Tonight's pitchers: Berken vs. Price

RHP Jason Berken (2-10, 6.63) tonight makes his 16th Major League start of the year, his 7th on the road and the 1st of his career vs. Tampa Bay. Two starts ago, Berken gave up three runs in six innings vs. Toronto to get his second victory. In his last start, Wednesday vs. Oakland, he took his 10th loss. Berken gave up eight hits and four runs over five innings. In six starts since the All-Star game, he is 1-4, 7.85. Right-handed hitters hit .308 off Berken while lefties bat .319. He yields an average of .326 when pitching with runners in scoring position. Berken has really struggled in the first inning. He has allowed 17 of his 52 runs and a batting average of .373 in the opening inning. In six road starts, he is 1-4, 8.48. The Orioles are 3-12 in his 15 starts. LHP David Price (5-5, 5.12) tonight makes his 15th start of the year, his 8th at home and the 2nd of his career vs. Baltimore. In his last start, Tuesday vs. the Angels, Price took a loss. He gave up eight hits and six runs over six innings. Price 2009 season: His first seven starts: 2-2, 3.93 His last seven starts: 3-3, 6.37 Price at home: 5-1, 2.72 Price on road: 0-4, 8.07 Price allows a batting average of .266 vs. right-handed batters and .273 vs. lefties. The Rays are 8-6 when he starts. Price has allowed 24 of his 48 runs and seven of his 13 homers in the first two innings of his starts. He has made one career start vs. the Orioles, last September 22nd. He did not get a decision, pitching 5 1/3 innings and he gave up four hits and one earned run.