masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgJeremy Guthrie fell into an early jam tonight, putting runners on second and third with one out in the top of the first inning. But he struck out Kevin Youkilis and retired David Ortiz on a shallow fly ball to left field, leaving the game scoreless and his pitch count at 24.

It’s mostly been a breeze for Guthrie since the first. He’s retired seven of the last eight batters, striking out five. He got Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia looking to end the third after Jason Varitek went down…Jeremy Guthrie fell into an early jam tonight, putting runners on second and third with one out in the top of the first inning. But he struck out Kevin Youkilis and retired David Ortiz on a shallow fly ball to left field, leaving the game scoreless and his pitch count at 24.

It’s mostly been a breeze for Guthrie since the first. He’s retired seven of the last eight batters, striking out five. He got Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia looking to end the third after Jason Varitek went down swinging to lead off the inning.

Guthrie threw 15 pitches in the second and 14 in the third, leaving his count at 53 – including 40 strikes.

Here’s a shocker: The Orioles haven’t scored any runs for Guthrie as we head to the top of the fourth. They have one hit off Red Sox starter Josh Beckett, Derrek Lee’s infield single in the first.

Rick Dempsey is filling in for Jerry Remy on tonight’s NESN broadcast. Remy is missing the game because of the flu.

Update: Guthrie retired the first two batters in the fourth before giving up a single to David Ortiz, walking J.D. Drew and allowing a single to Jed Lowrie. Ortiz tried to score, but Nick Markakis threw him out at the plate to keep the game scoreless.

Guthrie has thrown 78 pitches.

Markakis and Jones lead the team with three outfield assists.