Orioles getting rare chance to go Dempster diving

Ryan Dempster will make his fourth start with the Rangers tonight, and only his second career start against the Orioles, who begin a three-game series in Arlington. Dempster has surrendered eight earned runs in two of his three starts since the Cubs traded him, and he's sporting an 8.31 ERA in the American League. He's served up five home runs in 17 1/3 innings. In his only game against the Orioles, Dempster allowed one run and three hits in 5 1/3 innings. Shortstop J.J. Hardy, who celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday with a two-run double, is 2-for-27 lifetime against Dempster. If he's looking for a little encouragement, he also has a double and two RBIs. OK, if he's looking for very little in the way of encouragement. Nate McLouth, who continues to bat third, is 5-for-16 with a double, home run and three RBIs against Dempster. Omar Quintanilla is 3-for-6 with a home run and four RBIs. Yahoo's list of Orioles batters who have faced Dempster includes Tony Alvarez, Alex Arias, Glen Barker, Cesar Crespo and Ruben Quivedo. A little help here. When did these guys play for the Orioles? Eugene Kingsale was 2-for-5 with three RBIs against Dempster. I mention this only because it's Kingsale's birthday today. Miguel Gonzalez, who starts tonight for the Orioles, has allowed two earned runs or fewer in his last three starts. He's surrendered only one home run in that span after giving up seven over his three previous outings. Gonzalez has posted a 2.34 ERA in six road games and a 4.73 ERA in five home games.