Jonathan Schoop on his recent RBI tear

With an RBI surge this week, the Orioles' Jonathan Schoop now ranks third in the American League RBI race. Nelson Cruz of Seattle is first with 75, Aaron Judge of New York is second with 73 and Schoop comes next at 69.

Schoop is on some hitting tear. He has now homered in three straight games and has an RBI in six straight games. He has had multiple RBIs in five straight games, recording 14 RBIs in those five games.

Over the current six-game stretch with at least one RBI, Schoop is 10-for-25 (.400) with three home runs and 15 RBIs. In the past six games he has driven in one, two, three, three, four and two runs.

Pretty special stuff for the Orioles 25-year-old All-Star second baseman.

"It feels good to get results, but you feel better if you win," Schoop said this morning. "If you go 0-for-4 and win, you feel better. But it feels good to go through a stretch like that. Staying focused and consistent were my main goals. Stay healthy and continue for my team.

"No, it doesn't surprise me. I believe in myself and know what I'm capable of doing. But I'm not big on numbers. My first year, J.J. (Hardy) talked with me about setting my goals. I try to be healthy, play hard every day, stay out there and win. The numbers will be there."

Schoop has hit third in the order now for 25 games. He's doing just fine in the middle of the order. Over 100 at-bats he's hitting .320 with seven homers, 24 RBIs and a .928 OPS.

"I just want to be in the lineup," he said. "When you first move up there you get excited a little bit, but I'm just happy I'm there. Every day I see my name there is an honor for me. Just happy I'm in there. It's not different. They still pitch me the same, you just get to bat quicker."

One thing that has helped Schoop take a step forward this year is chasing fewer pitches. Especially those down and low out of the strikezone. That was a focus this year, Schoop said - if it's low let it go.

"Me and Scott (Coolbaugh, hitting coach) talked about that since spring training. It is better for me to chase up than low this year. I told him I'm going to do better at that. I still swing at it some, but so far that is working," Schoop noted.