TORONTO // For the first time in 10 weeks, the Baltimore Orioles' rookie starting pitcher Jason Berken was not asked about his confidence. He did not field any questions about his stretch of losing decisions, or his escalating ERA.
He did not need to suppress his emotions either while wondering whether his first stint in the big leagues was coming to an end.
"It's been a long two months, that's for sure," said Berken, managing a smile after he pitched the Orioles to a 7-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. "It feels good to have a happy interview for a change. Obviously any win, you don't take for granted."
Berken had lost nine consecutive decisions since beating the Blue Jays in his major league debut on May 26. Entering Friday's start, his ERA was barely under 7.00, and the 25-year-old right-hander was smart enough to know that one of the reasons he was still in the Orioles' rotation was that the organisation simply had no other preferred options.
"This was a big start for me," Berken said. "I'm not naive. I know it's time for me to start pitching better."
After allowing solo homers to Vernon Wells and Alex Rios in a span of four pitches in the second inning, Berken showed the toughness that impressed his teammates even when his numbers did not. He allowed just one more run.
The Orioles, who trailed 3-0 after five innings, they scored four times in the sixth and added three more in the eighth.
* Los Angeles Times
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
States of Passion by Nihad Sirees,
Pushkin Press
The distance learning plan
Spring break will be from March 8 - 19
Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm
Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19
Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning
Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
What is type-1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a genetic and unavoidable condition, rather than the lifestyle-related type 2 diabetes.
It occurs mostly in people under 40 and a result of the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugars.
Too much or too little blood sugar can result in an attack where sufferers lose consciousness in serious cases.
Being overweight or obese increases the chances of developing the more common type 2 diabetes.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
