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Jays' Romero takes hill in Baltimore

Aug 7, 2011 - 3:03 PM (Sports Network) - Ricky Romero is a rising star in the majors and is currently pitching at a high level. Romero will look to continue his recent surge when he takes the hill for the Blue Jays this afternoon against Baltimore in the finale of a three-game series at Camden Yards.

The young southpaw only has a 9-9 ledger, but that does not do justice to his impressive 2.98 earned run average. Romero reached .500 on the season with back-to-back strong outings.

The most recent showing came against Tampa Bay, and in the win the left-hander tossed eight strong innings, allowing just one run on one hit. Romero also walked four in the win, but also struck out seven batters.

Earlier this season Romero simply dominated the Orioles, tossing 8 1/3 scoreless innings, scattering four hits, while striking out nine batters. In 11 career starts the young hurler has a respectable 5-3 mark, to go along with a 3.19 earned run average.

The Orioles will turn to Alfredo Simon, who is coming off his third win for the season. In that victory over Kansas City, Simon held the Royals to just one run on four hits in seven innings. Simon also struck out three batters.

Just a couple of weeks ago Simon made his first-ever start against Toronto, and it ended in defeat. Simon lasted just five innings in the contest, allowing three runs on seven hits. He walked two batters, but also struck out seven.

On Saturday it took the Orioles nearly six innings to solve Brandon Morrow. But their persistence paid dividends.

Morrow had a perfect game through five frames, but the Orioles exploded for four runs in the sixth, highlighted by Adam Jones' three-run blast, to earn a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Chris Tillman (3-4), who was called up from the minors prior to the game, allowed two runs on four hits while fanning five over seven innings to earn the win.

Jones finished with four RBI as the Orioles evened the three-game series at a win apiece.

Morrow (8-6) was charged with six runs -- three earned -- on just four hits over 7 2/3 innings to suffer the loss.

Colby Rasmus belted his first home run as a Blue Jay.

Despite the setback, the Blue Jays have still dominated the Orioles since last season, winning 22 of the 29 matchups.