Brach provides needed relief (updated)

PITTSBURGH - Brad Brach hadn't gone more than two innings in a major league appearance before tonight. He hadn't gone more than three as a professional. The Orioles needed length from him tonight after starter Chris Tillman's hasty exit, and he responded with four scoreless innings. The Pirates continue to lead the Orioles 8-6 as Brian Matusz works the bottom of the sixth. Brach allowed two hits after replacing Tillman with no outs in the second, including Ike Davis' RBI single. He retired 10 in a row before catcher Tony Sanchez walked with two outs. Pinch-hitter Jose Tabata struck out to end the fifth. Brach worked two innings in nine different relief appearances for the Padres between 2011 and 2013. He went three innings in his most recent outing at Triple-A Norfolk on May 13. Brach, acquired from the Orioles on Nov. 25 for minor league pitcher Devin Jones, threw 34 of his 47 pitches for strikes tonight. He entered the game having allowed three runs and five hits in 2 2/3 innings over three appearances with the Orioles. His reward for tonight's outing most likely will be a return ticket to Norfolk. The Orioles probably will need a fresh arm for Thursday night's series opener against the Indians at Camden Yards. Left-hander T.J. McFarland, scheduled to start Friday for the Tides, could be recalled. Manager Buck Showalter prefers having a right-hander back up a left-handed starter, and he's sending Wei-Yin Chen to the mound on Thursday. However, he may not have that luxury. Right-hander Mike Wright is scheduled to start for Norfolk on Thursday, but McFarland is the more likely choice. Stay tuned. Update: Brian Matusz didn't allow a run in the sixth. Nelson Cruz made a nice catch against the fence to rob Josh Harrison and Andrew McCutchen was stranded after a two-out double. McCutchen barely missed a home run. Adam Jones' 14-game hitting streak is in jeopardy. He's 0-for-3 with a walk. Tonight marks the first Orioles game since July 5, 2010 in which both starters failed to go at least two innings. Kevin Millwood gave up five runs in one inning and Detroit's Andy Oliver allowed five runs in 1 2/3 innings.