Gausman taking aim at first win in 2016 (O's win 5-0)

Pitchers shouldn't be judged on wins and losses. Too much is out of their hands. It's not an accurate barometer. However, let's not downplay Kevin Gausman's effort today that could lead to his first victory in 2016.

Gausman has retired 17 of the last 18 batters he's faced in Game 1 of the doubleheader against the Rays. He's allowed only two hits and hasn't issued a walk over seven innings. He's struck out seven, mostly on the strength of a fastball that touched the upper 90s.

In his last two starts, Gausman surrendered 10 runs and 16 hits over eight innings in losses in Boston and Texas. He worked only three innings at Fenway Park in his shortest outing of the season.

He's made short work of the Rays today.

Gausman struck out the side in the third inning on fastballs clocked at 95, 97 and 96 mph. It's a power pitcher's method of changing speeds.

Logan Morrison reached on an infield hit to lead off the top of the second and Evan Longoria singled to lead off the top of the fourth. The only other baserunner is Tim Beckham, who reached on J.J. Hardy's errant flip to second base in the second inning.

It created the only jam for Gausman. Two on, one out. But Jaff Decker lined to right field and Tayler Motter struck out - the first of four batters in a row who fanned.

Don't let Hardy's error define today's defense. Gausman benefitted from spectacular glove work around the infield.

Hardy somehow managed to field Corey Dickerson's wicked one-hopper near his body in the sixth, spun and made an accurate throw to first baseman Chris Davis. Manny Machado followed with a tremendous backhanded stop and throw from foul territory to retire Longoria.

The seventh inning ended with Jonathan Schoop backhanding a ball from Beckham that took a bad hop off the mound and threatened to scoot into center field. No chance. Schoop fielded it cleanly and threw across his body.

Gausman hasn't won since Game 2 of a Sept. 28, 2015 doubleheader against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards.

The Orioles increased their lead to 3-0 in the sixth on singles by Schoop, Hardy and Francisco Pena, who registered his third RBI in seven games since the Orioles purchased his contract from Triple-A Norfolk.

Pedro Alvarez singled off left-hander Enny Romero with the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh to bring home two more runs. He was 2-for-19 versus lefties before today.

Gausman has been starved for run support in past starts. Five runs is a bounty.

Update: Gausman allowed four hits in 7 2/3 scoreless innings, with no walks and seven strikeouts. He threw 113 pitches, 75 strikes, and Oliver Drake stranded a runner to complete the line.

Update II: The Orioles win Game 1, 5-0, for their fourth shutout of the season. They improve to 43-30 overall and 29-13 at home.

Gausman gets that elusive first win. Drake registers the last four outs.