Guthrie's turn at the plate

Not to put any pressure on Jeremy Guthrie tonight, but besides pitching for the first time since straining a muscle in his back, he also is expected to produce at least one hit. Orioles pitchers are a combined 4-for-9 (.444) with a double and two RBIs. Jake Arrieta recorded his first major league hit last night, Chris Jakubauskas had his first two hits Sunday at Washington and Zach Britton recorded his first hit Friday. Guthrie is 1-for-17 in his career. If you remember his double off Washington's Sean Bergmann on June 29, 2008, you've really been paying attention. The Orioles have scored 21 runs and collected 54 hits in their last four games. The 54 hits are the most in a four-game span this year. In those four games, the opposing starters have a 7.85 ERA and have allowed 38 hits in 18 1/3 innings. In the last two games, the opposing starters have a 13.49 ERA with 18 hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings. Mark Reynolds is batting .389 with three doubles, four homers and eight RBIs in his last 12 games. He's also drawn 10 walks. Nick Markakis has hit in 11 straight games, going 20-for-50 (.400) with three doubles, a homer, seven RBIs and five runs scored. The Orioles are 7-1 when J.J. Hardy hits a home run. Hardy is batting .347 (17-for-49) in the leadoff spot, with five doubles, four homers and seven RBIs. He's reached safely in 25 of his 27 games since May 21, batting .340 with eight doubles, six homers, 14 RBIs and 18 runs scored. He has a .405 on-base percentage and a .592 slugging percentage in those 27 games. The Orioles have reached agreement on contracts with the following draft picks: Pitcher Mike Wright (third round), left-hander Matt Taylor (fifth), left-hander Trent Howard (seventh), catcher Adam Davis (11th), left-hander Dustin Ward (19th), catcher Cameron Edman (29th), left-hander Zach Fowler (34th) and second baseman Jerome Pena (38th).