Hardy leaves game (with 2 updates)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 09, 2011, 4:15pm

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J.J. Hardy lasted one at-bat before coming out of Game 2. Hardy has been bothered by tightness in his lower left ribcage area. He appeared to be in pain after swinging at a pitch, and struck out looking to end the second inning. Robert Andino moved from left field to shortstop. Felix Pie took over in left. Hardy could be a candidate for the disabled list, though we might hear "day-to-day" after the game. Perhaps he'll sit out tomorrow's series finale and gain another day of rest on Monday, when the Orioles have an open date on their schedule. Meanwhile, Adam Jones gave the Orioles a 1-0 lead with his second home run. Update: So much for that lead. The Rangers scored six times in the top of the third after loading the bases with no outs on two walks and a single. Elvis Andrus and Josh Hamilton had two-run singles, and Adrian Beltre hit a two-run homer. The Rangers also stole two bases. Chris Jakubauskas was warming in the bullpen. He's expected to start tomorrow if he doesn't pitch tonight. Update II: Hardy left the game with a strained left oblique muscle. That could necessitate a trip to the disabled list.