SCOUTING REPORT: By now, the Rays should know what to expect - this will be the fourth time the teams have played in less than six weeks.
The Orioles - who lost four straight going into Thursday night's game at Chicago - have gotten decent pitching from their revamped rotation, led by ex-Ray Jason Johnson, who starts tonight, and have gotten good, but not as good as expected, work from their bullpen. Jorge Julio is fourth in the league with nine saves, one more than the Rays have.
The Baltimore offense has been relatively productive, ranking in the middle of the league. The Orioles don't hit a lot of homers, but make up for it by not striking out much and stealing plenty of bases. As a result, they play a lot of close games - 26 of their first 39 decided by three runs or fewer.
Jay Gibbons, who tends to feast against the Rays, leads the team with seven homers and 26 RBIs. Tony Batista, Jeff Conine, and Gary Matthews also have more than 20 RBIs. They are without outfielders B.J. Surhoff and Marty Cordova, who are on the disabled list.
Manager Mike Hargrove will miss at least tonight's game as he remains in Texas after the death of his mother.
CONNECTIONS: Johnson was an expansion draft pick and pitched for the Rays in 1998, then was traded for Danny Clyburn. ... Rays manager Lou Piniella made his major-league debut for the Orioles in 1964, but appeared in only four games. ... Orioles coach Sam Perlozzo was on Piniella's staffs in Cincinnati and Seattle. SEASON SERIES: The teams are tied at 5 this season. The Orioles lead 43-42 overall, but the Rays are 22-19 at Camden Yards.
[Last modified May 16, 2003, 02:01:19]
Today's lineup
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Other sports
