Losing three of their first five games on a West Coast swing, the Orioles (10-8) fall from first place in the American League East.

Moreover, there’s trouble in the clubhouse as pitchers Dennis Martinez and Tim Stoddard blow off steam. After losing to the California Angels, Martinez (1-4) complains about having to throw too many breaking balls. The next game, Stoddard, a reliever, gripes that he’s not called on often enough.

“I told [manager Joe Altobelli], if he doesn’t want to use me, then I don’t want to play here anymore,” said the 6-foot-7 Stoddard, who has appeared in five games to date.

The good news? Veteran Scott McGregor pitches his second straight complete game, 3-1, over the Angels and Tommy John before an announced 63,073 at Anaheim Stadium. McGregor (2-0) handcuffs Rod Carew, retiring the AL’s leading hitter, on four ground balls.

“Scotty just off-speeds him to death,” pitching coach Ray Miller says afterward.

John Shelby, the rookie center fielder, chips in with four hits to raise his batting average to .469.

The Orioles also blank the Oakland Athletics, 6-0, as Mike Flanagan picks up his third victory without a loss and slump-ridden Gary Roenicke gets two hits and three RBIs. It’s the second of their 15 shutouts this season.

— Mike Klingaman