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Orioles seek series split with Indians

Jul 17, 2011 - 2:57 PM (Sports Network) - Mitch Atkins will make his third start of the season for Baltimore, and the Orioles will try to win their second straight when they close out a four-game series against the Cleveland Indians at Camden Yards.

After holding Texas to one run in his first outing the young pitcher was welcomed to the big bad AL East in his next start. Against the big bats of Boston, the right-hander did not make it through the second inning. Atkins was touched up for six runs on seven hits, three of which were home runs.

The AL Central-leading Indians will also send a young hurler to the hill this afternoon in Jeanmar Gomez. Gomez has made just three previous starts this year, and is still searching for his first victory.

The last time the right-hander was on the mound he pitched well against Oakland, but did not factor in the decision. Gomez tossed 5 1/3 innings against the A's, allowing just one run on five hits and two walks.

Last season Gomez claimed four wins in his first year in the big leagues, and one of those victories came against Baltimore. In that win, the young twirler held the Orioles to just one run in six innings.

On Saturday, Nick Markakis went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and three runs scored and the Orioles hung on to snap a nine-game losing streak with a 6-5 win over the Indians.

Adam Jones and Felix Pie both drove in two runs while Derrek Lee added an RBI for the Orioles, who are just 2-14 in their last 16 games.

Alfredo Simon (2-2) grabbed the win as he gave up just two runs on three hits with a walk and five strikeouts over seven innings.

Orlando Cabrera hit a three-run double in the ninth while Michael Brantley hit a two-run double in the sixth inning for the Indians, who had taken the first two games of the series after dropping the final three games of a four-game set against Toronto.

Cleveland is a game ahead of Detroit and four in front of Chicago for Central Division bragging rights.

Carlos Carrasco (8-7) dropped his third straight start after giving up three runs on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts over seven innings.