In a Game 2 matchup for the best record in the American League, the Orioles took an early lead but didn't score again in a 13-1 loss to Texas. The Birds were held to four hits. The clubs split the doubleheader leaving Texas with the top record in the league at 7-1 while the O's fall to 6-2. Jake Arrieta, who entered with a 1-1 record and 1.38 ERA in two career starts vs. Texas, got knocked out of this game in the 4th inning. Texas scored six runs in the 3rd and added two more in the 4th...

According to Elias, the last Orioles starting pitcher to allow one run or fewer in his first two major league appearances and go at least 13 2/3 innings was - drum roll, please - Tom Phoebus in September 1966. Phoebus allowed no runs over 18 innings. Zach Britton has surrendered only one run in 13 2/3. Again, I find myself drifting back to Game 1. I'd settle for 1966. Or any September. Just get me out of here.

It's looking less likely that Chris Jakubauskas will make tomorrow's start against the Rangers. He's warmed up twice tonight, which seems to signal that Jeremy Guthrie will take the ball tomorrow. About five hours ago, Guthrie tweeted the following: "Seen some varying 'reports' on when I am pitching next. For the record I have been told by the skip it is still undecided. Stay tuned." Manager Buck Showalter dropped some strong hints to reporters that Jakubauskas would start tomorrow...

Jake Arrieta is charged with eight runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings, with two walks and five strikeouts. He threw 77 pitches, 50 for strikes. Arrieta's ERA jumps to 8.68. J.J. Hardy left the game after two innings with a strained left oblique muscle, an injury that usually leads to a stay on the disabled list. So much for that feel-good vibe from Game 1. Brian Roberts needed some assistance from assistant athletic trainer Brian Ebel after apparently getting some dirt in his eye, but he...

Manny Ramirez is one of the best right-handed hitters in history, but that's not how he's going to be remembered. Manny should be putting the finishing touches on a Hall of Fame career, but he's never going to have a plaque in Cooperstown. Ramirez has retired from the Rays after it was reported that Major League Baseball was suspending him for 100 games for violating the sport's drug policy. Ramirez has already served a 50-game suspension with the Dodgers for using steroids. Manny has a...

Passing along a few stats coming out of the O's game one win over Texas. The Orioles were 2-for-4 in the win when batting with runners in scoring position. Their team average in that stat actually increased from .421 to .429. The O's are 18-for-42 on the year with RISP. Mark Reynolds had two hits, including a three-run homer. He now has 6 RBI over his last two games and 8 on the year. He is now batting 5-for-7 on the season, an average of .714, with runners in scoring position. He has...

J.J. Hardy lasted one at-bat before coming out of Game 2. Hardy has been bothered by tightness in his lower left ribcage area. He appeared to be in pain after swinging at a pitch, and struck out looking to end the second inning. Robert Andino moved from left field to shortstop. Felix Pie took over in left. Hardy could be a candidate for the disabled list, though we might hear "day-to-day" after the game. Perhaps he'll sit out tomorrow's series finale and gain another day of rest on...

Zach Britton didn't get rattled on the mound today, and he kept the same composure in the interview room. Maybe he'll crack a smile later tonight. Britton was all business today, shutting out the Rangers on four hits over 7 2/3 innings. He must have left his nerves back in Clearwater. "I felt pretty good," he said. Is it getting easier? Zach Britton comments on his shutout performance as the Orioles defeat the Rangers, 5-0 "Yeah, definitely," he said. "Getting that first one out...

After his team suffered its first loss of the 2011 season after a 6-0 start, Texas manager Ron Washington said the O's just outplayed his squad in their 5-0 win in game one of a doubleheader. "We just got beat today," Washington said. "I wouldn't say we lost, I'd say they beat us. You lose it if you are out there throwing balls all around, but they beat us. "They got a big three-run bomb. Markakis got them on the board in the beginning and that young kid (Zach Britton), he made the...

Brian Roberts is staying in the lineup for Game 2. Robert Andino is starting in left field and Jake Fox is behind the plate. And J.J. Hardy is back at shortstop after being scratched Thursday night. For the Orioles: Brian Roberts 2B Nick Markakis RF Derrek Lee 1B Vladimir Guerrero DH Jake Fox C Adam Jones CF Mark Reynolds 3B Robert Andino LF J.J. Hardy SS Jake Arrieta RHP