It won't get any easier with Hudson

Think the Orioles had problems at the plate last night? Now they have to deal with Braves right-hander Tim Hudson, who's 9-2 with a 2.53 ERA in 11 career starts against them. Hudson's allowed 64 hits in 74 2/3 innings, with 19 walks and 45 strikeouts. The Orioles are hitting .232 against him. This season, Hudson is 6-6 with a 3.51 ERA, 24 walks and 70 strikeouts. Hudson hasn't allowed an earned run in his last two starts covering 14 innings, with four walks and 16 strikeouts. He's given up four runs in his last four starts and 24 innings, with five walks and 24 strikeouts. He's surrendered only one home run. He's due for a bad game. Derrek Lee is 4-for-13 with a homer and three RBIs lifetime against Hudson. Nick Markakis is 2-for-2. Jeremy Guthrie gave the Orioles their second quality start in the last 14 games. Jake Arrieta will try to spoil them more tonight. Arrieta hasn't pitched since June 20 because of inflammation in his right elbow and the Orioles' decision to push him back to tonight. They scheduled an extra bullpen session for him on Wednesday, rather than give him the start against the Cardinals at Camden Yards. Arrieta has allowed three earned runs or fewer in four consecutive starts, five of six and 13 of 16.