Scouting report: Indians vs. Orioles

At Oriole Park at Camden Yards

Day, Time, TV, Starters

Tonight, 7:35, 13, 50, Charles Nagy (6-2, 3.82) vs. Mike Mussina (6-1, 4.26)

Tomorrow, 1:15, 45, Orel Hershiser (5-2, 4.89) vs. Mike Johnson (0-0, 4.22)

Sunday, 8:05, ESPN, Albie Lopez (2-3, 6.48) vs. Scott Erickson (8-1, 2.94)

Monday, 7:35, HTS, Chad Ogea (5-3, 4.75) vs. Scott Kamieniecki (4-2, 3.50)

Radio: All games on WBAL (1090 AM) and WTOP (1500 AM)

Indians update

Having beaten the Orioles in two of three games last weekend, the Indians have won eight of 10 and are 20-13 since April 18. They've done it recently with improved starting pitching and offense. The Indians have hit .304 (89-for-293) and have 50 runs in their last nine games. (The Orioles have 40 runs in their last five games.) The rotation is 15-8 with a 3.63 ERA in its last 29 games. For the third straight season, the Indians find themselves leading their division after 50 games. They've been there since May 18. Left fielder David Justice hammered the Orioles last weekend, going 7-for-9 with three RBIs, six runs, a home run and two doubles. Jack McDowell, Chad Curtis and Herbert Perry are on the disabled list. Curtis suffered an injured thumb during a clubhouse scrum with Kevin Mitchell, who's since been designated for assignment. The Indians' bullpen remains a mess. Four pitchers have combined for 13 saves in 19 opportunities. First batters are ripping the pen for a .307 average. Alvin Morman, who saved last Sunday's win over the Orioles, has emerged as a nasty presence against left-handers. Mike Jackson and Paul Shuey also are on call as Jose Mesa attempts to return to form. He hasn't had a save chance since April 26.

Pub Date: 5/30/97