Today's pitchers: Berken vs. Buchholz

RHP Jason Berken (1-8, 6.21) today makes his 13th start of this season, his 8th at home and the 2nd of his career vs. Boston. Berken is 0-8 over his last 11 starts after winning his Major League debut, May 26th vs. Toronto. But he left with a lead in his last start, Tuesday vs. Kansas City. He gave up just two runs and six hits over six innings, but when KC tied the game in the 8th he was denied the victory. It was just his second quality start of the year. The Orioles are 2-10 in his 12 starts, losing the last seven. In five July starts, Berken went 0-3, 5.88. The 25-year-old has struggled in the first inning, giving up 13 runs and a batting average of .358 in that first frame. In seven home starts, Berken is 1-4, 4.31. He took the loss in his only previous career start vs. the Sox. On June 29th he gave up eight hits and four runs over five innings, throwing 99 pitches. RHP Clay Buchholz (1-1, 3.52) today will make his 4th Major League start of the year and 3rd on the road. This will be his 4th career start vs. Baltimore. On September 1, 2007, in just his second big league start, Buchholz pitched a no-hitter in a 10-0 win over the Orioles. He fanned nine and became just the third pitcher since 1900 to pitch a no-hitter in either his first or second career start. Buchholz has been at Triple-A most of this season. In 16 starts with Pawtucket, he went 7-2, 2.36 with a .191 batting average against. Buchholz did not get a decision Tuesday vs. Oakland, giving up two runs and nine hits over 5 2/3. The Sox are 1-2 in his starts. Right-handed batters hit just .243 off him but lefties are batting .370. In four career games, three starts vs. Baltimore, he is 2-2, 4.19. He has allowed nine hits over 19 1/3 innings vs. the O's with 13 walks and 18 strikeouts.