May 06, 1999|By Joe Strauss | Joe Strauss,SUN STAFF
Miller counted 17 first-pitch strikes among Guzman's 30 hitters. Guzman allowed only one leadoff hitter to reach, and that came when Conine pulled him off first base with a throw in the sixth inning. Of Guzman's six hits allowed, three came with two outs. His worst pitch of the night may have come in the third inning to DH Frank Thomas, but Thomas could only drive the thigh-high fastball to deep center field.
"It's not just about the first strike; it's about the second strike, too," Guzman said. "You have to make the first strike, the second strike and the third strike. It's not just one pitch."
"You're surprised when he struggles at all," Anderson said. "He's got a great fastball, his slider is difficult to pick up. A lot of guys think it's a forkball. When he's on, he's dominant."
For the first time this season, the Orioles were not surprised last night.
Orioles today
Opponent: Chicago White Sox
Site: Camden Yards
Time: 3: 05 p.m.
TV/Radio: Ch. 54/WBAL (1090 AM)
Starters: White Sox's James Baldwin (2-2, 6.00) vs. O's Sidney Ponson (1-2, 4.05)
Tickets: About 7,500 remain
Juan improved O
Juan Guzman looked like a different pitcher last night after going 0-3 in his first five starts:
D, Opp., IP, H, ER, Res
4/7, TB, 3, 1/3, 8, 6, L 8-5
4/13, NY, 6, 5, 2, ND
4/18, Tor, 4, 2/3, 5, 5, L 6-0
4/23, Oak, 6, 6, 2, ND
4/28, KC, 3, 1/3, 8, 6, L 8-2
5/5, Chi, 7, 6, 0, W 8-0
Pub Date: 5/06/99
