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Haren: 'We're in a tailspin'

The Oakland Athletics ran into a hot pitcher in their series opener with the Baltimore Orioles. They'll turn to their own ace to try and get back on track.

Dan Haren tries to help the Athletics avoid their 11th loss in 12 games when they continue a three-game set with the Orioles on Saturday at McAfee Coliseum.

Rocky Mountain High

In their last road trip of the first half, the Colorado Rockies suffered through their worst stretch of the season. Things are going much more smoothly in their first trip after the All-Star break.

The Rockies look for their fifth win in six games when they continue a four-game series against the Washington Nationals at RFK Stadium on Saturday.

Angels Invade Twin Cities

It took John Lackey a full season to win 13 games last year. The Los Angeles Angels ace has a chance to match that total much earlier this season.

The right-hander looks to remain perfect in July when he takes the mound Friday in the opener of a three-game road series against the Minnesota Twins.

Yanks on 2nd Half Surge

Mike Mussina looks to continue his dominance of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium on Friday night when he takes the mound in the opener of a four-game set between the New York Yankees and the team with the worst record in baseball.

'Backs Look To Cool Cubs

Even without their top hitter, the Chicago Cubs are having little trouble producing runs lately.

The surging Cubs will try to top the reigning NL Cy Young winner Friday afternoon when they open a three-game set with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field.