The excellent pitching to start the year by O's minor league clubs came to a halt tonight as Norfolk allowed 14 runs and Delmarva gave up 15. Durham had 20 hits in a 14-7 win over the Tides, who fall to 4-5. Norfolk starter Troy Patton lasted just one-third of an inning and 28 pitches. He gave up six hits and six runs, including two homers. Norfolk began the night with an ERA this year of 2.97 by its starters. Rhyne Hughes had a triple in four at bats to extend his batting streak to eight...

Any O's fan could probably recite the numbers. The Orioles are hitting just .135 this year (10 for 74) when batting with runners in scoring position. They are hitting just .028 (1 for 36) with runners in scoring positon and two outs. Here's the RISP stat breakdown by game and player: Game 1 at TB: 1 for 12, 10 left on base Game 2 at TB: 2 for 9, 7 left on base Game 3 at TB: 3 for 11, 8 left on base Game 4 vs. Tor: 2 for 8, 7 left on base Game 5 vs. Tor: 0 for 6, 7 left on base Game 6...

Anyone want to bat leadoff? The Orioles' decision to put Felix Pie on the disabled list this afternoon with a strained muscle in his upper back leaves them without two leadoff hitters. Pie joins second baseman Brian Roberts, who's supposed to fill that role on a full-time basis. I'd draw straws, except that's also the method I'd use to write out the entire lineup. Not very original. Adam Jones gets the call tonight, and it won't be the last time. If I'm Jones, I'd be a little...

For the Orioles: Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Miguel Tejada 3B Matt Wieters C Nolan Reimold DH Luke Scott LF Garrett Atkins 1B Ty Wigginton 2B Cesar Izturis SS Kevin Millwood RHP For the Athletics Rajai Davis CF Daric Barton 1B Ryan Sweeney RF Kevin Kouzmanoff 3B Eric Chavez DH Jake Fox C Gabe Gross LF Adam Rosales 2B Cliff Pennington SS Dallas Braden LHP

Nationals pitcher Scott Olsen pitched fairly well against the Phils in his first game in the majors since July 10th of last year. Olsen threw 91 pitches with 57 for strikes, went 5 2/3rd innings, allowed 5 hits, 4 earned runs, 3 walks and struck out 5 Phillies. Olsen told me he debuted a new pitch, the sinker, in that game, and had success throwing it. He says he feels comfortable with the grip and is excited to add it to his repertoire. Syracuse Chiefs pitching coach Greg Booker helped...

The Orioles four minor league affiliates are off to a combined 21 and 10 start. That is tied with Cleveland for the best combined minor league record in baseball right now. Norfolk: The Tides are 4-4 and have scored 15 runs in winning two in a row. Troy Patton pitches tonight at Durham. Josh Bell is hitting .214 and Brandon Snyder is at .200. Rhyne Hughes is 10 for 25 during a seven-game hitting streak. He's batting .400, 4th best in the league. Norfolk starters ERA is 2.97. Tides...

I recently had a chance to sit down with right-hander Brad Bergesen to talk about how his experiences from last season have translated to the mound this year and how looking back at a poor outing can help prepare Brad for his next start. We also touched on the overall success of the O's starting rotation, despite the team's struggles so far this season. Finally, watch the interview with Bergesen below to hear how the young Oriole knows which pitches will work best for him from one outing...

If you'd rather shield your eyes from the division standings, and it's like staring at the sun until you get a searing headache, I have a better race for you. Who is the greater source of frustration for manager Dave Trembley - Koji Uehara, Mike Gonzalez or Felix Pie? Uehara was limited to 12 starts last year because of hamstring and elbow injuries. The hamstring first became an issue in spring training. And his stamina was so poor, he'd break a sweat opening a bottled water. Now the...

The ESPN Zone in Baltimore's Inner Harbor has announced its summer schedule of Orioles activities, which include monthly player Q&As, a second annual Orioles Cook-off, another Battle of the Birds, and Brian's Baseball Bash. Each of the seven player Q&As will feature a current Oriole, and each round will be hosted by an O's broadcaster. Expect to learn a little more about some of your favorite Orioles, the chance to win Orioles tickets (by knowing your O's trivia!), and an autograph...

I'd say I don't remember a worse Orioles start ever, but I do. I remember 0 and 21 in 1988. I also remember the 1978 season when the Orioles were blown out in three straight games vs. Milwaukee. They were outscored 40 to 11 and Eddie Murray played third base. That didn't last long. Eddie at third or the losing. That team won 90 games. This team looks like it will lose 90. I don't think you could have dreamed up a worse start to the year. The team can't get a clutch hit, the...