With the Orioles having left the South Side to head out to the West Side, I feel like this is a prime time for me to remind you that it's not the east or the west side (no it's not), it's not the north or the south side (no it's not), it's the DARK SIDE.
Tonight begins a three-game series against the Angels, and it's also significant because it is the final series that the Orioles will play before going into a stretch where 24 of their final 31 games will be against the AL East. So the chance to get wins against out-of-division teams is here and now. The O's swept three games from the Angels to begin the Buck Showalter era, and they'll be facing much the same team. The Angels are reeling right now, perhaps because they've had a bit too much of the AL East for their comfort, having lost each of the four series' against the East they've played in August.
Angels starter Trevor Bell was the unfortunate victim on Showaltermas and really, he never had a chance to win - although the biggest damage was done off the bullpen rather than him. Bell's been in the bullpen for most of the season, coming and going from AAA Salt Lake City. He's only started four games in the big leagues, with the best of these outings actually being the 5.1 IP, 2 ER effort against the O's.
The Orioles will be looking to rebound somewhat from a tough series in Chicago behind Brad Bergesen. It's been a tougher run for the starters lately compared to how they started out under Buck. It's also been a tougher run for the offense. No wonder we're losing more games! Still, Bergesen's ERA is down by almost 0.8 runs since Buck took over and in his last outing he at least made it seven innings even if he gave up five runs. It'll be the first time most of these Angels batters have ever seen him, so hopefully he can mystify them and shut them down.
West coast series at the end of August on a Friday night? Might be a little quiet in these parts, but if you're watching the game, hopefully you'll stop in with us, say hello and drop a few F-bombs if there are any appropriate moments to do so, which there hopefully won't be. Go O's!