Orioles fall behind early and more notes (O's down 3-1)

The Yankees have taken an early lead tonight against Orioles right-hander Bud Norris, with Brett Garnder's leadoff triple in the top of the first inning followed by Derek Jeter's bouncer to third. The Orioles have won a season-high seven consecutive series. They've got three games scheduled against the Yankees at Camden Yards before Thursday's off day. Try to ignore the weather forecast for Tuesday. Shield your eyes. I don't have any information on rescheduling if the game is postponed. The Orioles certainly don't want to lose the off day and would prefer a doubleheader in September. The Orioles have won three consecutive three-game series against New York for the second time in the last three seasons. The Orioles have won seven consecutive series openers dating back to July 21 in Anaheim. They're 24-15 in series openers, going 12-7 at home and 12-8 on the road. Since June 30, the Orioles have posted a 2.95 ERA while going 25-11, the fourth-best in the majors behind San Diego (2.42), Seattle (2.45) and Tampa Bay (2.80). The Orioles have gone 28-19 (.596) against American League East opponents, posting the best in-division winning percentage in the American League and second-best in the majors. The Dodgers are 32-18 (.640) against the AL West. The attitude of the players in the clubhouse never seems to change, no matter the opponent or the order of the standings. "They slow it down," said manager Buck Showalter. "They stay in reality, they keep each other in reality, but they are in an environment, especially these three days, where it's challenging because so many people are trying to... "I've said many times, 45 games is an eternity. Thirty games, 20 games. I can remember the year with the Red Sox where they didn't get in the last day. Those days inch by. All our curiosity is going to be satisfied at some point this year, and I've got a good seat. It would be a lot more enjoyable if you knew how it was going to turn out. We can do that Twilight Zone thing where the guy used to get the paper a day ahead." With first baseman Chris Davis on the bench tonight, Steve Pearce is making only his second start since July 31. He's had five at-bats during that stretch. Pearce has four hits in his last 36 at-bats. "You use the word 'struggle' compared to what he was doing," Showalter said. "He was one of the best hitters in the American League for about a month and was a big reason why we were able to shoulder some of the load. Same way with Delmon (Young). You kind of pass the baton to somebody else. "Stevie will do the work to get back. It's not like he's not had any good at-bats. He's played the heck out of defense. Think about how versatile this guy's actually been defensively in left field, right field, first base. That's from the work he puts in. You know how many games he played in spring training? I think he made every trip. If you don't believe me, ask him. But he thought it was a great investment, and through it he became a very adequate first baseman. Pretty cool to see." RIP Robin Williams. Update: The Orioles tied the score in the bottom of the first on Manny Machado's double, a wild pitch on Adam Jones' strikeout and Nelson Cruz's sacrifice fly. Cruz has 81 RBIs this season. Cruz was listed as the designated hitter tonight, but he's in left field. Delmon Young is the DH. Update II: The Yankees scored twice in the second, forced the Orioles into two errors on the same play and raised Norris' pitch count to 62. Not good. Chase Headley broke for second base as Carlos Beltran held at third. Both players eventually were caught in rundowns, but Manny Machado's throw to the plate nailed Beltran on the helmet. Headley took third and raced home when Norris, covering the plate, couldn't catch Caleb Joseph's toss. The Orioles work on this type of rundown situation in spring training. They failed miserably tonight.