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Burnett looks to continue late-season surge vs. Orioles

Sep 25, 2007 - 1:22 PM Toronto (79-77) at Baltimore (67-89) 7:05 pm EDT

BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- A.J. Burnett has done a solid job making up for lost time this season.

Burnett looks to continue his late-season success Tuesday when the Toronto Blue Jays visit the Baltimore Orioles.

Wrapping up his second campaign with the Blue Jays, Burnett (9-7, 3.40 ERA) was sidelined six weeks with an shoulder injury earlier this season and has made a total of just 23 starts.

But the 30-year-old has been impressive since off the disabled list on August 12, going 4-1 with a 1.97 ERA in eight outings.

Burnett was outstanding in last start, allowing three runs and nine hits with 11 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings to beat the Boston Red Sox last Tuesday.

The hard-throwing Burnett was scheduled to pitch Monday against the New York Yankees but was forced to return home to deal with personal matters. Rookie Jessie Litsch filled in admirably, tossing 7 2/3 stellar innings to lead Toronto to a 4-1 triumph.

The righthanded Burnett has been dominant against Baltimore over his career, going 4-0 with a 2.95 ERA in five lifetime starts vs. the Orioles.

Baltimore counters with Brian Burres (6-6, 5.27), who gave up just two runs and five hits with seven strikeouts through 7 1/3 frames in a setback at Yankee Stadium last Wednesday.