Orioles getting first look at Samardzija

Jeff Samardzija is living, breathing, spitting, scratching proof that wins and losses don't provide an accurate measurement of a pitcher's effectiveness and worth.

Samardzija, who starts tonight against the Orioles, is a combined 3-8 with the Cubs and Athletics, but he's also registered a 2.78 ERA in 19 starts. He's allowed 108 hits, walked 32 and struck out 113 in 123 innings.

The Orioles have never faced Samardzija and I'm guessing that most of them would have to look up the spelling of his last name. They probably could use a pronunciation guide, as well.

Nick Hundley is 1-for-7 with four strikeouts against Samardzija. Steve Pearce is 1-for-5 with two strikeouts. J.J. Hardy is 0-for-3 with a strikeout.

That's it. Three batters are a combined 2-for-15 with seven strikeouts.

Zach Britton and Darren O'Day attract most of the attention for their work in the Orioles bullpen. Britton has 15 saves in 17 chances and hasn't allowed a run in 31 1/3 consecutive innings at home. O'Day's 1.11 ERA is the lowest among American League relievers.

But has anyone noticed what Tommy Hunter is doing?

Hunter ended the first half without allowing an earned run in his last 10 appearances, matching the longest stretch of his career. His 12 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings are 3 1/3 shy of his personal high.

Hunter wants to avoid talking about his hot streak, probably for fear of jinxing it. He's willing to fill up notebooks if the Orioles make the playoffs.

Stay tuned.

The Orioles have been outscored 43-37 in the first inning and 45-32 in the second. If it seems as though they're always behind in the early innings, well, it may not be your imagination.

The Orioles also have been outscored 58-46 in the seventh. They've outscored opponents 53-41 in the fifth, 58-40 in the sixth, 30-22 in the ninth and 15-4 in extra innings.