masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgNick Markakis doesn’t have a 33-game hitting streak like Atlanta’s Dan Uggla. His achievement won’t be chronicled on SportsCenter. The numbers don’t hang from the warehouse.

However, Markakis has collected a hit in 178 consecutive series, the longest streak in the majors. It was in jeopardy today, as I wrote earlier, but he belted a two-run homer off Tigers starter Doug Fister in the bottom of the first inning.

Markakis gave the Orioles a 2-0 lead, which also appeared to be in jeopardy…Nick Markakis doesn’t have a 33-game hitting streak like Atlanta’s Dan Uggla. His achievement won’t be chronicled on SportsCenter. The numbers don’t hang from the warehouse.

However, Markakis has collected a hit in 178 consecutive series, the longest streak in the majors. It was in jeopardy today, as I wrote earlier, but he belted a two-run homer off Tigers starter Doug Fister in the bottom of the first inning.

Markakis gave the Orioles a 2-0 lead, which also appeared to be in jeopardy after Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez opened the second with singles. Jo-Jo Reyes retired Jhonny Peralta on a pop up and struck out Ryan Raburn and Alex Avila on sliders that ranged from 79 mph to 86 mph.

The Orioles responded with another run in the bottom of the second on consecutive one-out singles by Chris Davis, Craig Tatum and Robert Andino.

Andino’s single, on a ball that barely cleared Raburn at third base, produced his 15th RBI this season.

Markakis hit his 100th career home run Thursday against the Chicago White Sox. He’s got 12 homers and 53 RBIs this season, numbers that also won’t be recognized on SportsCenter.

Instant update: Markakis and Andino let a fly ball from Ramon Santiago drop in foul territory, just outside the right field line. Next pitch: Home run.

Orioles 3, Tigers 1

Markakis has to make that catch. Andino ran a long way. A miscommunication that cost the Orioles a run.