masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgNEW YORK – Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen needed only seven pitches tonight to retire the Yankees in order in the first inning.

Now, he needs an Orioles rally after giving up two runs in the third.

Both runs were unearned after Ryan Flaherty’s throwing error to start the inning.

Jose Pirela, making his major league debut, tripled to left-center field, and he scored on Derek Jeter’s bouncer to short.

Pirela is the 57th player used by the Yankees, setting a franchise record for the most in a…NEW YORK – Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen needed only seven pitches tonight to retire the Yankees in order in the first inning.

Now, he needs an Orioles rally after giving up two runs in the third.

Both runs were unearned after Ryan Flaherty’s throwing error to start the inning.

Jose Pirela, making his major league debut, tripled to left-center field, and he scored on Derek Jeter’s bouncer to short.

Pirela is the 57th player used by the Yankees, setting a franchise record for the most in a single season. They had 56 in 2013.

chen followthrough sidebar.jpgFollowing his last start on Sept. 15, Chen became the second Orioles left-hander in club history to record 500 innings or more within his first three seasons, joining Steve Barber (1960-1962).

Chen is 8-2 with a 3.38 ERA in 14 road starts this season.

Chen’s 16.1 pitches per inning lead the club’s starters, and he ranks 21st in the American League. Chris Tillman ranks 30th with 16.5.

Not enough Chen for you? Well, the Orioles are 20-3 when he works seven or more innings.

Chen ranks second in the American League in run support at 5.96, trailing only the Angels’ C.J. Wilson (6.55).

“He’s been solid, he’s really good,” said manager Buck Showalter. “He’s had some good run support, but a lot of that has to do with his tempo, his strike throwing. There’s usually good offense behind pitchers that pitch like he does, aggressive.

“So many things to like. He hold runners, fields his position well, strike thrower. He’s made great use of the extra days we’ve given him here and there.

“He’s just been solid all year. One of those things you feel good when he’s on the mound, like you’ve got a chance.”

Showalter expected Chen to come up big this season, “and he expected it.”

“There’s a little unknown about his knee and how things were going to respond. Everybody siad it was minor surgery, but any time you have a surgery, you wonder. But he’s been very diligent in his work and his rehab and we’re real proud of him. We’re glad he’s on our side and you’ll see him next year.”

The Orioles hold a $4.75 million option on Chen’s contract, which includes a $372,000 buyout.

“I feel confident that he’ll be an Oriole next year,” Showalter said.

Chen hasn’t received any run support tonight. Yankees starter Michael Pineda has retired the first nine Orioles.

Update: Jeter has three RBIs tonight and the Yankees have a 4-0 lead.

Jeter delivered a two-out, two-run double in the fifth after Chen walked Brett Gardner. Chen has thrown 75 pitches.

Chen’s line: 6 innings, 6 hits, 4 runs, 2 ER, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts. 95 pitches, 63 strikes

Pineda has retired 21 of 22 batters.

Update II: The Orioles lost to the Yankees 5-0, but they’re assured of home field advantage in the Division Series because the Tigers also lost tonight.

The Angels’ magic number for clinching the best record is down to four games, and they can cut it to three with a win tonight.

Chase Headley homered off Ryan Webb in the eighth to complete the scoring.

The Orioles were shut out for the 11th time this season and have lost three of their last four games. They’re now 93-63 overall.

The Orioles had three baserunners – J.J. Hardy singled in the fifth, Christian Walker walked in the eighth and Nick Markakis walked in the ninth.