masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgFor lefty Brian Matusz, it was the shortest outing of his 17-start, Major League career.

Five days after shutting out Cleveland for seven innings, he allowed eight hits and a career-high seven runs in just 2 1/3 innings as the Texas Rangers beat the Orioles 13-7 Thursday to sweep the two-game series. Matusz, who had given up just two homers all year over 47 1/3, tonight gave up two more.

Nelson Cruz hit a three-run shot in the first and Vladimir Guerrero added a two-run shot in the second as…For lefty Brian Matusz, it was the shortest outing of his 17-start, Major League career.

Five days after shutting out Cleveland for seven innings, he allowed eight hits and a career-high seven runs in just 2 1/3 innings as the Texas Rangers beat the Orioles 13-7 Thursday to sweep the two-game series. Matusz, who had given up just two homers all year over 47 1/3, tonight gave up two more.

Nelson Cruz hit a three-run shot in the first and Vladimir Guerrero added a two-run shot in the second as Texas improved to 10-1 in its last 11 home games and 24-18 on the season. Texas has won 16 of its last 23. Cruz had four hits and four RBI.

Jim Hunter and Jim Palmer discuss the O’s 13-7 loss to Texas with Dave Trembley

Matt Treanor’s three-run homer capped a five-run Texas eighth as the O’s allowed a season-high in runs.

Matusz falls to 2-4, 5.26 on the season. O’s starters had pitched to an ERA of 2.78 the previous eight contests.

Luke Scott went three for four with two doubles and an RBI for the Orioles, who have lost five of their last six games. Scott is 18 for 34 over his last nine games. Corey Patterson added a two-run double.

The O’s are now 5-17 in road games and 13-29 on the season. They begin a three-game series at Washington Friday night with David Hernandez (0-5, 5.84) facing lefty Scott Olsen (2-1, 3.15).