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Marlins @ Orioles Series Preview

So after another sweep at home during one of the best stretches of the year for the Fish they head up to lovely Baltimore to take on the Orioles who are coming off a strong series against the New York Mets. The Fish are really hitting there stride and are gaining more national attention. Guys like Dan Uggla and Hanley Ramirez are quickly becoming house hold names. The Fish try to keep the good times rolling on Tuesday with a start from The D-Train. Of course a trip to Baltimore always means there is a better chance to run into Anna Benson smoking cigarettes in the mens bathroom.

Let’s take a look at this franchise we are visiting this week. Here is a little history and facts on the Baltimore Orioles…

Founded: 1893, as the Milwaukee, Wisconsin franchise in the minor Western League. In 1900, that league became the American League, which achieved major league status in 1901. The original Baltimore Orioles of the National League moved to become the New York Yankees.
Formerly known as: Milwaukee Brewers, 1894-1901. St. Louis Browns, 1902-1953.
Home ballpark: Oriole Park at Camden Yards 1992-present
Prior home parks: Memorial Stadium (Baltimore) 1954-1991, Sportsman’s Park (St. Louis)
Uniform colors: Black and Orange
Logo design: An oriole bird
Playoff appearances (11): 1944, 1966, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1983, 1996, 1997
Local Televison: Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, WJZ-TV (channel 13), WNUV-TV (channel 54), WDCW-TV (channel 50)
Local Radio: WBAL (1090 AM)

Now lets take a look at the probable pitchers for the series…

Tuesday, June 20 Oriole Park at Camden Yards | 7:05 PM ET
FLA Dontrelle Willis, LHP (3-6, 4.39) @ BAL Daniel Cabrera, RHP (4-3, 4.17)

Scouting Report:
Willis didn’t have his dominant stuff in his last start, but he still was able to battle for seven innings, giving up five runs to Atlanta. The D-Train wasn’t involved in the decision. Willis has been victimized by the long ball of late, giving up five home runs in his last four starts. On the road, the 24-year-old left-hander is 2-2 with a 2.44 ERA. With 49 career wins, Willis is tied with A.J. Burnett for the most victories in Marlins’ history.

Dontrelle Willis

Cabrera has been consistently dominant since returning from the disabled list, notching a 2-1 record and a 1.59 ERA in his last three starts. The right-hander has allowed 13 hits in his last 18 innings, and he’s kept his walk problems to a minimum. Cabrera and Kris Benson are the only Baltimore starters with an ERA over 5.00.

Camden Yards



Wednesday, June 21 Oriole Park at Camden Yards | 7:05 PM ET
FLA Ricky Nolasco, RHP (5-3, 3.06) @ BAL Erik Bedard, LHP (6-6, 5.60)

Scouting Report:
Since joining the rotation after opening the season in the bullpen, Nolasco is 3-2 with a 2.52 ERA (10 earned runs in 35 2/3 innings). The right-hander has now logged three straight quality starts, and continues to show composure and the ability to work deeper into games. He comes off seven strong innings in a win over the Braves, giving up one run on five hits in seven innings, striking out five. This will be the rookie’s first Interleague start.

Florida Marlins

Bedard worked six innings in his last start and is 4-1 with a 4.11 ERA at home. The left-hander has worked five innings or less in four of his last six outings, but one of those games was influenced by an hour-long rain delay. Bedard opened up the season 4-1, then went through a 1-5 skid before winning his last start.

Erik Bedard



Thursday, June 22 Oriole Park at Camden Yards | 7:05 PM ET
FLA Scott Olsen, LHP (6-3, 4.70) @ BAL Kris Benson, RHP (8-5, 4.32)
Orioles (32-39)

Scouting Report:
The emergence of Olsen continues. The left-hander is riding a string of four straight victories. In his last start, the rookie shut down a powerful Blue Jays lineup, yielding one run with eight strikeouts in seven innings. In his previous two outings, he has given up two runs in 14 innings with 16 strikeouts.

Dolphin Stadium

Benson has won two straight starts and is Baltimore’s only pitcher with eight wins. The right-hander even hit a home run in his last outing, and he became the team’s first pitcher to do that since before the advent of the designated hitter rule. Benson has allowed just 10 homers in his first 14 starts — and four came in his last four starts.

Anna Benson

[FLORIDA MARLINS]
[BALTIMORE ORIOLES]