O's use seven-run third to beat Colorado, end four-game skid

The Orioles came up with their biggest inning of the year tonight as they posted an 8-4 win over the Colorado Rockies to end a four-game losing streak. The O's sent 12 batters to the plate and knocked out Rockies starter Chad Bettis during their seven-run, six-hit bottom of the third to open an 8-1 lead. The inning featured RBI singles by Nick Marakakis and Adam Jones, a run scored on an error and two-run doubles from Brian Roberts and Manny Machado. The error on shortstop Troy Tulowitzki made six of the seven runs unearned. The seven-run inning was the Orioles' biggest since they scored seven in the second on July 31, 2012 at New York. Bud Norris got the benefit of all that offense and got the win despite not completing the sixth. He went 5 2/3 innings, allowing nine hits and four runs, throwing 95 pitches. Norris improved to 3-1 with the Orioles, taking his only loss in relief. The O's are 4-0 when he starts. Colorado's pitching staff had a rocky night - pun intended - allowing 10 hits and eight walks. Even in scoring eight runs, the Orioles could have had more as they left 12 runners on base, two short of their season high. During their four-game losing streak, the O's hit just .226 as a team, scoring 16 runs. Colorado lost for just the second time in eight games to fall to 22-39 on the road and 58-66 overall. The Orioles improved to 34-26 at home, 13-13 since the All-Star break and 66-56 overall. They will try to win this three-game series Sunday at 1:35 p.m.