Millwood: Overdue and underperforming

The question comes up every fifth or sixth day: Will Kevin Millwood finally get his first win? He won't bring much momentum into his latest attempt. We know about the lack of run support. He's received 44 in 14 starts, and the Orioles have scored just 24 while he was in those games. They've totaled 17 in his last 11 outings while he's been on the mound. But Millwood isn't in the midst of the longest losing streak of his career, eight games, simply because the offense keeps bailing on him. In his last four starts (all losses), Millwood has allowed 37 hits and 11 walks in 22 2/3 innings. His 9.53 ERA since May 28 is the highest in the majors, along with his four losses and 24 earned runs allowed. Millwood has failed to make it through the sixth in three consecutive starts, giving up 20 earned runs and 31 hits, with 10 walks, in 16 2/3 innings. The first inning keeps jumping up to bite him. He's allowed 15 runs in the opening frame in his last five starts after not surrendering one in his first nine games. Now for a positive trend: Millwood is 6-1 with a 2.95 ERA in 14 career starts against the Padres. He's 2-0 with a 3.78 ERA in six starts in San Diego. He's carrying a five-game winning streak against the Padres. Maybe this is the night that Millwood finally gets his first win. Maybe this is the night that the offense finally erupts for him - against a left-hander, Clayton Richard, with a 2.71 ERA. Well...maybe. At least you won't have to stay up as late to find out. First pitch is slated for 8:35 p.m. EST.