end a nine-game losing streak. Markakis added two doubles for a three extra-base hit game after not having an extra-base hit during his previous nine games. Markakis is batting...

Tonight's attendance: 24,835 Alfredo Simon became the second Orioles pitcher to complete seven innings in the last 29 games dating back to June 12. And he's in line for the win. It all starts with starting pitching. Simon allowed two runs and three hits, walked one and struck out five. He threw 79 pitches, 56 for strikes, before Koji Uehara replaced him to begin the eighth. This is Simon's longest outing since Sept. 23, 2008. He'll leave the team tomorrow night and fly to the Dominican...

Alfredo Simon is pitching a good one for the Orioles tonight. Probably don't need to remind any O's fan how badly needed this is - and has been. He has a 3-2 lead on the Indians through six and a half frames. He has allowed just three hits and two runs through seven innings. The O's have had just one pitcher go seven innings over the last 29 games. Oriole starting pitchers' ERA: 9.90 - in Cleveland series 13.08 - in last six games starting with Boston series 9.60 - in last 18 games,...

Alfredo Simon lost his shutout and the lead, but he got through the sixth inning, which is cause for celebration. I'm thinking about a parade down Pratt Street. Bring your own confetti. The Indians scored twice in the sixth on Michael Brantley's double, and Simon needed a diving stop by first baseman Derrek Lee and Adam Jones' catch at the center field fence to avoid further damage. Simon is only the third starter to get through six innings in the last 19 games. Jeremy Guthrie is the...

Alfredo Simon has retired the first nine batters he's faced tonight, striking out two in the third inning. He fanned Ezequiel Carrera on a 94 mph fastball. J.J. Hardy celebrated his contract extension, which becomes official after he passes his physical, by leading off the bottom of the first with a double, hustling to third base on Nick Markakis' fly ball to left field, and scoring on Adam Jones' fly ball to center. Orioles 1, Indians 0. Markakis was asked earlier today about Hardy's...

Triple-A Norfolk outfielder Matt Angle, a seventh-round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2007, has left the Tides and is heading to Camden Yards. Angle, 25, could be officially recalled as a roster replacement for Vladimir Guerrero, who is expected to be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured bone in his right hand. Guerrero was in manager Buck Showalter's office with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail shortly before 6 p.m. The Orioles also will have an opening on...