Ubaldo Jimenez: "That is why you come to the stadium every day, to be part of that"

On this date last year, Orioles right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez was 2-8 with an ERA of 4.70. After picking up the Game 1 win against Cleveland this afternoon, he is now 7-3 with a 3.09 ERA. That is one more win than he had in 25 games last season.

After he pitched eight scoreless innings, Jimenez talked about pitching so well this year and leaving the mound in the eighth inning to a standing ovation.

"It is fun," he said. "That is why you come to the stadium every day, to be part of that. You want to help the team get our goals. Felt good. I can't complain about the fans. When I was going bad, of course, you won't have a lot of people cheering for you. But if you give them something to cheer about, they'll be there. It felt really good."

Jimenez gave up just four singles today, throwing 109 pitches, 74 for strikes. He is 5-1 with an ERA of 2.06 in seven home starts.

"Every time I take the mound, I feel like I can give the team a chance to win," he said. "That is what I'm capable of doing right now. It feels really good not to walk anybody. That can get you in trouble."

What has been the key for his improved control and command this year?

"It is about everything. Been working since the end of last year on being able to repeat my mechanics," he said. "I did that in spring training, and it has carried through the season. I've had better mechanics than I did last year.

"The command of the fastball has been big for me. Throughout my career, it has been difficult to command the fastball. That is something I'm really proud of this year,."

Manny Machado went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and double, extending his hitting streak to nine games as the Orioles won for the 17th time in 22 games.

"It's awesome," Machado said. "We've had our ups and downs. We've had players injured, but we are getting back into it. Good to have everyone back on the field. This is just the midway point and we have to keep playing. Have to stay focused and stay with the mindset that we have to make the playoffs."

Machado is batting .436 during his hitting streak. Over his past 20 games, he is batting .422 (35-for-83) with seven homers, 18 RBIs and 13 multi-hit games. He had praise for Jimenez for his outing and for the fans for the big ovation.

"It's great. I got goosebumps. I know all the hard work he's put into it," Machado said. "This year he has the mindset to show everyone who he is. That is what we need from him."

Machado talked about the club's confidence during this winning stretch.

"It is where it needs to be. We never put ourselves down and try to grind every day. That is the mentality we have in this clubhouse. We won't let one game or loss take us down. At the end of the day, we have one goal and there are 162 games to get there."

After losses this afternoon by the Rays and Yankees, the Orioles could move into first-place by percentage points if they win tonight at 7:05 p.m. The Orioles would be playing .547 ball at 41-34 while Tampa Bay is at .545 at 42-35.