With Brian Matusz on the mend, Brad Bergesen needed to throw well Thursday to solidify his spot in the Orioles rotation.

Bergesen accomplished that goal.

While the Orioles fell 6-2 to Boston, losing a shot at the sweep, Bergesen was impressive, holding the potent Red Sox lineup to just two runs over six innings. Bergesen struck out five and walked two while scattering six hits.

Bergesen lowered his ERA from 5.40 to 4.76, going six innings for the second consecutive outing. He's still looking for his first win of the season.

Bergesen was one of the bright spots for the Orioles just two seasons ago, shedding his soft-tosser reputation and emerging as a legitimate starter as a rookie.

While he's never sealed his role as a sure-fire member of the rotation, Bergesen still has an inside track on a starting spot provided he can give the Orioles innings and keep the ball down. When he begins to elevate pitches, Bergesen becomes very hittable.

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