• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Bullpen hoping for break when Orioles host Blue Jays

Jul 21, 2008 - 1:38 PM Toronto (48-50) at Baltimore (47-50) 7:05 p.m. EDT

BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- The Baltimore Orioles have won two of their last three games despite a taxed bullpen.

The Orioles look to overcome their pitching problems when they open a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.

Over the last six games, Baltimore starters have pitched into the sixth inning on just two occasions. As a result, the bullpen has been forced into action often earlier than expected, particularly over the last two games in which it has logged 8 2/3 innings, surrendering five runs and 11 hits over that span.

The Orioles relievers aren't likely to get a break on Monday when Radhames Liz (3-2, 7.57 ERA) takes the mound. Liz has pitched just six total innings over his last two outings and has never pitched more than 6 1/3 innings in any of his 12 career starts.

The 25-year-old righthander is coming off one of the worst starts of his career, yielding eight runs and six hits in 2 1/3 innings, walking three while striking out two during a 12-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox on July 12.

Jesse Litsch (8-6, 4.16) counters for the Blue Jays hoping to bounce back from a pair of dismal starts. Litsch, who has won just once in his last eight outings, has posted a 10.36 ERA in losing each of his last two starts.