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Tomlin hopes to keep Tribe in win column in middle tilt with O's

Apr 16, 2011 - 2:47 PM (Sports Network) - Josh Tomlin tries to remain unbeaten on the season as the young right-hander leads the Cleveland Indians against the Orioles this afternoon in the middle installment of a three-game series.

The Indians are surging with a 9-4 record and have won five in a row at Progressive Field.

Tomlin has won his first two starts this season in impressive fashion. The 26- year-old recently allowed three hits and three runs over 6 2/3 innings in a victory at Seattle. Already the first Indians pitcher in club history to go at least five innings in each of his first 14 appearances with the club, Tomlin has made big strides since being chosen in the 19th round of the 2006 draft by the Tribe. He went 6-4 with a 4.56 ERA last season is off to a flying start this year.

Tomlin lost to the Orioles last August 11 in Cleveland. He allowed 10 hits and three runs -- two earned -- over five innings that day.

Countering for the Orioles will be Jeremy Guthrie, who pitched well in a 3-0 loss to the Rangers on Sunday. He gave up four hits and a run over six innings. The right-hander, a first-round pick of the Indians in 2002, is 2-0 against the team that drafted him.

It's been tough sledding for Baltimore starters recently. In the last four games, Orioles starters are 0-4 with a 10.59 ERA.

On Friday, Asdrubal Cabrera hit a pair of two-run singles, as the Indians pounded the Orioles, 8-2. Travis Hafner belted a solo home run and knocked in two for the Indians who, snapped a two-game losing streak. Justin Masterson (3-0) was masterful in a seven-inning outing, as he gave up one run on four hits while striking out three.

"Throwing strikes is the biggest thing," Masterson said of his successful start. "Getting that first strike in there allows you to work on expanding the zone."

Luke Scott and Mark Reynolds each had an RBI for the Orioles, who have dropped five straight after starting the season hot with a 6-1 record. Brian Roberts and Derrek Lee had two hits in the loss.

Baltimore starter Zach Britton (2-1) was tagged for five runs on eight hits in six innings to get his first career loss.

Baltimore and Cleveland split six meetings a year ago. The Indians have won five of the last seven home games versus the Orioles.