Indians 3, Orioles 1

WP: C.C. Sabathia (6-4)
LP: Rodrigo Lopez (7-4)
S: Bob Wickman (22)

The Orioles offense continued its struggles tonight, only managing one run on three hits against C.C. Sabathia and two other pitchers while taking their eighth loss in nine games.

Rodrigo Lopez gave up three runs in seven innings and took the loss.

Melvin Mora missed his ninth straight game, and the Orioles' once-frightening heart of the order has been completely flat in his absence. He has said that he expects to return this weekend.

The O's are also feeling the absences of catcher Javy Lopez and their top pitcher so far this year, Erik Bedard.

Stats, Inc. reported on June 28 that Javy Lopez was cleared to resume baseball activities by a specialist who inspected his broken hand, and Fanball.com says that a return in the week following the All-Star break is a "best case scenario."

KFFL reported that Bedard is expected to start throwing off a mound tomorrow. Stats, Inc. says he may be ready to return by the All-Star break.

A bright spot tonight? Boston and the Yankees were both getting shellacked late in their games as of this posting.