Sunday Bird Droppings

Tigers explode for eight-run fourth, slam Orioles - USA Today
"This park plays pretty small, as you saw," Jim Leyland said, adding he and Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter had marveled at how easily the ball can leave the yard before the game. And then seven combined homers did. "It's not easy here."

Hammel ejected in O's setback | The News Journal | delawareonline.com
"Tigers manager Jim Leyland didn’t believe Hammel was aiming the pitch at Tuiasosopo. "In my heart, I do not think he was throwing at him," Leyland said."

And who had the best reaction to the whole situation? Matt Tuiasosopo, the batter who was struck. "I wasn’t happy about it. He got thrown out, and so he got his," Tuiasosopo said. "I’m just going to go to first base. What am I going to do? Charge the mound? Then I would get in trouble, too. He got thrown out and we ended up tagging them for more."

Man Assaulted At O's Game | WBAL Radio 1090 AM
"Officers say 25-year-old Matthew Fortese of Hagerstown became upset at Thursday night's game because a fan near him was throwing beer at people. Police say Fortese approached the man, identified as 21-year-old Michael Bell of Annapolis, and climbed on a 5-foot wall in front of him." Fortese was allegedly punched by Fleishman, and then fell five feet over a railing, striking his head on concrete. All over wearing a Yankees hat. A hat.

Orioles Q&A: Rill Talk with ... Chris Dickerson - Carroll County Times: Baltimore Orioles
Oh, it's about to get RILL up in here!

Chen reports to Sarasota feeling pain free | orioles.com: News
"The Orioles got some positive news on injured starter Wei-Yin Chen on Saturday morning, with manager Buck Showalter noting that the left-handed pitcher reported to the team's spring facility in Sarasota, Fla., pain free." We're probably still two weeks away from him returning, and that seems optimistic.

Orioles' Chris Davis isn't getting enough credit for his amazing 2013 - CBSSports.com
"Maybe it's because the amazing Miguel Cabrera is sucking up all of the bandwidth, or maybe it's because the name "Chris Davis" is one that just begs to be ignored. For whatever reason, though, it seems to me that Davis, the Orioles' uber-slugger, isn't getting enough credit for the utterly astounding season he's having." Dayn Perry picks up the "Chris Davis is Awesome!" banner and carries it forth.

Orioles only team to have four play them all | Comcast SportsNet Baltimore
"As the Orioles took the field on Saturday, J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones, Manny Machado and Nick Markakis all ran out together. That’s not unusual. All four have played in each of the team’s 56 games. The Orioles are the only team in baseball to have four players who’ve played in each of their team’s games." Gotta trust Buck to know when to give these guys a day off. But with July & August upon us soon enough, I have a feeling this won't last the entire season.

Os sign Rauch to a Minor League deal (updated) " Britt's Bird Watch
"Baltimore had some interest in Jon Rauch this winter, although he eventually signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Marlins. The 34-year-old, who will join the Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate on the road early next week, was designated for assignment by Miami on May 17 and later released. He is 1-2 with a 7.56 ERA in 15 games this season." There's dumpster diving, then there's what Dan Duquette does. Pretty sure he packs two air tanks, as deep as he goes.

Orioles considering extra rest for left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada - baltimoresun.com
"Tsuyoshi Wada has failed to go more than five innings in any of his four injury rehab starts. In his most recent start Friday night against Buffalo, Wada allowed six runs — four earned — and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. In 17 2/3 innings overall, Wada has 12 strikeouts and 10 walks and opponents are hitting .288 against him." A starter who can't go six innings? He'll fit right in!

It's the birthday of former Orioles Jack O'Connor, Roger Freed, and Bob Saverine.

On this date in 1958, "In the bottom of the sixth inning with Orioles on first and second base of an eventual 2-1 loss, Brooks Robinson lines into a triple play when Senator shortstop Rocky Bridges snares the wicked drive, steps on second, and then relays the ball to first baseman Julio Becquer to complete the play. It is the first of four triple killings the future Hall of Fame third baseman will hit into, a major league record."

In 1959, "The White Sox ground crew rids the playing field of gnats using a smoke bomb attached to a postgame fireworks display. The game, delayed for half an hour because of the insects, will end with an Oriole victory when the smoke clears."

And in 1989, "The Orioles, known as the Browns when the club played in St. Louis, become the fifth franchise in baseball history to record their 3,000th victory. The other clubs which have reached the milestone include the Cubs, Giants, Pirates and Yankees."

Stay hydrated out there, kids. It's gonna be another hot one in the Md-Atlantic. And use that sunscreen!