masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgKevin Millwood just fumbled a 1-0 lead in the fifth on Michael Saunders’ two-out single that scored Ryan Langerhans and Ichiro Suzuki’s first home run of the season.

Seattle 3, Orioles 1.

Langerhans led off with a double and took third on Josh Wilson’s fly ball to right. Rob Johnson sent a bouncer up the middle against the Orioles drawn-in infield, and shortstop Cesar Izturis made a clean pick-up and throw for the out as Langerhans held at third. I thought the ball might sneak through or…Kevin Millwood just fumbled a 1-0 lead in the fifth on Michael Saunders’ two-out single that scored Ryan Langerhans and Ichiro Suzuki’s first home run of the season.

Seattle 3, Orioles 1.

Langerhans led off with a double and took third on Josh Wilson’s fly ball to right. Rob Johnson sent a bouncer up the middle against the Orioles drawn-in infield, and shortstop Cesar Izturis made a clean pick-up and throw for the out as Langerhans held at third. I thought the ball might sneak through or handcuff Izturis.

Saunders singled to score Langerhans and tie the game, and Ichiro followed with his blast to right field.

The Orioles have two hits – both from Ty Wigginton, including a two-out, run-scoring single in the fourth after Nick Markakis walked with one out and advanced on Felix Hernandez’s wild pitch.

I’m still waiting for the Orioles to confirm that reliever Jim Johnson was diagnosed with a slightly torn ligament in his right elbow and could be facing Tommy John surgery, per Jeff Zrebiec’s report in The Sun. They’re gathering more information before making an announcement.

The club could wait a month before determining whether he needs the surgery, which would cost him the rest of this season and beyond.

Another reliever, Double-A Bowie’s Luis Lebron, just underwent the same procedure.

Johnson pitched one scoreless inning for Triple-A Norfolk after being demoted. The Orioles placed him on the disabled list and scheduled a visit to orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews.

The news apparently wasn’t good.

Johnson posted a 6.52 ERA in 9 2/3 innings with the Orioles, allowing 15 hits, walking four and striking out nine, and failed in his role as substitute closer. Now he has a much bigger problem.

Down on the farm, Brandon Erbe threw seven scoreless innings today for Triple-A Norfolk in his best outing of the season, limiting Syracuse to four hits, walking one and striking out six. But he was stuck with a no-decision after Frank Mata blew the save in the ninth.

Kam Mickolio tossed a scoreless eighth with two strikeouts.