VandenHurk's latest audition starts poorly (O's lead, 4-3)

Rick VandenHurk fell behind, 1-0, tonight after facing three Red Sox batters. Back-to-back one-out doubles by Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez in the first inning gave Boston an early lead. Gonzalez is 3-for-4 with two doubles and a home run lifetime against VandenHurk, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 10 in Toronto. That's what you would call extended rest. VandenHurk lasted only 2 1/3 innings in his last start, allowing three runs and three hits - including two home runs - and walking two. He made it through the first tonight without major damage, though the Red Sox loaded the bases with two outs and Marco Scutaro flied to the warning track in left field. That's what you would almost call major damage. VandenHurk threw 27 pitches in the inning. He's fortunate to be back in the dugout with a one-run deficit. VandenHurk was outrighted late in spring training after clearing waivers and he's out of minor league options. His chances to impress manager Buck Showalter are dwindling. The news that Ryan Adams might be shut down with a sports hernia, and could be facing surgery, just increases the chances that the Orioles will look outside the organization for a second baseman. I've expected it all along, but I don't see how anyone could argue that Adams had done enough in his limited opportunities to convince management that he's ready to be the starting second baseman in 2012 if Brian Roberts can't play. He's hitting .281 with seven RBIs and a .659 OPS in 29 games. He's had trouble cracking the lineup. His time might be coming, but I don't think it's going to be next April. Update: Nick Markakis' two-out double scored Robert Andino to tie the game in the third inning, and Markakis raced home with the go-ahead run on an error by right fielder Josh Reddick, who misplayed Vladimir Guerrero's line drive. Reddick tried to make a leaping grab after freezing on the ball, and it popped out of the webbing of his glove. Erik Bedard issued consecutive walks to Matt Wieters and Adam Jones to load the bases, and Mark Reynolds delivered a two-run single with the count full. A 2-2- fastball came dangerously close to Reynolds' head. As if he needed that flashback. Bedard is done after 2 2/3 innings and 76 pitches. Update II: Gonzalez hit a two-run homer over the Green Monster with no outs in the bottom of the third. Just like that, the Orioles' lead is down to 4-3. Showalter's patience will be tested. Again.