Counting on Arrieta (O's take 8-0 lead)

The positive spin on Jake Arrieta after two innings is he hasn't allowed a run. Keep in mind that the Nationals abused him for six runs in 3 2/3 innings in his last start, so tonight's early returns are encouraging. However, each positive spin must also include a negative spin. Says so right here in the "spin" handbook. Arrieta has thrown 46 pitches, 23 for strikes. That's a lot of pitches for two innings. Arrieta hasn't given up a hit, but he's walked two batters. That's negative. He's struck out four. That's positive, but you also could put a negative spin on it. Arrieta needs more first-pitch outs, like the one from Kansas City shortstop Alcides Escobar that ended the second inning. Escobar popped up after a two-out, four-pitch walk to Chris Getz and a mound visit from pitching coach Mark Connor. Royals starter Luke Hochevar retired the Orioles in order in the first inning on only seven pitches. He's thrown 18 through the second. Arrieta threw 91 pitches in his last start, which resulted in the third-shortest outing of his career. Runs haven't been an issue so far tonight, but he won't go far in this game unless he becomes more economical with his pitches. I'm positive. Update: The Orioles sent 13 batters to the plate in the fourth inning and tallied eight runs to destroy that scoreless tie. Vladimir Guerrero's 20th RBI of the season gave the Orioles a 1-0 lead in the fourth. Adam Jones doubled, took third on Nick Markakis' single and scored on Guerrero's dribbler up the third base line. Jones was 22-for-57 (.386) with eight extra-base hits in his last 14 games after the double. Matt Wieters walked and Luke Scott followed his second hit of the night, a double to right that scored Markakis. Wieters came home on a wild pitch, Mark Reynolds walked and J.J. Hardy produced an RBI single. Felix Pie singled to increase the lead to 5-0 and bring Adams to the plate again. Bases still loaded. Still only one out. Hochevar still in the game. Jones singled up the middle to score two more runs and give him the team lead with 28 RBIs. Yes, he's on a roll. Markakis popped up, but an error on shortstop Alcides Escobar put another run on the board. Orioles 8, Royals 0. Hochevar had to wear it. Manager Ned Yost didn't go to his bullpen. Arrieta has thrown 74 pitches in four innings. He's been more economical. He's also got a nice lead.