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Orioles-Giants Preview

Jun 16, 2010 - 6:20 AM By JEFF MEZYDLO STATS Senior Writer

Baltimore (17-47) at San Francisco (36-27), 3:45 p.m. EDT

Any concerns the San Francisco Giants might have had regarding Tim Lincecum's recent struggles may no longer be an issue after his last outing.

A day after celebrating his 26th birthday, Lincecum tries for a second straight win in the finale of the Giants' series against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

After going 0-2 with a 6.85 ERA over a four-start stretch, Lincecum (6-2, 3.12 ERA) avoided a third straight home loss Friday, allowing two runs and striking out seven in eight innings of a 6-2 win over Oakland.

"That's the Timmy we know," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "His confidence grew. It looks like he's back on track. That's big for us."

Winning for the first time in almost a month seems may have taken some pressure off the two-time reigning NL Cy Young Award winner.

"I looked like I was lost," Lincecum said. "I'm finding my way. ... I've quit doubting myself."

Facing the lowly Orioles for the first time, the right-hander looks to help the Giants (36-28) bounce back after their four-game winning streak was snapped Tuesday. Baltimore evened the series with a 4-1 win.

Ty Wigginton drove in two runs while Jake Arrieta allowed one run in seven innings to win his second game in as many career starts for the Orioles (18-47). Baltimore snapped a six-game interleague losing streak and improved to 2-6 against the NL.

"I've always said that if we keep these games close I'm confident we can win," interim manager Juan Samuel said.

Baltimore has dropped 16 of 19 and last won two in a row May 13-14. The Orioles are 7-26 on the road and have not won a series away from home since Sept. 11-13.

Adam Jones homered Tuesday and has batted .342 with eight RBIs in his last 10 games.

Jeremy Guthrie (3-7, 3.83) looks to avoid losing a career high-tying fourth consecutive start Wednesday.

The right-hander allowed four runs in seven innings of a 5-1 defeat to the New York Mets on Friday. Guthrie has posted a 4.43 ERA during his three-game skid.

"I hope to go out there and limit the teams to zero runs or one run," he told the Orioles' official website. "I haven't been able to do that as consistently as I had hoped."

Guthrie is facing San Francisco for the first time. He is 4-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 12 interleague starts.

Pablo Sandoval homered Tuesday for the Giants, who were shut down after scoring 27 runs during their win streak.

Former Oriole Aubrey Huff is 0 for 5 in this series after going 7 for 15 with three homers and seven RBIs in his previous four games. He is 2 for 3 against Guthrie.

Injured shortstop Edgar Renteria (groin) is expected to join the Giants on Wednesday, although it's uncertain if he will be activated from the disabled list. He is batting .326 in 23 games this season.