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Up next: Orioles

By KEVIN KELLY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 21, 2001

7:15 tonight, 7:15 Wednesday, 7:15 Thursday

THE PAST WEEK: The Orioles are coming off a series win against the Red Sox, taking two of three at Fenway Park over the weekend. They finished 5-3 during an eight-day span in which they played Boston five times and Kansas City three.

SCOUTING REPORT: Much like the Rays, Baltimore is playing for little except to evaluate prospects. Unlike the Rays, however, the Orioles still have more than few veterans in the clubhouse. Cal Ripken single-handedly has made Baltimore somewhat interesting during his farewell tour. He hit winning homers on consecutive nights last week. Jeff Conine came off the bench Sunday and had a career-high five hits against Boston. Pitcher Josh Towers has won his past two starts and Willis Roberts has three saves in as many chances.

ALL-TIME SERIES: After playing 13 times in the first 34 games, the Orioles and Rays play six more times. The Rays won two of three the last time the teams met July 31-Aug. 2, but Baltimore holds a 27-26 advantage all-time.

TAMPA BAY CONNECTIONS: Though he will not pitch against his former team, Jason Johnson has turned in a solid season and is 10-8 with a 3.34 ERA, sixth in the American League.

WHO'S HOT: Ripken is hitting .343 with eight homers and 27 RBI since the All-Star break.

WHO'S NOT: Catcher Fernando Lunar is 5 for his past 35 with 1 RBI and eight strikeouts.

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