Arrieta rebounds from Nats game

Tonight's attendance: 15,740 Remember when Jake Arrieta gave up those six runs and six hits against the Nationals in only 3 2/3 innings? Ancient history. Arrieta turned in his eighth quality start tonight, holding the Royals to a two-run homer from Melky Cabrera over six innings. Jim Johnson has replaced him in the seventh. Arrieta allowed five hits, walked three and struck out seven. He threw 106 pitches, 66 for strikes. That's not real sharp, but it's the eighth time in 11 starts that he's gone at least six innings. It's also the seventh time that he's gone exactly six innings. OK, the Orioles would like Arrieta to pitch deeper in games. They feel the same way about Chris Tillman. But if the bullpen holds this lead, Arrieta will pocket his fifth win in his last six decisions. Arrieta also would improve to 5-0 with a 2.10 ERA against the AL Central. Enjoy him while you can. He's only here until the Royals sign him to a big free-agent contract. Down on the farm, Xavier Avery and LJ Hoes each had two hits in Double-A Bowie's 7-1 loss to Altoona. Hoes is batting .500 since moving up from Single-A Frederick. Tim Bascom allowed one run and one hit in 4 1/3 relief innings. Single-A Frederick's Tyler Townsend went 4-for-4 in a 6-5 loss to Wilmington.