Josh Towers

The Orioles will approach a transitional season's final six weeks as they have the first 20, according to vice president of baseball operations Syd Thrift, meaning there will be no large-scale invasion of prospects when rosters may expand Sept. 1, no alteration of current playing patterns and no push to trade slumping pitcher Sidney Ponson in the near future. As they enter a three-game series against the troubled Tampa Bay Devil Rays tonight at Tropicana Field, the Orioles possess few tangible goals except a long-shot chance to avoid a fourth consecutive fourth-place finish.

Larry Bigbie believed it was "going to be more fun going out to take batting practice than to take a beating." Say goodbye, football. His high school in Hobart, Ind., was a gridiron powerhouse, winning the state Class 4A title two of his four years there. Bigbie was the quarterback in a sprint-out passing game and was a prized recruit among all the state universities - Indiana, Purdue, Indiana State and Ball State. Conversely, the Hobart baseball program was relatively unknown, so he didn't receive much recognition for his prowess in that sport.

Strangers in their own yard, the Orioles last night climbed within a half-step of their first losing season at home since 1991, a year that continues to offer many disquieting similarities. The Oakland Athletics repeated what has become a time-tested formula for beating the Orioles at Camden Yards, flexing enough muscle for lead-stretching home runs by third baseman Eric Chavez and catcher Ramon Hernandez and offering enough pitching by nemesis Tim Hudson (15-7) to extend the home team's five-game offensive malaise.

The numbers 57-105 Orioles' projected record after 17 games. .211 Jeff Conine's average with runners in scoring position. 15 Walks for Melvin Mora. 11 Combined walks for Jerry Hairston, Chris Singleton and Mike Bordick. 1-7 Combined record for Jason Johnson, Sidney Ponson and Josh Towers.

The numbers 11 Wins in past 15 games for Orioles. 12 Runs batted in for Tony Batista against Kansas City. 14 Starts between ca reer victories No. 34 and No. 35 for Sid ney Ponson. 10 New club record for runs allowed in re lief by Josh Towers on Wednesday. 3.89 Earned run average for Orioles' bullpen (entering Friday).

At Oriole Park at Camden Yards Day................Time......TV......Starters Tonight........ 7:05.... CSN....RHP Paul Wilson (3-7, 6.67)vs. RHP Josh Towers (6-5, 3.39) Tomorrow.....7:05... CSN....RHP Ryan Rupe (4-9, 7.09)vs. RHP Jason Johnson (9-6, 3.14) Thursday......3:05.....CSN... RHP Tanyon Sturtze (5-9, 5.28)vs. undecided Radio: All games on WBAL (1090 AM)

BATTING LINE OF THE DAY Hank Blalock, Rangers 3B AB R H RBI HR 5 4 4 1 1 PITCHING LINE OF THE DAY Zach Duke, Pirates IP H R BB SO 8 6 0 2 4 WHO'S HOT Jason Marquis of the Cardinals doubled for his National League-leading 16th hit as a pitcher. He also has one pinch hit. WHO'S NOT Josh Towers of the Blue Jays has given up 14 runs and 27 hits in 14 innings in his past three starts.

At SkyDome, Toronto Day.............. Time.......... TV.............. Starters Tonight....... 7:05.......... CSN............ RHP Jose Mercedes (5-12, 5.72) vs. RHP Kelvim Escobar (2-5, 3.94) Tomorrow..... 4:05........ 54, 50.......... RHP Sidney Ponson (5-6, 4.47)vs. RHP Joey Hamilton (5-8, 5.89) Sunday.......... 1:05..........13, 50..........RHP Josh Towers (6-6, 3.70) vs. RHP Esteban Loaiza (7-9, 5.22) Radio: All games on WBAL (1090 AM)