Matusz with three scoreless for Bowie (another zero in fourth)

By Steve Melewski

Orioles

May 21, 2011, 3:13pm

Comments

BOWIE, Md. - Brian Matusz has pitched three shutout innings for Double-A Bowie against Erie tonight in his second injury rehab start. He has allowed just one hit and one walk so far. After a 1-2-3 first inning and a quick second where he gave up just a bunt single, Matusz got a double play ball to help him move quickly through the third inning. He issued a leadoff, five-pitch walk and then got No. 9 hitter Shawn Roof to hit into a 5-4-3 double play. Four pitches later, a groundout ended the top of the third. Matusz has thrown just 27 pitches so far, 17 for strikes. Matusz was hitting 84 and 86 on several of his pitches on the stadium radar gun here, which seemed a couple of ticks slow when I covered Alfredo Simon here recently. Bowie leads 1-0 in the last of the third. Update: Matusz has now shutout Erie on 39 pitches through four. He gave up a two-out double to left in the frame, but stranded the runner when he got a ground out to end the inning. Matusz has allowed just two hits and has thrown 23 pitches for strikes. He seems to be hitting around 86 with his velocity but has touched 88 and 89 with a pitch or two. Bowie still leading here 1-0 at PG Stadium.