Brian Matusz held the Mets to two runs and four hits over his first seven innings. He didn't issue a walk. He retired 18 of the last 21 batters he faced. So why is Matusz staring at his seventh consecutive defeat? Julio Lugo couldn't turn a critical double play in the sixth as the tie-breaking run scored. And the Orioles didn't get the memo about Mets left-hander Hisanori Takahashi struggling badly in his last two starts and being on the verge of losing his spot in the rotation. Matusz...

The Indians media relations report they have sold more than 10,000 tickets than usual for Sunday's series finale with Nats rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg taking on David Huff. The Tribe are expecting 28,000 to 30,000 for Sunday's game at Progressive Field, which would almost double their normal gate. Indians are averaging a little over 15,000 per game at home. There also has been an additional 50 media credential requests which means the press box is expected to be filled to capacity. ...

Julio Lugo just handed the New York Mets the lead in the top of the sixth inning. With runners on first and third and one out in a 1-1 tie game, David Wright hit a grounder right back to the mound. Brian Matusz threw to second base for one out and Lugo, who had all the time in the world to make a relay throw for an easy, inning-ending double play, threw high to first base. Ty Wigginton had to leap to catch the throw and landed on the bag the same time as Wright as the go-ahead run...

The reports of Mets pitcher Hisanori Takahashi being a slow worker weren't exaggerated. It's like watching Steve Trachsel on Quaaludes. Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" was playing over the PA system between innings, and a few of us started singing, "Taka Takahasi." Very mature, I know. We're still tied, 1-1, heading to the top of the fifth. The Orioles tried to play little ball to push across the go-ahead run in the third, with Corey Patterson laying down a sacrifice bunt after Cesar...

Cleveland, OH -- Nats 2B Adam Kennedy made a bad throw to second base and Cristian Guzman in the bottom of the 1st inning for his 2nd error of the series and 8th error of the season in 58 games. The Indians scored a batter later on a sacrifice fly to take the lead 1-0 in the 1st. Jim Riggleman had said before the game he wanted to get Willie Harris and Kennedy at-bats so they can remain consistent in the field. Ian Desmond gets the the night off, but available for pinch hitting and...

Jose Reyes began tonight's game with the 15th leadoff home run of his career, and the first against the Orioles this season. Reyes drove a 91 mph fastball over the fence in left-center field to give the Mets an early lead. Brian Matusz has surrendered at least one home run in his last five starts. He gave up only two in his first eight starts. Corey Patterson tried to duplicate Reyes' at-bat, but he settled for a double off the out-of-town scoreboard in right. He also climbed up the back...

When a pitcher has a record of 0-9 and ERA of 6.23, it seems it would be hard to find some progress that pitcher is making. Those are Brandon Erbe's numbers right now for Triple-A Norfolk. While Erbe has made two starts without giving up a run since May 13th, he has also allowed four runs or more in four of his last five starts. Despite the numbers, Norfolk pitching coach Mike Griffin remains upbeat about Erbe and his progress. "Brandon is learning how to pitch at this level. Brandon,...

Despite scoring just one run last night, the O's offense may be showing some signs of life on Juan Samuel's watch. Over the last five games, the Orioles have produced 53 hits and a team batting average of .291. They have as many sac bunts, five, since Samuel was named interim manger, as they had up until then. In the first 54 games, they stole 18 bases and the O's have stolen four over the last two games and seven in seven games with Samuel, with just one caught stealing. A major...

Alfredo Simon is expected to arrive in Baltimore later today after rehabbing his injured left hamstring in Sarasota. Simon could throw a simulated game tomorrow if pitching coach Rick Kranitz wants to see him face left-handers and right-handers. But he isn't dealing with an arm injury, so the Orioles might decide to skip it. Interim manager Juan Samuel isn't sure whether Simon will come off the disabled list Monday. The club would have to make a corresponding roster move. Koji Uehara is...

The Frederick Keys can wrap up the Northern Division first half title in the Carolina League tonight with a win at home over Salem or a Wilmington loss. The Keys magic number is now down to one. The Keys lost to Salem 8-5 last night, but their number to clinch dropped from two to one with Wilmington's loss. Frederick is looking for its fifth first half title in its 22-year history. The Keys last playoff berth was in 2007 when they won the Carolina League championship. Rick Zagone,...