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Olson blanks Yanks as Orioles end skid

May 26, 2008 - 9:58 PM BALTIMORE (Ticker) -- Garrett Olson ended the Baltimore Orioles' losing streak by making some adjustments against the New York Yankees.

Olson pitched seven scoreless innings Monday afternoon, leading the scuffling Orioles to a 6-1 triumph over the Yankees.

Nick Markakis had three hits, including his team-leading ninth homer, for Baltimore, which ended a five-game losing streak that began with Olson's awful outing last Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.

Olson struggled through one of the worst performances of his young career that night, allowing a season-high six runs while lasting just 2 2/3 innings in an 8-0 loss that jumpstarted New York on a five-game winning streak.

"You can always dwell on it, but that's not going to do you any good," Olson said. "Every fifth day if you get the ball, you've got to go out there and get the job done.

"I think, from experience, I've had outings like the last one before, you come back with a strong attitude and try to attack the zone."

The 24-year-old Olson (4-1) looked like a different pitcher five days later, baffling the Yankees with an array of perfectly located fastballs and diving offspeed pitches. The lefthander allowed three hits and four walks while matching a career high with seven strikeouts.

"All you can control is your attitude and how you go after guys," Olson said. "Today, I threw more offspeed stuff than last time."

"Olson probably had his best stuff he's had in three starts," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. "He made adjustments from last time. He pitched great."

New York mounted its only scoring threat against Olson in the third inning, when Johnny Damon ripped a leadoff single and advanced to second on Alex Rodriguez's two-out walk.

Hideki Matsui followed with a sharp single to Markakis, who unleashed a perfect strike from right field to throw out Damon at the plate and preserve the scoreless tie.

"I charged it and just tried to make a strong and accurate throw," Markakis said. "I'm glad it helped the team. I'm just trying to do my job."

"I think (Markakis' outfield assist) gave the team a lift," Olson added.

Olson completely dominated the Yankees from there, retiring 12 of the next 14 batters he faced before being lifted after the top of the seventh.

"(Olson) had much better command this time," Matsui said through an interpreter.

Baltimore finally gave Olson some run support in the sixth, when Markakis belted Darrell Rasner's 3-2 offering over the wall in center field to make it 1-0.

"I think that (Markakis' homer) jumpstarted the offense," Olson said. "I think the guys just battled behind me the whole game."

The Orioles broke it open with a five-run seventh against New York relievers LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Veras. Melvin Mora and Markakis lined back-to-back RBI singles to set the stage for Aubrey Huff, who capped the outburst with a three-run homer to center.

"I could not have drawn this game out any better," Trembley said. "We've always had the two ingredients, pitching and defense. Today we had all three with timely hitting. Today was a great game for us."

Rasner (3-1) was effective over six innings, allowing one run and five hits with one walk and three strikeouts.

"It's a quality start, but it's a bummer we lost," Rasner said. "I felt good about it. I was happy to get my curveball going again."

Matsui had three hits and scored on Chad Moeller's ninth-inning RBI hit for the Yankees, who have lost four of their first seven meetings with the AL East Division rival Orioles this season.