O's game blog: A look at the O's and the home run ball so far

We all know the Orioles offense is very reliant on the home run ball. That is clearly true through the small sample of the 19 games the team has played so far this year.

The simple stat of runs scored in relation to homers hit points that out. When the Orioles don't homer, they score fewer runs than when they hit one homer. When they hit two or more homers, they score even more. They also win more.

Here are the numbers:

* When the Orioles don't hit a home run, they have averaged just 2.0 runs per game this year, going 3-3.
* When the Orioles have hit one homer in a game, they average 4.0 runs per game with a 3-3 record.
* When they hit two or more homers, they are scoring on average 6.6 runs per game and are 5-2.

The Orioles did not homer in any of the last three games, losing all three and scoring a total of two runs on 18 hits. The O's head into the series finale tonight at Tampa Bay without a home run over their last 34 innings.

With losses in eight of the 12 games since their 7-0 start, they take an 11-8 record into tonight's game against the Rays. They lead the American League now by just a half game over Boston. Tampa is 1 1/2 out, Toronto 2 1/2 back and New York is three games out. The AL East is the most tightly bunched division in the majors right now from first to last.

O's starters have allowed four runs over 11 innings in this series. Ubaldo Jimenez gave the team its fourth quality start last night. Tonight, Chris Tillman (1-1, 4.42 ERA) pitches against left-hander Matt Moore (1-1, 3.60 ERA).

Tillman gave up two runs and four hits over six innings in his last start versus Toronto. Left-handed batters have hit .290 against him while right-handed hitters bat .216. Leadoff batters of each inning are hitting .412 against Tillman.

Moore allowed four runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 Friday against the Yankees. It was the most hits and runs he has given up since Sept. 12. In 25 innings over four starts, he has walked five and fanned 26 batters.

Moore, who returned last July from Tommy John surgery, has made 10 career appearances (nine starts) against Baltimore. He is 4-4 with a 3.83 ERA and has allowed two earned runs or less in seven of the nine starts.

On the farm today, Triple-A Norfolk added right-hander David Hale and infielder Ryan Flaherty, who was optioned by the Orioles. Infielder Garabez Rosa was assigned to Double-A Bowie. Right-handed pitcher Terry Doyle was released.

Just last year, the 30-year-old Doyle went 16-2 with an ERA of 2.16 between Double-A Bowie and Norfolk. But this season, Doyle was 0-2 with a 5.87 ERA in four starts for the Tides.