Norris energized by meaningful games with O's

KANSAS CITY -- A year ago at this time, right-hander Bud Norris was pitching for a rebuilding Astros' ballclub.

Now that he's with the Orioles, Norris has been energized by the thought of a season-long quest for the playoffs.

"I'm in a good place," Norris said. "Great team, great organization. I'm just excited to go out there and play meaningful games every day."

Norris, acquired in a July 31 Trade Deadline deal last season, continues to provide quality starts. He worked 7 1/3 innings on Saturday against Kansas City, allowing just four hits and one run. That performance lowered Norris' ERA to 3.58 through eight starts.

Although Norris wound up taking a 1-0 loss, he kept his team in the game despite the fact that Royals left-hander Danny Duffy retired the first 20 Baltimore hitters.

"They got kind of a cheap run in the first inning, but Bud just shut them down after that," catcher Caleb Joseph said. "He was a bulldog out there."