Orioles 4, Indians 3: Zach Britton continued a string of strong starts for Baltimore with six scoreless innings and J.J. Hardy hit a two-run homer as the visiting Orioles picked up their fifth straight win.

Hardy added an RBI single in the seventh and Wilson Betemit hit a solo homer in the eighth for Baltimore, which has gotten five quality starts in a row to jump back into second place in the American League East and remain in the thick of the wild-card race.

Britton (1-0), who was knocked around in his season debut on Tuesday, was much more effective against Cleveland, allowing four hits and striking out five while walking two. The left-hander had his sinker working and managed to induce 13 groundouts against two flyouts.

The Indians finally got on the board in the ninth, when Carlos Santana belted a two-run homer - his seventh - off Luis Ayala.

Closer Jim Johnson came on and yielded another run but got the final out with the tying run on second for his 30th save.

Britton got the bulk of his support in the first inning, when Nick Markakis led off with a single and Hardy followed by driving a 1-1 pitch just over the high wall in left field. It was the 14th blast for Hardy.

Josh Tomlin (5-7) lasted six innings for the Indians and was charged with two runs on eight hits while striking out a pair.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Baltimore RF Nick Markakis is batting .364 (16-for-44) since coming off the disabled list and being installed as the leadoff hitter after the All-Star break. … Cleveland RHP Roberto Hernandez (formerly Fausto Carmona) met with the media on Sunday and apologized to the organization and fans. The pitcher, who was found to be three years older than his previously announced birth date, was given three birthday cakes by the team.