A mediocre 22-20 record against the East is one reason why New York (58-47) is still chasing both the first-place Rays and Red Sox in the division. While the Yankees are a combined 13-11 against Boston and Tampa Bay, they are a disappointing 4-6 versus Baltimore (50-55).

Winning eight straight games since the All-Star break put New York back into the AL East race, but consecutive losses have quelled their momentum. The Yankees didn't lose any ground, though, and remained three games behind Tampa Bay and two in back of Boston.

"We've got to stop this two-game losing streak and get back on the winning track," manager Joe Girardi said.

The Orioles opened this series Monday with their best offensive performance of the season, setting a season high in runs with a 13-4 victory that snapped New York's 10-game home win streak.

"We've taken some poundings here. So it's nice to be on this side of one for a change," said Orioles DH Aubrey Huff, who hit his 21st homer and had three RBIs.

Adam Jones had his first career grand slam and an RBI triple in support of Jeremy Guthrie, who allowed one run in 6 1-3 innings.

"First couple of at-bats were terrible. Then I told myself, just do what you've been doing," Jones said. "This was one of the few days this year when the balls hit hard didn't find somebody."

Guthrie gave the Orioles a second consecutive strong start after Baltimore starters compiled a 10.32 ERA in the previous five games.

Kevin Millar continued to hit well against the Yankees, going 3-for-5 with a three-run homer. He is 15-for-42 (.357) with five of his 15 homers and eight RBIs in 10 games this season against New York.

Struggling Daniel Cabrera (6-6, 4.86 ERA) seeks his second win in 13 starts for Baltimore. The right-hander was hit hard again in a 7-1 loss to Toronto on Thursday, allowing a season-high seven runs and 11 hits in five innings.

He is 1-5 with a 6.15 ERA in 12 starts since May 20, walking 40 in 71 2-3 innings during that stretch.

Cabrera, however, is 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA in two starts this season against the Yankees, defeating them at home on April 18 and in Yankee Stadium on May 20.

Alex Rodriguez is 11-for-32 (.344) with three homers and two doubles lifetime against Cabrera.

Darrell Rasner (5-7, 4.83) looks to continue his success this season against the Orioles. The right-hander faced Baltimore in consecutive starts in May and limited them to one run and 10 hits in 13 innings while walking two and striking out nine. He won the first decision, but was a tough-luck loser in the second game at Camden Yards on May 26.

In his first start in 10 days, Rasner gave up two runs, four hits and four walks through 5 2-3 innings Tuesday in the Yankees' 8-2 win over Minnesota.

Rasner struggled in his first two starts against the Orioles, and is 1-3 with a 5.03 ERA in four career outings versus them.

Baltimore's Nick Markakis is 9-for-11 (.818) with a home run against the right-hander.