After taking 2 of 3 from the Yankees in New York, the Baltimore Orioles trekked to Tropicana Field and also won 2 of 3 games in that series. The successful 4-2 road trip gave the Orioles a pretty impressive 32-25 record away from Camden Yards.

On Monday, the Birds start a 10-game home stand against the Mariners, Royals and Red Sox.

This could be a key stretch of games for Baltimore as they look to get into the postseason for the first time since 1997.

Unfortunately, the Orioles have not exactly taken advantage of home cooking. As a matter of fact, they have a losing record at Camden Yards.

At 25-26, the Orioles are the only AL team in the top seven–record-wise–to have be below .500 record at home.

How does this happen?

I don’t know if there is any scientific reason for it.

RHP Miguel Gonzalez , for instance , has stunk at home but has been brilliant on the road.

Whatever the reason, the Birds need to pick up the pace in front of the home crowd. They were 2-4 in their last Camden Yards appearance.

With this 10-game stand, they could redeem themselves in a big way.

BH