(My Sportsbook) - Despite dropping two in a row and competing in the very competitive American League East, the Baltimore Orioles still find themselves a game above .500 in the standings.

Unfortunately, the team could have gained some ground on the leaders in the division had they simply done what every other team in the AL has done so far this season, beat the lowly Detroit Tigers.

The Orioles, who are now 8-9 at home in 2003, allowed the Tigers to post four runs in the third inning on Monday, leading to a 6-1 victory at Camden Yards.

Melvin Mora pounded out two hits for the Orioles, while Jason Johnson was charged with his first loss of the season in five decisions. The 29-year-old righthander allowed four runs, two of which were earned, in six innings. Johnson also surrendered six hits and three walks, while striking out six.

Hoping to put an end to their rough May beginning, the Orioles are sending to the hill veteran and former Cy Young award winner Pat Hentgen, who will be making his first start of the year. Hentgen, who is starting in place of an injured Rodrigo Lopez, went winless in four starts last year after returning from ligament replacement surgery.

Hentgen, though, was great in his relief effort of Lopez on Thursday. The 34- year-old righthander limited the Tigers to one run on three hits over 5 2/3 innings, the longest relief outing of his career.

He is 13-4 with a 4.06 ERA in 27 career appearances, including 22 starts, against the Tigers.

Before yesterday's game, the Orioles recalled pitcher Travis Driskill from Triple-A Ottawa and placed him in the bullpen. He replaced Eric DuBose, who was optioned to Ottawa

The paid attendance of 17,267 on Monday was the smallest ever at Camden Yards.