Britton makes argument against DH (updated)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 03, 2011, 10:18am

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I mentioned earlier today that Zach Britton's .600 batting average (3-for-5) was the fourth-highest for an American League pitcher. You can add a home run to that tally. Britton gave the Orioles a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning with his first major league home run. He pulled a pitch from Braves starter Brandon Beachy over the right field fence. An Orioles pitcher hadn't homered since Kris Benson on June 17, 2006 against the Mets. Beachy recorded five strikeouts in the first two innings, but he was no match for Britton. Do the Orioles really need to use a designated hitter in the American League? J.J. Hardy and Nick Markakis open the top of the first inning with singles, and the next three batters struck out. The Orioles are still having issues batting with runners in scoring position. Britton figured that he better take matters into his own hands. Adam Jones chased a ball so far outside, I thought it nicked the foul pole. Instant update: Mark Reynolds' sacrifice fly in the third scored Hardy, who singled again. I like Reynolds in the cleanup spot.