Norris leaves game with groin injury (Hardy finally homers, O's win 6-1)

NEW YORK - Orioles starter Bud Norris left today's game with tightness in his right groin while warming up for the bottom of the sixth inning.

Head athletic trainer Richie Bancells, manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Dave Wallace came to the mound, and Norris exited without throwing a pitch. Ryan Webb was rushed into the game and given extra time to warm up.

The Orioles can't catch a break.

With the bullpen in need of some rest, Norris held the Yankees to one run and three hits over five innings, with two walks, four strikeouts and one home run. He threw 82 pitches, 54 for strikes.

Showalter will provide an update after the game and perhaps let us know whether another roster move is forthcoming.

Norris has allowed two earned runs in 19 2/3 innings over his last three starts. He's next turn comes up Friday in the doubleheader against the Rays at Camden Yards.

Kevin Gausman could be recalled to replace an injured player, but he's also slated to start on Friday as the 26th player added to the roster.

The Orioles are off Thursday, so a simple tweaking of the rotation could take place, with Chris Tillman starting one game of the doubleheader.

Webb retired the Yankees in order in the sixth, and the Orioles continue to lead 5-1.

Update: J.J. Hardy homered with one out in the sixth off Yankees reliever Jose Ramirez to give the Orioles a 6-1 lead.

It was Hardy's first home run since Sept 5, 2013, a span of 87 games and 339 at-bats. He has two RBIs this month.

Hardy received the silent treatment in the Orioles' dugout. He threw sunflower seeds over his own head before teammates rushed over to him. Chris Davis gave him a big hug and Nelson Cruz poured water on him.

The Orioles have tied their season high with four home runs today.

Ryan Webb tossed two scoreless innings. He hasn't allowed a run in 11 of his last 12 outings.

Update II: Game over. The Orioles win 6-1 over the Yankees before a sell-out crowd of 47,165 at Yankee Stadium.

Tommy Hunter stranded two runners in the eighth and recorded the final three outs of the game.

Pearce went 2-for-4 and is 8-for-16 in his last four games. He's 16-for-38 since June 6.

The Orioles are 38-35 overall and 12-14 in day games. They're 26-8 when scoring first.