O's game blog: O's host Pittsburgh in the first of two with Norris on mound

So we finally get to see another Orioles game in today's doubleheader against Pittsburgh. The Orioles are 1-2 on this homestand and 12-12 on the season. How about a few O's notes: * Orioles starters have pitched six innings or more in each of the last four games, That is their longest stretch of six-inning starts this season. The starters' ERA is 4.32 in that time. The Orioles do have quality starts in three of those four games. * When last we saw the Orioles, they scored just six runs on 20 hits in the three-game series against Kansas City. The O's had just three extra-base hits in that series and went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position. * The Orioles have hit more than one homer in a game just three times all season. After 24 games in 2013, they had eight multi-homer games. * The Orioles are 10-8 against the American League East and 2-4 against non-AL East teams. * Over his last 10 games, Nelson Cruz is batting .325 (13-for-40) with five homers and 18 RBIs. He has six multi-RBI games in that span. In today's twinbill opener, Bud Norris (1-2, 4.44 ERA) faces right-hander Charlie Morton (0-3, 4.35 ERA). Norris is 4-5 with a 3.48 ERA in 10 career starts against the Pirates. When he last faced them during the 2012 season, he went 1-1 with a 1.38 ERA. Steve Pearce starts at first base in Game 1 for the Orioles. It's been a wild few days for Pearce. He was designated for assignment April 22, put on unconditional release waivers five days later and re-signed with the Orioles on Tuesday. In between, he turned down the chance to sign with another team, which was reportedly the Toronto Blue Jays. What were the last few days like for him? "Well it's stressful, but ultimately I'm back where I want to be, so I'm happy," Pearce said. "I believe this team is a winner. Not taking anything away from the other team, but this is where I've played since 2012. This is where I want to be and I'm thankful I'm back. "I love being here. Love the guys and the coaches. That plays a huge part into playing this game. I'm just very comfortable here." As we settle in for a long day and night of baseball, feel free to leave any questions and/or comments here throughout today's first game. Rain delay: Well, it was a beautiful day here earlier, but it has rained a couple of times during this game and now we are in a rain delay with Pittsburgh leading 1-0 after four innings. Play was halted at 5:25 p.m. With some cracks of blue sky still seen above, hopefully it will be a short one. Norris has thrown 78 pitches through four innings and Morton is at just 46. Norris has thrown 20, 20, 20 and 18 by inning. That was quick: The brief shower passed the Yard (let that be the last one) and play has resumed at 5:46 p.m. after a delay of just 21 minutes. Norris back on the mound for the top of the fifth. Good stat for Bud: The Pirates kept mounting threats, but didn't cash them in today against Norris, who gave up seven hits and one run over 5 1/3. They went 1-for-9 against Norris with runners in scoring position. On the season, opponent hitters are just 4-for-29 against Norris (.138) with RISP.