Early offense vs. Shields

Tampa pitcher James Shields, coming off that start in Toronto where he gave up nine hits and all nine went for extra bases, has allowed three extra-base hits to the Orioles in the first three innings tonight. The O's lead 3-0 on the strength of a three-run first inning. After Nick Markakis walked and was picked off, the rally began with two out and none on. Ty Wigginton hit a bloop single and Luke Scott lined a single to right. Adam Jones plated both runners on a triple to right. It was his fifth triple of the season and first since July 7th. Felix Pie followed with an RBI double and now has a seven-game batting streak and nine RBI over his past 10 games. Pie added a bloop double to left in the third. It's his first, two double night of the year. The Orioles rally in the first forced Shields to throw 34 pitches in that inning and he has now 67 in the first three innings. Jeremy Guthrie has given up just one hit through three innings, throwing 45 pitches. After allowing just three walks over his previous five starts, covering 35 2/3, Guthrie has issued two walks tonight. So, it's O's 3-0 after three. Updated: The O's lead 4-0 after five. In the fourth, Cesar Izturis doubled and scored on a Josh Bell single to left. Meanwhile, Guthrie has walked four, but allowed just one hit through five, throwing 84 pitches.