Orioles hoping to cap off series with gnome win

We've got the Orioles vs. the Indians and the caps vs. the gnomes. Choose your sides.

(I issued that same challenge to Sidney Ponson and he replied, "Mac and cheese and curley fries.")

Two games and two giveaways at Camden Yards. It feels like Christmas without the tinsel and crippling debt.

Adam Jones could return to the lineup today after throwing on back-to-back days to test his right shoulder. He must have felt good if he played catch again yesterday. He just needs to show up this morning without any soreness and restrictions.

The Orioles are facing Trevor Bauer in Game 1. He's 6-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 14 starts this season. His 41 walks in 84 innings lead the American League.

Captain Obvious says, "Make him throw strikes."

Bauer has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six of his last eight starts. However, he surrendered six runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Mariners on June 10 and seven runs and nine hits in three innings against the Tigers in his last outing.

In Bauer's only career start against the Orioles on May 25, 2014, he allowed four runs and six hits over 4 1/3 innings at Camden Yards. Bauer struck out eight, but he also surrendered home runs to Manny Machado and Nelson Cruz in the fifth.

Steve Pearce is 2-for-2 against Bauer.

Ubaldo Jimenez went 26-30 with a 4.45 ERA in three seasons with the Indians before signing with the Orioles. He's won three consecutive starts for the first time since coming to Baltimore.

Jimenez's streak began after a no-decision in Cleveland on June 6, when he allowed one run and six hits over five innings, but also walked six batters. He's 0-2 with an 8.10 ERA in three career starts against the Indians, with 12 runs, 15 hits, 14 walks and 13 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings.

Brandon Moss is 5-for-13 with a home run against Jimenez.

The Orioles are 1 1/2 games out of first place after the Rays' 4-1 win yesterday over the Red Sox.