Orioles Magic

Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21

Baltimore Orioles (29-37) at Philadelphia Phillies (36-28)

Pitching Matchups

Friday: BAL - Rich Hill (2-1, 5.81)
PHI - Antonio Bastardo (2-1, 5.25)

Saturday: BAL - Brad Bergesen (4-2, 3.79)
PHI - J.A. Happ (4-0, 3.53)

Sunday: BAL - Jeremy Guthrie (4-7, 5.42)
PHI - Cole Hamels (4-2, 4.48)

The Orioles head to Philadelphia to take on the defending World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies. The O's are coming off an impressive series win against the New York Mets, while the Phillies were just swept at home by the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Phillies best player had been LF Raul Ibanez, but he was just placed on the disabled list due to side effects of steroids, I mean an injured groin. However, the Phillies still have dangerous hitters without Ibanez, such as 2B Chase Utley, who is hitting .308, with 15 HRs, and 44 RBIs, RF Jayson Werth (.261, 12 HRs, 36 RBIs), and 1B Ryan Howard (.257, 19 HR, 51 RBI). Someone who the Phillies are not getting production from is SS Jimmy Rollins. Rollins is going through an awful season, hitting just .225, with 6 HRs, and 27 RBIs.

The Phillies haven't had the greatest pitching this season. Ace Cole Hamels has been battling injuries, 102 year old Jamie Moyer is finally pitching like he is 102, and their closer Brad Lidge, who was perfect last year, struggled before finally being put on the disabled list. The Orioles face the Phillies most consistent pitcher on Saturday, J.A. Happ. Happ started the year in the bullpen but is now in the rotation and has steadied the Phillies staff.

The Orioles started the season with Jeremy Guthrie as their ace, but Guthrie has been terrible, so the Orioles now rely on rookie Brad Bergesen as their ace. Bergesen hasn't allowed more than 2 earned runs in his last four starts. It is great to finally see an O's pitcher showing some promise.