Orioles finally take the lead

Orioles finally take the lead
Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann had retired 13 straight batters before Nick Markakis led off the seventh inning with a single into right field. Vladimir Guerrero followed with a two-run homer on an 0-2 pitch, his fifth of the season. Orioles 2, Nationals 1. Guerrero pumped his fist as he approached first base, and he pointed to the sky before crossing home plate. Guerrero had lined out and flied out before batting in the seventh, giving the Orioles the lead and improving his average to...
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Tillman's pitch count rising (updated twice)

Tillman's pitch count rising (updated twice)
It's happening again. Chris Tillman has held the Nationals to one run over four innings, but he's thrown 86 pitches and manager Buck Showalter had Jeremy Accardo warming in the bullpen. Tillman hasn't posted a clean inning among the four. He's given up five hits, walked two and hit a batter. The Nationals loaded the bases with one out in the fourth on a double, walk and HBP. Ivan Rodriguez flied to right for the second out, with Jayson Werth holding at third base after Nick Markakis'...
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This and that

This and that
Chris Tillman's pitch count jumped to 34 after two innings, including 11 to Danny Espinosa to end the second. Espinosa fouled off five straight pitches before taking a third strike. Catcher Matt Wieters threw out Michael Morse attempting to steal second base to complete the double play. Tillman fell behind, 3-0, to Espinosa, so it was an impressive battle. Second baseman Brian Roberts will be examined by another concussion specialist Tuesday in Pittsburgh, in case there were any lingering...
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Tillman catches early break

Tillman catches early break
The Nationals could be leading, 1-0, after the top of the first inning, but plate umpire Todd Tichenor ruled that Roger Bernadina was out of the batter's box while laying down a bunt on the second pitch of the game. Bernadina reached on an apparent single before being ruled out. Nationals manager Jim Riggleman earned an ejection from Tichenor, and I'm sure his mood didn't improve when Ian Desmond followed with a double to center field. Bernadina most likely would have scored on the...
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Matusz waiting to find out where he'll pitch (updated)

Matusz waiting to find out where he'll pitch (updated)
Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz and bullpen coach Rick Adair are meeting with manager Buck Showalter this morning to discuss the left-hander's outing last night at Double-A Bowie and where he'll make his next start. Matusz allowed three hits in six scoreless innings against Erie, but he wasn't completely satisfied. "It was good. I had good results yesterday," he said. "I was able to make good pitches. I didn't have the best feel for all my stuff. I didn't feel like it was coming out of...
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Orioles and Nationals lineups

Orioles and Nationals lineups
For the Orioles: Felix Pie LF Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Vladimir Guerrero DH Matt Wieters C Luke Scott 1B Mark Reynolds 3B J.J. Hardy SS Robert Andino 2B Chris Tillman RHP For the Nationals: Bernadina CF Desmond SS Nix LF Werth RF Ramos DH Morse 1B Espinosa 2B Rodriguez C Cora 3B Zimmermann P
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Warming up some leftovers

Warming up some leftovers
Like you've never done it this late on a Saturday night. I'm not certain that it will happen, but the Orioles might reveal their plans for left-hander Brian Matusz before tomorrow's game against the Nationals. Matusz tossed six scoreless innings and threw 70 pitches tonight for Double-A Bowie, which you already know if you kept checking Steve Melewski's blog. He made the trip to Prince George's Stadium while I hung out at Camden Yards. The Orioles could activate Matusz and give him a...
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Guthrie gets first win since April 1

Guthrie gets first win since April 1
Left-hander Brian Matusz has held Erie to two hits over four scoreless innings tonight at Double-A Bowie. He's walked one and struck out none. I don't know if it qualified as a monkey on Jeremy Guthrie's back, or the weight of the world, but he should feel a bit lighter after today's 8-3 victory over the Nationals. Guthrie hadn't won since the season opener at Tropicana Field. It sure helps when a team scores runs for you. If you doubted it, well, here's your proof. "The team swung...
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Showalter speaks after 8-3 win

Showalter speaks after 8-3 win
Today's attendance: 33,107 The Orioles scored eight runs while Jeremy Guthrie was pitching? The world really is coming to an end. Asked whether he felt relief that the Orioles supported Guthrie today, manager Buck Showalter said, "Relief? No. I just wanted him to pitch well. It's kind of like, the extra off days. ... Any time you take a starting pitcher and change up his routine like we had to with him, that was somewhat a concern going into it, but he handled it well. He pitched real...
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No earned runs off Guthrie through fifth (and seventh)

No earned runs off Guthrie through fifth (and seventh)
You know all about Jeremy Guthrie's run support issues, but here's a reminder: Before today, the Orioles hadn't scored in Guthrie's last three starts while he was in the game, and in five of seven. He received the lowest run support of any American League starter at 1.70 per game. In his seven previous starts, the Orioles scored six runs while he was in the game. So what's happening today? The Orioles erupted for four runs in the bottom of the third to give him a 4-2 lead. He must be...
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Snyder error costly, Reimold HR, more pregame Showalter

Snyder error costly, Reimold HR, more pregame Showalter
I drew Shackleford in the Preakness pool. I know nothing about him except that his name reminds me of the N.C. State center with huge feet. Jeremy Guthrie is saddled with two unearned runs in the top of the third on first baseman Brandon Snyder's two-out error. Snyder backed up on Laynce Nix's bouncer, allowing the ball to play him, and it deflected off his body and rolled past him. Jerry Hairston Jr. and Ian Desmond raced home. Nationals starter John Lannan retired the first six Orioles...
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Showalter pregame quotes

Showalter pregame quotes
Bench coach Willie Randolph is coaching third base today. John Russell had a cortisone injection in his knee. I don't mean to bombard you with blog entries on this sunny day, when you're attention is divided evenly between baseball, the Preakness and the end of the world, but here are some pregame comments from manager Buck Showalter. On how he's not concerned whether Simon will be focused on baseball: "No, I don't have that concern at this point. I think he's ready to go. He's been...
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Simon talks about his return, Lee says little

Simon talks about his return, Lee says little
I'll start with Derrek Lee, since it's the shortest transcription. Lee is clearly frustrated that he's on the disabled list. Can't say that I blame him after dealing with thumb, wrist and foot questions in spring training. A strained oblique is the cherry on top of his melted sundae. Reporters got their first chance to talk to Lee today since he went on the disabled list. He was nice enough to grant an interview and he remained courteous as always, but anyone who's had contact with him...
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Roberts: "It's certainly concerning"

Roberts: "It's certainly concerning"
Second baseman Brian Roberts is eligible to come off the disabled list on Tuesday, but he hasn't started baseball-related activities and the headaches haven't completely gone away. They're not as persistent or intense, but he retains some of the same symptoms that he experienced during the final week of the 2010 season. In other words, don't look for him to be activated on Tuesday. Asked earlier today whether he could return on Tuesday, Roberts replied, "I'm not sure at this...
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Berken likely to start at Norfolk

Berken likely to start at Norfolk
Jason Berken could start for Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday against Louisville at Harbor Park. Berken needs to be stretched out. He's "too strong," according to manager Buck Showalter, who noted that Berken's fastball was 92-95 mph last night. Berken still projects as a reliever, but building up his pitches and innings would allow the Orioles to consider him for starts later this summer. Derrek Lee will need at-bats, either with affiliates or at extended spring training, before coming off...
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Reimold gets first start

Reimold gets first start
The Orioles will try to snap a four-game losing streak today with a 4:05 game against the Nationals. That's the starting time. I'm hoping it's not the time of game, especially with the world ending later today. By the way, even if the word ends, I'm still posting a blog entry in the morning. No worries. For the Orioles: Robert Andino 2B Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Vladimir Guerrero DH Matt Wieters C J.J. Hardy SS Mark Reynolds 3B Nolan Reimold LF Brandon Snyder 1B Jeremy...
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Is Simon the solution?

Is Simon the solution?
Good luck trying to memorize the 25-man roster. The Orioles keep changing it. Pitchers come and pitchers go - sometimes in one day. The right side of the infield is on the disabled list. The bullpen is on fire. It's become a daily game show at Camden Yards, and your next contestant hails from the Dominican Republic. Alfredo Simon is hoping not to return there for a while. Simon will be removed from the restricted list today and placed on the 25- and 40-man rosters. Infielder Cesar...
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Berken on Berken, Arrieta on Arrieta

Berken on Berken, Arrieta on Arrieta
Reliever Jason Berken, part of a bullpen that has allowed 22 earned runs in its last 22 1/3 innings over four games, met with the media tonight before the Orioles optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk. He spoke of having to "figure it out." He'll make that attempt against International League hitters. "It's just been up in the zone," he said. "It's been a problem for me as of late and it's going to be a problem for anybody. I've got to figure out why I've been up in the zone, I got to...
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Berken optioned, Showalter speaks

Berken optioned, Showalter speaks
Manager Buck Showalter said it's "very possible" that the Orioles make at least one roster move to aid their bullpen. It happened before I left the press box. The Orioles optioned reliever Jason Berken to Triple-A Norfolk after he allowed six runs in one inning. A corresponding move will be announced tomorrow, but you can expect Alfredo Simon to be removed from the restricted list and placed on the 25- and 40-man rosters. Buck Showalter meets with the media to talk about the O's 17-5...
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From bad to worse (updated)

From bad to worse (updated)
The Nationals have tied a franchise record with 15 runs tonight. I think the two-point conversion was just piling it on. Michael Gonzalez has surrendered two more home runs. On the plus side, he hasn't hit anybody. Manager Buck Showalter is trying to eject himself. Gonzalez has allowed runs in five straight appearances covering four innings. He's permitted 10 runs (six earned) and 10 hits, and served up three home runs. Hey, let's check the farm. Steve Johnson threw seven scoreless...
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