The O's look to win tonight to earn a series split with the Angels and go 3-4 on the homestand. Not a great mark, but it looks much better than 2-5, that's for sure.
David Hernandez vs. Ervin Santana face off for the second time this year. Back on July 3rd, Hernandez won their first matchup, going 6.2 innings and giving up 3 runs on 6 hits. Santana took the loss as he allowed 6 runs on 8 hits in just 5 innings.
Santana has been straight up lousy this year, although as luck would have it he's been much better on the road. His last outing was his best of the year as he pitched a complete game shutout against the Rays. Hernandez is also coming off of a good game against Oakland where he pitched 6.2 innings, giving up 2 runs on 6 hits and struck out a career high 6. Here's hoping Hernandez is feeling well rested and efficient today as Cla Meredith is the only bullpen pitcher NOT used in yesterday's loss. Mark Hendrickson only pitched a third of an inning so he should be good to go again, but Jim Johnson and Chris Ray both pitched two innings, Danys Baez usually doesn't pitch on back-to-back days, and I don't want to see Brian Bass or Matt Albers anywhere near the pitching mound.
The two hottest bats on the homestand have been Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts. Brian is 12 for 30 in the past 6 games with 7 doubles and a home run. Nick has gone 11 for 28 with 3 doubles and a home run. Ice cold on this homestand are Adam Jones (4 for 26) and Nolan Reimold (5 for 21, 8 Ks).
Of course the big news on the day is Aubrey Huff's trade to the Detroit Tigers. Tonight Luke Scott will be manning 1B, so we'll see how that goes. The trade is detailed in duck's post, but see my Farewell Aubrey picture spread below the jump.
Let's Go O's!
DO NOT WANT (The Baltimore Sun)
Aubrey makes nice with the fans at Fan Fest '08 (taken by a poster at Orioles Hangout)
Farewell, ManHorse. Awesome Blingee created by The Wayward Oriole