masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgLeft-hander Troy Patton has replaced Tommy Hunter in the top of the sixth inning with the score tied, 2-2.

Hunter allowed two runs (one earned) and seven hits in five innings, with three walks, two strikeouts and a home run. He threw 90 pitches, 54 for strikes.

Hunter tweaked his groin during his last start, and he might have aggravated the injury tonight while doing the splits at first base on an attempted 3-6-1 double play in the second inning. He stretched for another throw at home plate…Left-hander Troy Patton has replaced Tommy Hunter in the top of the sixth inning with the score tied, 2-2.

Hunter allowed two runs (one earned) and seven hits in five innings, with three walks, two strikeouts and a home run. He threw 90 pitches, 54 for strikes.

Hunter tweaked his groin during his last start, and he might have aggravated the injury tonight while doing the splits at first base on an attempted 3-6-1 double play in the second inning. He stretched for another throw at home plate later in the inning.

Hunter won’t get a decision tonight after the Orioles tied the game in the bottom of the fifth.

Adam Jones singled, Mark Reynolds walked and Chris Davis singled to center field to erase Boston’s 2-1 lead. Robert Andino laid down a nice sacrifice bunt and Matt Angle walked to load the bases, but J.J. Hardy popped to third and Nick Markakis struck out.

Hunter allowed one earned run or fewer in two of his last three starts. Tonight marked his second-shortest outing as an Oriole. He went four innings in his first start on Aug. 5.

Tonight’s attendance: 21,786

Update: Vladimir Guerrero bounced a single into center field off Josh Beckett leading off the bottom of the sixth inning to give him 2,587 hits, moving him past Julio Franco for first place among Dominican-born players.

Guerrero received a nice ovation, which he acknowledged by removing his batting helmet and waving it to the crowd. The Orioles lined the top step of the dugout to join the ovation.

The Orioles will honor Guerrero’s accomplishment in a ceremony before Wednesday’s season-finale. Longtime major league manager and Guerrero mentor Felipe Alou will participate, along with Dominican Republic Ambassador to the United States Anibal De Castro.