Wendelstedt tossed Danny Valencia for arguing a third-strike pitch by Orioles lefty Michael Gonzalez, and Gardenhire went out to object to Valencia's ejection. As Gardenhire left the field, he tossed his own hat behind his head in protest.
Gonzalez continued his excellent run by striking out all four batters he faced, including Jason Kubel with runners on second and third in the seventh. Gonzalez has not allowed a run in 15 of his past 16 games.
"Gonzo has been pitching well for a while now," Showalter said. "He is attacking the zone, he is pitching with a purpose and he has a good look in his eye, and hopefully we will benefit from it the next five weeks."
Closer Kevin Gregg, who didn't retire a batter in two of his past four outings, pitched a perfect ninth for his 18th save.
"You don't do the things he has done over a long period and not have some mental toughness," Showalter said. "The mental toughness part of it is never a question with him."
Britton also showed mental toughness in bouncing back from three rough starts to pick up the win -- something his teammates were encouraged to see.
"Anytime Britton is throwing the ball with conviction, he is great," Hardy said. "I think he went out there with a different attitude today, and it was good."
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