Millwood struggles in second (updated)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

September 17, 2010, 3:33pm

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Alex Rodriguez has given the Yankees a 1-0 lead with a 412-foot shot into the Orioles' bullpen leading off the second inning. Rodriguez is 11-for-31 with three homers and five RBIs lifetime against Millwood. Millwood has surrendered a career-high 28 homers this year. He entered the night tied for the sixth-most in the majors. Robinson Cano followed with a single. You'll recall that he began the game hitting .441 against the Orioles this season, and .625 at Camden Yards. Millwood walked Lance Berkman, struck out Austin Kearns and walked Brett Gardner to load the bases. He struck out Francisco Cervelli and retired Derek Jeter on a line drive to Robert Andino with the count full, leaving his pitch count at 50 - including 34 that inning. The Yankees are taking pitches. They're fouling off pitches. They're making Millwood work. This could be a Troy Patton night if Millwood continues to labor. Patton still hasn't appeared in a game with the Orioles. He's the designated long man, and the starters have been outstanding. Showalter sympathizes with Patton, but also appreciates the circumstances that are keeping the left-hander in the bullpen.