Angels-Orioles Preview
Baltimore, MD – Buck Showalter has a long and challenging road ahead as he tries to guide the Baltimore Orioles back to respectability.
Still, it only took one game for the downtrodden franchise to find something to build on.
Following a successful managerial debut with the Orioles, Showalter will try to lead the majors’ worst team to a rare series win Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Angels.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Angels –140 money line favorites for Wednesday’s game against the Orioles. Current MLB Public Betting Information shows that 91% of more than 175 bets for this game have been placed on the Angels -140.
Showalter is Baltimore’s third manager this season after stints by Dave Trembley and Juan Samuel left the team on pace for well over 100 losses.
All but assured of their 13th straight losing season, the Orioles (33-73) made a winner out of their new manager Monday night, rallying for a 6-3 victory over the Angels in the series opener.
"Everybody, including me, is thirsting for good things to happen,” Showalter said. “It’s one day, one game – but it was fun.”
Luke Scott hit a two-run homer and Josh Bell added a two-run double for his first major league RBIs, helping Baltimore win for the second time in nine games.
"It’s kind of been a hyped event. Everyone’s been talking about it, and it’s finally here,” Scott said. “Everyone, including us, the players, want to see a change as far as results. You look at it as a fresh start.”
The victory was the first for Showalter since 2006 with Texas, and the first for an Orioles manager in his debut since Sam Perlozzo also beat the Angels on Aug. 4, 2005.
Dismal clutch hitting has been one of many problems plaguing the Orioles, but they went 5 for 11 with runners in scoring position Monday after they were 4 for 35 in the previous five games.
The Angels (54-54) lost for the ninth time in 12 games and failed to make up ground on AL West-leading Texas. Los Angeles is in danger of dropping under .500 for the first time since it was 27-28 on June 2.
Baltimore, though, has won only four series all season and none at home since sweeping Washington from June 25-27.
Ervin Santana (10-7, 3.65 ERA) will try to keep the Angels above the break-even mark as he looks to rebound from his worst start in six weeks.
The right-hander was far from sharp but still managed to win his second straight start Friday, allowing a season-high seven runs – four earned – and 10 hits over six innings in a 9-7 victory over the Rangers.
He was 3-2 with a 2.80 ERA in his previous six outings.
Santana notched his first win in three career starts at Camden Yards last season, giving up three runs in six innings of an 8-5 victory Aug. 17.
Nick Markakis is 9 for 24 with three homers and four doubles against Santana, while Brian Roberts is 10 for 27 with a pair of home runs.
Baltimore sends Brian Matusz (3-11, 5.46) to the mound hoping he can record his first home win this season. The rookie had another poor performance in his last start, lasting 3 1-3 innings while giving up five runs and four walks before escaping without a decision in a 6-5, 11-inning win at Kansas City on Thursday.
Matusz has one win in 18 starts since opening the season 2-0. He is 0-2 with a 12.46 ERA in his past four outings, walking 13 in 13 innings.
The left-hander is 0-7 with a 5.55 ERA in 10 home starts this year.
Posted: 8/4/10 12:30AM ET