Markakis: Make his a double (updated)

Nick Markakis has taken over the AL lead in doubles with 25. His two-bagger in the fourth inning eventually led to the game's first run. Markakis moved to third base and scored on John Lackey's wild pitch. Markakis has plenty of supporters who believe he should represent the Orioles in the All-Star Game. He's probably a victim of his position. AL manager Joe Girardi needs another second baseman, and Ty Wigginton qualifies. Those 14 home runs didn't hurt Wigginton's cause, either. And Girardi chose to overlook the 1-for-23 slump. Perhaps Markakis will be rewarded with a Gold Glove at the end of the season. Third base coach Gary Allenson deserves major props for sending Adam Jones from first base on Scott Moore's single to right with two outs in the fourth inning. Jones was running on the pitch and Allenson gambled that the Red Sox would expect the Orioles' center fielder to stop at third. Jones kept motoring, and the throw to the plate wasn't close. Orioles 2, Red Sox 0. Brian Matusz stranded two runners in the third by getting a strikeout and ground ball. Update: Matusz was sensational today, holding the Red Sox to two hits and striking out eight over seven innings. His pitch count rose to 111, so he couldn't finish what he started. That's the only knock today, and it's more of a light tap. The Orioles tacked on two more runs in the eighth, in part because Red Sox shortstop Marco Scutaro fielded Ty Wigginton's grounder with runners on the corners and couldn't decide what to do besides bobble it. No play at the plate, no double play, no out at first. It must be contagious. Josh Bell left the game in the eighth with a cramp in his right leg.