SAN DIEGO -- The visiting Orioles continue their interleague schedule against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday and that brings a smile to Baltimore manager Buck Showalters face.And not just because the AL East-leading Orioles are seeking their seventh straight victory.Its easier to keep everyone happy in National League games, Showalter said. Everybody is more on their toes and thinking about the game because you use more players. And its the same with the bullpen.The Orioles have forgone a designated hitter in the NL ballpark and thats something Showalter isnt thrilled about.Its easier for a National League team to play against an American League team (at its home) because every team has someone it can DH, Showalter said. But for an American League team it isnt as big as an advantage playing without a DH.Showalter knows what its like to go without right-handed starter Yovani Gallardo (2-1, 6.04 ERA), his starter Wednesday. He missed some eight weeks with a sore shoulder and is making his third start since escaping the disabled list June 18. He has a win and a no-decision to show for his work.Gallardo squares off against lefty Christian Friedrich (4-2, 3.60).The first game back (Gallardo) was pretty good, Showalter said. The second one he had a tough first inning but he bounced back.Since returning, Gallardo has worked 10 1/3 innings, charged with five runs and 13 hits. Hes walked six with eight strikeouts.Gallardo knows his way around the National League, starting 211 games when with the Milwaukee Brewers.Showalter said thats a slight advantage, but it doesnt mean squat if he doesnt get out of the first or second inning.But Showalter isnt expecting that.Hes going to pitch five-to-seven innings and give us a chance, Showalter said. He feels good, thats the most important thing. We need him.What Showalter doesnt appreciate is the jumbled road trip his squad is on. After finishing todays two-game set with the Padres, the Orioles returned to American League action when facing the Seattle Mariners for four games.Then its back to National League play and a three-set against the Los Angeles Dodgers.Its hard to prepare for because you have your pitchers running the bases and other things, Showalter said. That is what you worry about. I just wish we do it all at one time and we can get it over with. But nobody asked me.In Friedrich, the Padres offer one of their more surprising pitchers.Hes a guy we couldnt be more pleased with, Padres manager Andy Green said. He is developing into a very depending starter for us.Friedrich earned a win in his last start Thursday against Reds, working five innings and allowing four runs on six hits and four walks. He struck out two.He threw the ball well in Cincinnati, Green said.And maybe the southpaw continues doing just that in his ninth start of the season and fifth at Petco Park.The Orioles dont like to hit left-handers as well as they do right-handers, Green said. And we are going to see if Christian can take advantage of that.Cheap Nike React . The showiest items on Calgarys lot were forwards Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer. Cheap Nike React Shoes . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. http://www.cheapnikereact.net/ . Ryan Garbutt had a goal and two assists as Dallas snapped a six-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Nike React Cheap Online . There are surprises among the Vezina candidates, but most of the others are standard top-tier performers, even if the two Hart Trophy runners-ups have never been quite as good as they have been through the first half of the season. Buy Nike React . LOUIS -- Rookie Tavon Austin has missed another day of practice, lessening the odds hell be ready for the St.Slaven Bilic hailed Mark Noble as his sides most important player after his two goals helped West Ham to a 2-0 victory at West Brom.The Hammers captain scored either side of half-time after Cheikhou Kouyate opened the scoring as the they moved above Manchester United into fifth spot in the Premier League.He [Noble] is our most important player, Bilic told Sky Sports. Hes the captain. He loves it and hes a West Ham boy. Mark Noble (centre) scored twice as West Ham won 3-0 at West Brom Nowadays, with players moving a lot, you get the captains that become the leaders after just one season at the club because they are the best players, but Mark is the real captain of our team.Its great for me because he is the coach on the pitch and not only is he a great captain, hes a great player as well.With three games left to play Europa League qualification is now in West Hams hands and there is an outside chance of reaching the Champions League, if Arsenal and Manchester City slip up. Slaven Bilic is confident West Ham can qualify for Europe And Bilic is confident his side will be playing European football at the Olympic Stadium next season.There are three games to go and we are in a good position Bilic said. We are still in a position where we can catch maybe one team.Its still very open with Manchester United but with Arsenal and Manchester City its not very likely.ddddddddddddOur target to qualify for Europe is now realistic and all we can do is go game-by-game, he added. We need to try to get something out of every game because its all in our hands. Phil Thompson gives his reaction to West Hams 3-0 away victory against West Brom We have three games left, two at home. One of them is Manchester United in the last game ever to be played at our stadium. Its magnificent. Its going to be a great occasion and we have a full squad back.We are confident and we cant wait for the next game.Also See:Hammers stay in Euro huntMatch in a minuteBilic: Players should be proudTable ' ' '