Looking ahead to tonight (w/update)

We've discussed the Orioles' failings with runners in scoring position. I just hope they can get some runners on base tonight. Tigers starter Max Scherzer has allowed two earned runs and struck out 23 in his last three starts covering 20 2/3 innings, and he's won his last four starts at home. Scherzer struck out 14 batters in 5 2/3 innings in a May 30 start against Oakland. That's 14 of his 17 outs coming on strikeouts. Nice percentage. The current Orioles are a combined 2-for-10 lifetime against him, with Miguel Tejada owning both hits in seven at-bats. Corey Patterson is 0-for-2 and Cesar Izturis is 0-for-1. Would anyone like to see Felix Pie move up to second in the order behind Patterson, or even take over the leadoff role? Does he really need to be eased into it? Brad Bergesen is 1-3 with a 7.03 ERA in five road starts, but he held the Red Sox to three runs in 7 2/3 innings on Friday and deserved a better fate. The Tigers optioned Armando Galarraga to Triple-A Toledo after last night's game so they could add another reliever, right-hander Robbie Weinhardt, to their fried bullpen. Galarraga is expected to rejoin the Tigers on July 20. He can entertain his Mud Hens teammates with the tale of his near-perfect game. Left-hander Troy Patton is on the hill again today for Triple-A Norfolk. Patton has posted a 2.88 ERA (13 earned runs in 40 2/3 innings) over his last seven outings. He's held opposing batters to a .225 average. Rhyne Hughes extended his hitting streak to nine games last night. He's batting .351 (13-for-37) with three home runs, five RBIs and nine runs scored during that stretch. Over his last 19 games, Jeff Salazar has hit .311 (23-for-74) with five homers and 14 RBIs. But he's day-to-day after fouling a ball off his foot during Monday's game, when he was removed in the sixth inning as a precaution. Probably no surprise that Single-A Frederick pitcher Nathan Moreau has been named the Carolina League's Pitcher of the Week after no-hitting Salem on June 30.