Hi everyone, welcome to this afternoon's matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays (44-45) and the Baltimore Orioles (39-48).
Here are this afternoon's starting lineups:
Toronto Blue Jays (44-45)
Scutaro
Hill
Lind
Rolen
Wells
Overbay
Rios
Dellucci
Chavez
SP - Marc Rzepczynskic (0-0)
Baltimore Orioles (39-48)
Roberts
Jones
Markakis
Salazar
Wiggington
Reimold
Mora
Zaun
Izturis
SP - Brad Bergesen (5-3)
Brad Bergesen has faced the Blue Jays just once this season - he picked up the no decision back on May 2nd. He went 6 innings and gave up 3 earned runs.
Rzepczynski is pitching in just his second major league start. Earlier this week, R-Zep looked great against the Rays going 6 innings and giving up just 1 earned run.
Developing story earlier this morning: Carlos Pena will replace Dustin Pedroia on the AL All-Star Roster. So it appears that Aaron Hill will be playing most of the game at second base.
Aaron Hill was apparently asked to be part of the Home Run Derby, but he declined.
The Blue Jays are hoping to close off the first half of the season on a positive note. A win today would put them back at the .500 mark.
Since May 19th, the Orioles actually have a better record than the Jays. The O's are 22-26 since May 19th, whereas the Blue Jays are 17-31.
Last night's walk-off home run from Melvin Mora was his first HR in 50 games. Sounds like he's drinking the same water or Gatorade as Vernon Wells.
Also just found out that Carlos Pena will participate in the HR Derby as well. I thought it was kind of weird that the AL leader in home runs wasn't participating in the derby.
Two rookies facing off on the hill this afternoon - Bergesen is probably playing second fiddle to Ricky Romero for best AL Rookie pitcher in the first half.
I wish I could find it, but there is a hilarious version of "Orioles Magic" floating around on the internet somewhere with members of the 2008 Orioles performing the song, including Kevin Millar and George Sherrill.
After a few days off for bereavement, Cito Gaston is back on the bench.
Top of the Blue Jays lineup to lead it off in the 1st inning: Scutaro, Hill, Lind.
Mora throws across the infield to get Scutaro at first. One away.
Hill makes great contact, but not enough flying out to left field.
Bergesen has a really delayed leg kick, which the Blue Jays could use to their advantage if they get on base.
Adam Lind knocks a two out double to left field.
That was Adam Lind's 27th double of the season.
Rolen whiffs at a breaking ball, 0-2 count.
Rolen hits one to dead centre, but the Orioles are on top of it.
Up for the O's in the bottom of the 1st: Roberts, Jones, Markakis.
I don't know if there's an official nickname yet for Rzepczynski, but for now I think I'll call him R-Zep.
R-Zep paints the oustide corner for a strike.
Another great pitch on the opposite side of the plate. Roberts behind 1-2 in the count.
Rolen gloves it, Roberts is thrown out at first.
Jones bounces one directly to Aaron Hill, two away.
R-Zep is doing a great job so far of keeping pitches down in the strike zone. Now I can see why he only gave up one earned run in his last start.
Rzepczynski strikes out Markakis. Down go the O's to end the 1st inning.
Zaun's games starting behind the plate are few and far between ever since Matt Wieters has been called up.
Vernon Wells is becoming a specialist at those infield singles. A slow roller to Mora, and V-Dub is on safe at first.
Overbay gets under it and lifts it to centre field. One out, Rios at the dish.
Rios looking for a good pitch down the middle here with an 2-0 count.
It's low and outside, now 3-0.
Rios gets on safely with a walk. Runners on first and second with just one out.
Dellucci is still hitless since joining the Blue Jays a few weeks ago. I think I remember Jose Bautista going 0-14 when he first came to the Jays last year.
Bergesen gets a double play to get out of the inning.
Salazar sneaks one past Scutaro and is one safely with a leadoff single.
Wiggington takes a big cut at a high fastball.
Tune in Sunday at 1:30 PM ET as the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Baltimore Orioles. Scheduled starters are Marc Rzepczynski (0-0, 1.50 ERA) for Toronto and Brad Bergesen (5-3, 3.59 ERA) for Baltimore. Ian Hunter from The Blue Jay Hunter will be liveblogging for your enjoyment.
BASEBALL: Blue Jays' Hill to start all-star game as Pedroia pulls out http://ff.im/-57X3dby cbcsports via twitter 7/12/2009 5:42:06 PM
Gregg Zaun catching for the O's today. What a treat!by mopupduty via twitter 7/12/2009 5:48:51 PM
