masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgComing into tonight’s start, Kevin Millwood had allowed 18 runs over the first innings of his last six starts. His first-inning ERA on the year was 10.20.

Then, the Marlins, looking to sweep this series, got two runs on four hits off him in the top of the first. Hanley Ramirez, still tormenting O’s pitching and Dan Uggla came up with RBI singles.

Millwood’s season has taken a downturn despite him getting his first win of the year last weekend at San Diego. Over his first seven starts…Coming into tonight’s start, Kevin Millwood had allowed 18 runs over the first innings of his last six starts. His first-inning ERA on the year was 10.20.

Then, the Marlins, looking to sweep this series, got two runs on four hits off him in the top of the first. Hanley Ramirez, still tormenting O’s pitching and Dan Uggla came up with RBI singles.

Millwood’s season has taken a downturn despite him getting his first win of the year last weekend at San Diego. Over his first seven starts this year, he gave up 4 ER or more just once. He has allowed 4 ER or more now in five of his last nine starts.

Millwood, ERA by inning, 2010:
1st: 10.80
2nd: 1.20
3rd: 5.40
4th: 4.80
5th: 5.40
6th: 6.00
7th: 3.00

Millwood has now allowed 20 runs in the first inning on the year. His next worst inning is the third, where he has given up ten runs this year.

First-inning pitches, tonight:
29 – Millwood
7 – Robertson