It is the third time in the past six games started by Guthrie that the Orioles have scored seven or more runs. That is significant only because he struggled to get run support for the first three months. In Guthrie's seven losses, the Orioles have scored a total of 10 runs.
He has held the opposition to two earned runs or fewer in 10 of his 19 starts, but he has only five wins to show for it.
Yesterday, however, the Orioles gave him a three-run lead before the third inning and a seven-run bulge before the fourth.
Guthrie allowed an RBI double to Milton Bradley in the first and settled down to toss five straight scoreless innings heading into the seventh.
Guthrie said he tired in the inning, allowing three straight Rangers to reach, including Ian Kinsler, whose RBI single ended Guthrie's outing. Ryan Bukvich came in and allowed two inherited runners to score.
"I'm used to pitching in games that are tight against some opponents that are pretty good," Guthrie said. "I don't feel any different. I enjoy pitching in games. I've always said that. I enjoy pitching in games that are 1-0 or 1-1, and I enjoy pitching if we're ahead 8-1. I have the same focus either way."jeff.zrebiec@baltsun.com
