By DAMIAN CRISTODERO, Times Staff Writer
Published July 22, 2005
WHAT'S NEW: The team that led the AL East for 62 days is struggling. The Orioles have lost four of five, three in deflating fashion as opponents won in their final at-bat. It gets worse: The team has lost 14 of 22 and is 1-5-1 in its past seven series. In a three-game series this week against the Twins, Baltimore scored eight.
INJURIES: The Orioles have four players on the disabled list, including catchers Javy Lopez (hand) and Geronimo Gil (thumb).
STREAKS: After an 18-8 start on the road, Baltimore has lost 16 of its past 21.
WHO'S HOT: First baseman Rafael Palmeiro has a 10-game hitting streak (17-for-36) with five home runs and 13 RBIs. He is tied with Wade Boggs for 23rd all-time with 3,010 hits and tied with Lou Gehrig for sixth with 1,190 extra-base hits.
WHO'S NOT: Rightfielder Sammy Sosa is batting .213 with five home runs and 18 RBIs in 43 games since coming off the disabled list May 24.
SERIES: Third meeting of the season and second at Tropicana Field. The Orioles lead 5-1, 62-57 all-time. Baltimore is 2-1 at the Trop this season, 29-31 overall.
KEEP IN MIND: The Orioles have grounded into 23 double plays in their past 22 games and lead the American League with 93.
THEY SAID IT: "Those are games you have to find a way to win and we didn't do it. ... We've got to bear down and do a better job." - second baseman Brian Roberts in the Baltimore Sun after losing two of three to the Twins.
