Jimenez and Peavy out of tonight's game

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 20, 2014, 5:16pm

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BOSTON - Before tonight, Red Sox starter Jake Peavy had allowed four earned runs in 18 2/3 innings this season.

The Orioles scored five against him tonight in only 5 2/3 innings.

Peavy issued an intentional walk to Chris Davis with Ryan Flaherty at third base and two outs in the sixth. Adam Jones followed with an RBI single to left field to increase the Orioles' lead to 5-0 and end Peavy's night.

Jones already had two hits. Now he's produced his first three-hit game of the season.

I'm calling it a questionable strategy in spite of the left-right thing.

Peavy had gone at least six innings in each of his first three starts, though he didn't get a decision.

The Orioles have 10 hits tonight. Jonathan Schoop is the only starter who hasn't reached base. Davis and Nick Markakis each have walked twice.

Ubaldo Jimenez carried a shutout into the sixth, but Jonny Gomes hit a three-run homer to cut the lead to 5-3 and force manager Buck Showalter to go to his bullpen.

Gomes pulled a 2-2 slider over the Green Monster, pumping his fist as he neared first base.

Jimenez fell short of his first quality start by allowing three runs and four hits over 5 1/3 innings, with three walks and five strikeouts. He threw 107 pitches, 65 for strikes.

I'm playing Captain Obvious here, but he's got to keep that pitch count down.

Jimenez's ERA goes from 7.31 to 6.75. He's worked six, 4 2/3, 5 1/3 and 5 1/3 innings in four starts.

Zach Britton replaced Jimenez and retired the next two batters on a grounder and strikeout. He hasn't allowed a run in 12 innings this season.