For the fifth time since baseball returned to the nation's capital, Nationals players and coaches put on their tuxedos to raise money for the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation at the organization's annual gala. Held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the gala is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the foundation. "It really helps when they win because people are so much more enthusiastic about the team, so it's been nice," said Marla Lerner Tanenbaum,...

For the Orioles: Cesar Izturis SS Ty Wigginton 2B Nick Markakis RF Miguel Tejada 3B Matt Wieters C Luke Scott DH Adam Jones CF Garrett Atkins 1B Nolan Reimold LF Brian Matusz LHP For the Twins: Denard Span CF Nick Punto 3B Joe Mauer DH Justin Morneau 1B Michael Cuddyer RF Delmon Young LF Wilson Ramos C Brendan Harris SS Alexi Casilla 2B Nick Blackburn RHP

Rookie left-hander Brian Matusz has made four consecutive quality starts and leads AL rookies in strikeouts (31) and innings pitched (36.2), is third in wins (two) and fourth in ERA (3.93). Matusz has allowed just two extra-base hits to left-handed batters this year in 30 at-bats (homer and double by Robinson Cano on April 29). Opponents are batting .262 against him with eight extra-base hits (five doubles, a triple and two home runs). In his 14 major league starts, left-handed batters are...

I'm not sure if it's a distant relative of the famed reverse lock, but I'd qualify what happened yesterday as a "reverse split." I assumed the Twins would take Game 1 behind Francisco Liriano, and the Orioles would win Game 2 behind Kevin Millwood. Then I was reminded that the Orioles don't score runs for Millwood and his latest quality start would be wasted along with all the others. But it sure beats a sweep. Millwood allowed three earned runs in seven innings and Luke Scott showed...

Well, every time you think maybe the O's offense is coming to life, it doesn't happen. They could not follow up the seven run, 12-hit win over the Twins and Francisco Liriano on Saturday night. Scott Baker, who had pitched to an ERA of 7.56 over his previous three starts, shut down the O's in Minnesota's 6-1 win that split the doubleheader. Tonight he gave up just three hits over eight innings. Luke Scott's solo homer to right in the fifth snapped his 1 for 20 drought, providing the...

Reliever Jim Johnson has been placed on Triple-A Norfolk's disabled list due to right elbow inflammation. The move took place before last night's game. Pitcher Alberto Castillo, who was optioned to Triple-A from Baltimore, took Johnson's roster spot. Johnson was 1-1. 6.52 in ten games with the Orioles and had allowed 15 hits in 9 2/3 before being sent to Norfolk. He pitched one scoreless inning for the Tides, on May 4 vs. Scranton. That was his only Norfolk appearance before the DL...

Julio Lugo SS Nick Markakis RF Matt Wieters DH Miguel Tejada 3B Ty Wigginton 2B Luke Scott LF Adam Jones CF Rhyne Hughes 1B Craig Tatum C Kevin Millwood RHP

The Orioles are now 7-5 over the last 12 games after beating Minnesota 7-3 today in game one of a day/night doubleheader. They improve to 9-21 on the year, 2-3 on this road trip and 5-13 in road games on the season. A win tonight or tomorrow would give the Orioles just their second series victory of 2010. The O's overcame their 2-0, first-inning deficit to win and won for the first time this year (now 1-11) when their opponent scored first in the game. Gary and Eddie talk with Dave...

Jeremy Guthrie gave the Orioles' 6 2/3 innings in Game 1 of today's doubleheader, and he left with a 6-3 lead. Guthrie allowed five hits, walked one and struck out five. He out-pitched Francisco Liriano, and he came into today as the decided underdog in that matchup. The two home runs put me on edge, and the Twins were launching some monstrous foul balls, but Guthrie held them in check and turned in a quality start. A few readers wondered about the decrease in Guthrie's velocity. I...

It's one of the most difficult roles in baseball. Closers need a short memory, a lot of confidence, composure and nasty stuff. They must channel their adrenaline, turn it into a positive force and ultimately shut down the opponent. It's a unique role only suited to certain pitchers. One of those special players is Drew Storen, currently closing games for the Syracuse Chiefs. Storen's been effective and impressive since signing with the Nationals last June. After seven appearances with...