Things can get away from a team after the All-Star break. They go see family for a view days and get baseball off their mind. If one isn't careful, a team may fall down the standings before you know it. With this road trip, that exact thing could happen to the Orioles.
It would be easy given the recent circumstances; a blown ninth inning lead on Friday and an absolute slaughter yesterday. It is almost expected. The team is down and they face nothing but contenders for the foreseeable future. No one could blame 'em for slipping a bit.
If that isn't to happen to this team, the pitching has to step up. There isn't a better fit for that role than Bud Norris. He is not the most talented member of the staff, but he very well may be the most competitive. If you can stay up tonight, this should be a fun one to watch
Baltimore Orioles | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim |
RF Nick Markakis (L) | RF Kole Calhoun (L) |
LF Steve Pearce (R) | CF Mike Trout (R) |
CF Adam Jones (R) | 1B Albert Pujols (R) |
DH Nelson Cruz (R) | DH Josh Hamilton (L) |
1B Chris Davis (L) | 2B Howie Kendrick (R) |
SS J.J. Hardy (R) | 3B David Freese (R) |
3B Manny Machado (R) | LF Efren Navarro (L) |
C Nick Hundley (R) | C Hank Conger (R) |
2B Jonathan Schoop (R) | SS John McDonald (R) |
RHP Bud Norris | RHP Matt Shoemaker |