Andino the unlikely homer hero (Markakis more likely)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 17, 2011, 11:26am

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If an Oriole was going to hit a three-run homer today, it didn't figure to be second baseman Robert Andino. On your list of candidates, he would have ranked pretty low. Andino's three-run shot off Indians starter Jeanmar Gomez gave the Orioles a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. The ball traveled an estimated 362 feet. It didn't clear the left field fence by much, but it got there. Andino has two home runs this season, the other coming on April 30. He was hitting .176 with runners in scoring position going into today's game, and .200 against right-handers. Updated: Nick Markakis homered for the second consecutive game, increasing the Orioles' lead to 5-3 in the sixth and forcing Indians manager Manny Acta to bring in reliever Chad Durbin. Estimated distance: 382 feet. Markakis has nine homers and 40 RBIs. Has anyone noticed that left-hander Mark Hendrickson has been a calming influence since replacing Mitch Atkins? He's allowed one hit and walked two in three scoreless innings. Michael Gonzalez is warming in the bullpen after facing one batter and getting the save last night.