Showalter speaks after 5-1 win in Game 1

The rain has let up and the tarp finally is coming off the field. Approximate start time for Game 2 is 8:55 p.m. Orioles manager Buck Showalter had a few minutes to meet with reporters before rushing back into the clubhouse to prepare for the nightcap. One of his favorites, Steve Pearce, went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in his first at-bats since April 13. Pearce has six career three-hit games on his resume. "Stevie gave us a real lift," Showalter said. "Made a couple nice plays at first, too. Stevie was a big contributor. Great example of players having an opportunity to decide where they want to play. He wants to play. We're thankful that he did." It was a strange week for Pearce, who was designated for assignment, placed on unconditional release waivers, refused a waiver claim by another team and re-signed with the Orioles. "I don't know if you'll ever see it again," Showalter said. "Maybe in Baltimore. They like playing here with each other. It's a testament to the culture those guys have created for each other. It's tough. Just like the move we're making now is tough. "It's unusual. It requires a lot of trust on the player's part." The move that Showalter referenced was outrighting reliever Josh Stinson to Triple-A Norfolk. Bud Norris improved to 2-2 with a 3.94 ERA after allowing one run over 5 1/3 innings. "When you're off six days like Bud is and was, and I'm sure their guys, too, and bullpen to pitch that well after that much time off, is a real testament to the work they put in during the rainouts and what have you," Showalter said. "This is weird, just strange. You play five day games in a row and then day, night, day, night, day, night, 11 a.m. game after night games, and then two rainouts, three days off. We had our All-Star break. "To come out and pitch that well, I wouldn't say it's surprising, but there's an excuse there if you're willing to use it." Like a 21-minute rain delay after the fourth inning. "Actually came out and was pretty sharp afterwards," Showalter said. "I know that's the cliché, but ... I think it was like 19 minutes from the time until he actually started throwing again on the mound. "Bud was good. Looked like early he was going to be forcing to get through five." Norris improved to 3-2 with a 4.82 ERA in 10 career interleague starts. The Orioles are 138-166 in interleague play since its inception in 1997. The Orioles improved to 4-5 in series openers, including 3-2 at home. Nick Markakis is batting .355 during an eight-game hitting streak, going 11-for-31 with a double, home run, five RBIs, six walks and six runs scored.