That's more like it (updated)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 17, 2010, 5:06pm

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Jeremy Guthrie left tonight's game with a chance to post his first victory since May 25. Guthrie gave up a home run to leadoff hitter Fred Lewis on his first pitch of the night, but that was it. He allowed seven hits, walked one and struck out six in 6 2/3 innings. Guthrie hadn't made it through the fifth in his two previous starts, surrendering 10 earned runs and 16 hits in a combined 8 2/3 innings. He also issued eight walks in those two games. Interim manager Juan Samuel removed Guthrie tonight after 102 pitches, 66 for strikes. Guthrie threw 100 pitches in four innings in a July 2 loss at Boston, and 88 over 4 2/3 innings in a July 8 game in Texas. It looked to me like Guthrie threw more curveballs tonight. His fastball routinely hit 96 mph. During one stretch, Guthrie recorded consecutive strikeouts with his fastball, curve and slider. The Orioles are clinging to a 2-1 lead as we enter the top of the eighth. Jason Berken has replaced Will Ohman, who struck out Fred Lewis to end the seventh and strand a runner. Update: Berken faced two batters and left Guthrie with a no-decision. Former Oriole Jose Bautista just clubbed a two-run homer, the ball traveling 422 feet, to give Toronto a 3-2 lead. Tonight's attendance: 28,518.