Tommy Hunter has a lot of pressure on himself tonight in Tampa Bay. He's 0-2 during his last three starts, with a 5.54 ERA. He gave up two home runs during his last outing against Oakland a week ago. He didn't get out of the sixth and gave up five runs total. During 19 games, he's given up 24 home runs. That home-run total is tied for third-worst in the majors, even though Hunter has had several stints in Triple-A Norfolk.

Hunter has to bring his A game against the Rays, a team in the lower third of the majors in home runs hit. The Rays are, with the Orioles, 6.5 games out of the AL East lead and 1.5 out of the wild-card race. This is a franchise that has spent the last four years turning on another gear in August and September. The Orioles, in Tampa, are 1-2 at Tropicana Field and 4-5 against the Rays this season.

Manager Buck Showalter calls this time of the year the dog days of the season. Hunter's going to need some bark and some bite tonight.

Posted Aug. 3, 2012