Mixed bag for Matusz

By Steve Melewski

Orioles

July 24, 2010, 5:08pm

Comments

Well, this was a better outing for lefty Brian Matusz. Not good, but better. After giving up 10 ER in just 4 2/3 over his past two starts, tonight he gave up six hits and three runs over five innings. Matusz's velocity seemed to be up over his last outing and he hit 91 and 92 on the gun, more Matusz- like. But his control abandoned him at the start as he walked three of the first four hitters to load the bases. But he gave up just one run that inning and did a very good job of minimizing that mess. He allowed a two-run homer to Delmon Young in the fifth, or this game would have looked much better for him. Minnesota went 0 for 6 against him with runners in scoring position as he made some big pitches and got some big outs. Still, with the early walks and five strikeouts, his pitch count soared to 96 over five frames. I think this gives him something to build on and should quiet any talk (there was very little) about him going back to the minors. I don't think anyone in management feels that way, as far as I can tell.