The Orioles try to win two games in a row for the first time this year as Kevin Millwood hosts Phil Hughes and the Yankees. Phil is coming off flirting with a no-hitter against Oakland. With 16 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings of work, it’s not surprising Hughes allowed just four hits. Millwood is doing his job, coming into the game with a respectable 3.38 ERA. The Orioles have averaged two runs scored over his four starts.

Francisco Liriano found his groove while Justin Verlander is still looking. They’ll battle as the Twins play the Tigers. One of Liriano’s weaknesses since returning from Tommy John surgery was the home run ball, but he has not allowed a dinger in 21 innings so far this season. Verlander has been a victim of timing so far as two of the three home runs he allowed came with men on base, and opposition batters are hitting .444 with runners in scoring position.

Ben Sheets and Wade Davis face off in Tampa Bay as Oakland comes to town for a battle of first place teams. Sheets keeps walking batters and getting away with it as he’s allowed just one home run in 23 innings and the opposition is hitting just .233 with runners in scoring position. Davis, too is showing parity between his walks and strikeouts, but in general he’s much tougher to hit than Sheets.

Livan Hernandez and Tom Gorzelanny battle in Chicago as the Nationals face the Cubs. Despite a loss the last time out, Hernandez has yet to pitch a poor outing. He keeps hitters off stride, holding them to a .159 BA so far this season. Gorzelanny hasn’t won despite two of three starts looking very good. The Cubs are not scoring for him.

Finally, Edwin Jackson and Ubaldo Jimenez square off in Colorado as the Diamondbacks and Rockies continue their series. Jackson’s stats are in line with his 2009 numbers, making that season look less like a fluke. Jimenez followed up his no-hitter with 7 1/3 shutout innings against the Nationals, giving him a streak of 16 1/3 shutout innings to protect.

Enjoy!