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Up next: Orioles

By JOHN ROMANO

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 20, 2001

7:15 tonight, 4:15 p.m. Saturday, 1:15 p.m. Sunday

SCOUTING REPORT: The Orioles boosted their batting average past the .200 mark on Thursday, although they remain the worst offensive team in the American League. The Orioles have hit five home runs (or half as many as Arizona's Luis Gonzalez) and are averaging 2.8 runs. Jason Johnson and Pat Hentgen have been effective, but the rest of the rotation is shaky. The bullpen has been the team's greatest strength.

THE PAST WEEK: After winning three of their first five games, the Orioles have dropped eight of the next 11. Along the way, they were no-hit by Hideo Nomo and held to four hits or fewer in three other games.

EX-RAYS: Johnson, acquired from the Rays for Danny Clyburn in the spring of 1999, has blossomed into a quality starter. Johnson is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in three starts. The rest of Baltimore's rotation is 0-9.

PITCHING MATCHUPS: Today, RHP Willis Roberts (1-0, 1.04) vs. RHP Bryan Rekar (0-1, 3.50); Saturday, RHP Johnson (1-0, 2.45) vs. RHP Ryan Rupe (0-2, 7.53); Sunday, RHP Jose Mercedes (0-3, 9.77) vs. RHP Mike Judd (0-0, 1.08).

2001 SEASON SERIES: The Rays split a four-game series with the Orioles in Camden Yards during the weekend. Tampa Bay is 21-19 against Baltimore in franchise history, the most victories against any opponent. The Rays are 10-9 against the Orioles at Tropicana Field.

WHO'S HOT: First baseman Chris Richard is 7-for-22 (.318) in his past six games, including his first home run of the season Tuesday.

WHO'S NOT: Cal Ripken is hitting .139 and has only one extra-base hit in 43 at-bats.

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