Zach Britton turns in best start of season at Norfolk

Left-hander Zach Britton, who led the Orioles in wins as a rookie last season, has mostly struggled in three previous starts at Triple-A Norfolk.

But on Thursday, Britton took a significant step toward rejoining the Orioles' starting rotation, turning in his best Triple-A performance this season.

Britton issued his first quality start in four starts with the Tides, allowing just two runs on three hits over six innings in a 5-3 win against Buffalo. Britton also struck out five, the most he's had in a game since joining the Tides, and issued two walks.

Britton yielded both runs in the second inning and then retired 13 of the final 14 batters he faced.  

Britton (2-1) lowered his ERA at Norfolk to 5.82 in 21 2/3 innings. Between Norfolk and Double-A Bowie, he is 3-1 with a 4.01 ERA in 33 2/3 innings.

Britton spent most of the season on the disabled list with left-shoulder impingement, but he was optioned to Norfolk on June 6.

Lew Ford and Miguel Tejada each had two hits in the game. Reliever J.C. Romero extended his scoreless-inning streak to nine innings and Pat Neshek earned his fifth save.