Jeremy Guthrie pitched seven strong innings to win his first game since May and Luke Scott homered as the Baltimore Orioles edged the Minnesota Twins, 3-2, on Friday.
Adam Jones added an RBI for the Orioles, who have won twice in eight games since the All-Star break and own the worst record in the majors at 31-65.
Guthrie (4-10), who is one of the few trade chips Baltimore possesses this season, put on a good show for which ever scouts may have been in attendance, allowing two runs and six hits while striking out six. The right-hander did not issue a walk in his first win since May 25.
Jones gave the Orioles an early lead when he reached Brian Duensing for an RBI single in the first. Duensing, who was moved from the bullpen to the rotation for a spot start, allowed just one run and four hits in five frames.
The Twins took a brief lead in the sixth when Joe Mauer clubbed a two-run homer, but Baltimore got those runs right back in the bottom of the frame when Scott drove his 15th homer of the season out to right off rookie Anthony Slama (0-1), scoring Miguel Tejada and providing the winning margin.
Alfredo Simon pitched the ninth for his 14th save.
Minnesota | Baltimore | |
Brian Duensing | Player | Jeremy Guthrie |
No Decision | W/L | Win |
5.0 | IP | 7.0 |
3 | Strikeouts | 6 |
4 | Hits | 6 |
1.80 | ERA | 2.57 |
Minnesota | Baltimore | |
Joe Mauer | Player | Luke Scott |
2 | Hits | 2 |
2 | RBI | 2 |
1 | HR | 1 |
5 | TB | 5 |
.500 | Avg | .500 |