It is essentially guaranteed these days that the Orioles will do something in every single game that drives me bonkers. It would be impossible for a team to go 19-51 and for that to not be true. But you know what? I still look forward to every time Brian Matusz pitches. Matusz has made four starts in June, one each against the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and Padres. All four starts were good enough for a team with any hitting at all to get the win. If you're not impressed, head over to your favorite baseball standings website and check out where those teams rank. I'll wait.
In those starts, Brian Matusz pitched 26.1 innings, gave up 21 hits, 7 earned runs (2.39 ERA), and 8 walks. He struck out 20. Twice he allowed 1 earned run, once 2, and once 3. He has zero wins to show for this performance. Prior to his start against the Yankees on 1 June, Matusz's ERA was 5.76. Today it is 4.67.
Brian Matusz has had a very good June, one that I hope will look even better after tonight. When I said yesterday that Nick Markakis is the only player keeping me from going insane, I really meant of the hitters. Because Matusz is certainly doing his part to give me some happiness. I hope the batters will step up a little and help him earn his third win of the year, which would also be his first since 18 April.