It's a thankless job, that of the long reliever. Tonight O's fans should thank Brian Bass for restoring order to this game. After Rich Hill left trailing 3-2 in the third, Bass came on and got out of that mess. He got Pena and Freel to strand two and keep the O's down one. They have since tied the game. Bass tonight pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings of four-hit ball. He had allowed 7ER in 8IP in July, but tonight he restored order to this game and the O's have a chance to win. If they...

Billy Butler had his first career five-hit game and added 3 RBI as Kansas City beat the Orioles 5-3 Monday night. It was game one of the series and a seven-game homestand. Butler was 5 for 5 with three singles, two doubles and two runs. The Royals broke a 3-3 tie in the top of the seventh. Butler led off with a double, his fourth hit of the night. He was on third with two outs when Brayan Pena hit a slow roller to third. He beat it out for an RBI infield hit and the lead. Dave Trembley...

After giving up three runs in just 2 1/3 innings tonight, Rich Hill told reporters he's been dealing with shoulder soreness throughout the season. "I don't know what to say really. I've been having some issues with the shoulder. We've been doing a good job of keeping the fire down a bit. Unfortunately it's something where I haven't been able to maintain any consistency. I haven't given help to this team. I apologize to the front office and the guys in this clubhouse. "It's not...

The Orioles have now lost six of the last seven games. They have scored a total of 21 runs in those games and are batting just .252 as a team with 16 extra-base hits in that stretch. They have scored four runs or less six times in the last seven games. Six of the Orioles last seven losses have been by one or two runs. Starter Rich Hill pitched just 2 1/3 innings tonight. He gave up four hits and three runs with three walks. He is 3-3, 7.80 on the year. After the game he told reporters he...

Game Preview Orioles (42-56) at Kansas City (39-59) The Orioles offense started to hit the skids beginning in the recent series at New York and that trend continued when the O's began a seven-game homestand Monday vs. Kansas City. The O's were held to three runs by Bruce Chen and two relievers in a 5-3 loss to the Royals. Over their last seven games, the O's have scored just 21 runs and are hitting .252 as a team. Six of the last seven Orioles' losses have been by two runs or...

Please use the form below to ask the Nats XTRA Team a question during today's broadcast. Keep in mind, this form is only for asking the broadcast team questions. To contact MASN regarding technical difficulties or customer service related questions, please visit our "Customer Service" page by clicking here.

Please use the form below to ask the Nats XTRA Team a question during today's broadcast. Keep in mind, this form is only for asking the broadcast team questions. To contact MASN regarding technical difficulties or customer service related questions, please visit our "Customer Service" page by clicking here.

It's one year later, late July and George Sherrill is again hearing his name mentioned in trade rumors. He says it's flattering, but that he would still prefer to stay an Oriole. "Same take as last year. I don't want to go anywhere, but that's not my call," Sherrill said. "If somebody is willing to give them something they feel they can rebuild with, that's a choice they are going to make. If I'm here, I'd love to be, if I'm not then I'll go help whoever. "It's flattering. ...

New O's closer Mike Gonzalez looked pretty relaxed at his locker just a few minutes ago. He handled his interview with a group of reporters probably better than his first two save chances. Just like the fans, he was relieved when Ben Zobrist's fly ball settled into Nick Markakisis' glove last night to end a shaky bottom of the ninth. Mike Gonzalez talks with the media about his two appearances this season "It's definitely a monkey off my back and a good feeling to be able finish the...

RHP Jason Berken (1-8, 6.55) tonight makes his 12th start of 2009, his 7th at home and the 1st of his career vs. the KC Royals. Berken won his Major League debut on May 26th vs. Toronto, but is 0-8 in ten starts since. The Orioles are just 2-9 in Berken's 11 starts, losing the last six. In six home starts, Berken is 1-4, 4.54 and the O's are 2-4 in those outings. In his last two starts, at Chicago and at New York, Berken is 0-2, 9.58. (11ER in 10 1/3IP). Right-handed batters hit .274...