Home runs continue to haunt Atkins

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 17, 2011, 9:57am

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Mitch Atkins gave up three home runs to the Boston Red Sox in the second inning of his most recent start at Fenway Park. He's allowed two homers to the Indians in the first inning today. The long ball could lead to another short day for Atkins. Travis Hafner and Carlos Santana went back-to-back with two outs. Manager Buck Showalter argued that the ball was foul, but the call stood after umpires reviewed it. Santana's ball is the 56th to land on Eutaw St. in Camden Yards history, the 32nd by an opponent and the first since June 30 (Lance Berkman). Estimated distance: 426 feet. Grady Sizemore followed with a double, but he left the game after being hit by Matt Angle's throw. Atkins hit Matt LaPorta to extend the inning, and Travis Buck singled off Robert Andino's glove to score pinch-runner Ezequiel Carrera. The Indians sent eight batters to the plate against Atkins, who threw 31 pitches before returning to the bench. Left-handers were hitting .455 against Atkins before today, and the Indians have eight of them in the lineup (including two switch-hitters.) They also have a 3-0 lead.