O's game blog: The Orioles begin a key series against Toronto

FREDERICK, Md. - The first-place Orioles and second-place Blue Jays begin a key three-game series tonight with the O's (63-48) leading Toronto (60-53) by four games atop the American League East. Toronto is the only AL East team that the O's do not have a winning record against, but they are .500 at 5-5, including 2-1 at Toronto. The Blue Jays have outscored the Orioles 48-38 in the season series. The Orioles have been solid in division games with a 26-18 record and a 15-7 road record in the AL East. They have lost just one of their last 11 series in the division, going 8-1-2. Nelson Cruz, who has just one hit in his last 29 at-bats and just three in his last 41, has hit well on the season versus the Jays. He is batting .389 (14-for-36) with three homers, 11 RBIs and a 1.144 OPS. Both teams are 11-6 since the All-Star break. Toronto was on a 9-1 run before losing its last three games against Houston by a 17-4 score. Bud Norris (8-7, 3.69 ERA) gets the start for the Orioles against left-hander Mark Buehrle (11-7, 3.11 ERA). Norris pitched seven scoreless innings against Los Angeles in his last start. He has given up one earned run or less in five of his last seven starts, with an ERA of 2.55. Norris has made three starts this year against Toronto, going 2-0 with a 1.83 ERA, allowing four earned runs in 19 2/3 innings. Buehrle has allowed five, six and one run in his last three starts, pitching to an ERA of 6.89 and allowing a .343 average against. He went 1-2 with a 5.74 ERA in five July starts. He is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in two starts this season against the Orioles. Over 23 career appearances, he is 8-9 with a 3.41 ERA. Note to readers: You may have noticed I am in Frederick and will provide reports from here at Harry Grove Stadium tonight on Dylan Bundy's start. This is the blog where the readers should make their in-game comments on the O's and Toronto game. Stay here for that. Anyone that wants to comment on Bundy and/or the minors can do that in the blog on Bundy. There will not be an O's game story after the game tonight with me here, so keep your comments on the O's and Toronto going in this blog as long as you like.