Jimenez done after only 1 2/3 innings (O's lose 11-4)

CLEVELAND - It's always a bad sign for a team when the bullpen begins to stir in the first inning.

Vance Worley was warming for the Orioles today in the bottom of the first as the Indians batted around and took a 4-0 lead. He was pitching with two outs in the second, also a disturbing sign.

Ubaldo Jimenez turned in his shortest outing since April 16, 2013, when he also lasted only 1 2/3 innings. He was charged with six runs (three earned) and five hits, walked three batters and struck out one.

Manager Buck Showalter removed him after a two-out walk to Jose Ramirez on the 50th pitch of the game. Only 25 were strikes.

In his last four starts, Jimenez has allowed 23 runs (19 earned) and 27 hits over 16 2/3 innings. The final run today scored on Jose Uribe's RBI single off Worley in the second.

Pedro Alvarez failed to backhand Mike Napoli's bouncer up the third base line with runners on second and third with one out in the first inning. Yan Gomes had a two-run single later in the inning. Only one of the four runs was earned, small consolation for Jimenez and a team that snapped its four-game losing streak last night.

jimenez-walk-off-mound-close-gray-sidebar.jpgJimenez threw 35 pitches, 16 for strikes. Not the pace or the production needed from a starter who had allowed 17 runs (16 earned) and 22 hits in his last three outings covering only 15 innings.

Jimenez fell into immediate trouble by allowing a leadoff single to Carlos Santana and walking Jason Kipnis. The runners moved up on Francisco Lindor's grounder to first and scored on Alvarez's second error of the season.

The Orioles believe Alvarez is better at third base than first. He got in extra work at the position earlier today.

Ramirez walked and the Indians executed a double steal to again put two runners in scoring position. Manny Machado made a leaping catch of Uribe's scorching line drive, but Gomes grounded a two-run single into right field.

Gomes is 4-for-10 lifetime against Jimenez.

Lonnie Chisenhall bounced a single over Chris Davis' head, but Rajai Davis struck out looking with the count full.

Rajai Davis took a couple of steps toward first base, believing the pitch missed outside.

Jimenez retired the first two batters in the second before Lindor singled to center field, stole second base and scored on Napoli's single to center field.

The Indians stole four bases off Jimenez, highlighting another issue that needs to be addressed.

Yovani Gallardo is nearing a return from the disabled list, perhaps needing only one rehab start Thursday at Single-A Frederick. Showalter will be asked again today about Jimenez's status in the rotation.

The Orioles wasted Machado's two-out walk in the first and Mark Trumbo's leadoff double in the second.

Update: Worley allowed his first run in relief today on Chisenhall's leadoff double in the third inning, Rajai Davis' single and Santana's double play grounder. The Indians have expanded their lead to 7-0.

Update II: The Orioles loaded the bases with no outs in the fifth and settled for one run on Adam Jones' sacrifice fly.

Update III: Worley gave up another run in the fifth on Gomes' RBI single following Alvarez's two-base throwing error.

Update IV: The Orioles scored once in the sixth on doubles by Trumbo and Matt Wieters. They trail 8-2 in the bottom of the sixth.

Update V: The Orioles scored twice off former teammate Tommy Hunter in the seventh and trail 8-4 as dark clouds roll in and the wind picks up.

Adam Jones had an RBI double after Joey Rickard walked and another run scored on Manny Machado's double play. Hunter lasted only two-thirds of an inning, a Chris Davis single ending his day.

Update VI: Mychal Givens allowed two runs in the bottom of the seventh, one of them earned. Five of the Indians' 10 runs today are unearned.

Update VII: Ashur Tolliver, making his second major league appearance and enduring a 22-minute rain delay after facing one batter, allowed an unearned in the eighth following his throwing error. Lindor scored on Ramirez's single with one out.

The Orioles have committed four errors and allowed six unearned runs. The 11 runs are a season high.

Update VII: The Orioles lose to the Indians 11-4, their fifth defeat in their last six games.




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