masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgIf left-hander Zach Britton is leaving Double-A Bowie, it won’t be on a high note.

Britton faced the minimum number of Harrisburg batters through four innings – catcher Derek Norris singled in the fourth, but he was thrown out trying to steal second – before the Senators scored eight runs in the fifth and knocked him out of the game.

Four of the runs were unearned after shortstop Pedro Florimon’s two-out error. Bill Rhinehart followed with a three-run homer, and Tyler Moore hit a solo shot….If left-hander Zach Britton is leaving Double-A Bowie, it won’t be on a high note.

Britton faced the minimum number of Harrisburg batters through four innings – catcher Derek Norris singled in the fourth, but he was thrown out trying to steal second – before the Senators scored eight runs in the fifth and knocked him out of the game.

Four of the runs were unearned after shortstop Pedro Florimon’s two-out error. Bill Rhinehart followed with a three-run homer, and Tyler Moore hit a solo shot. Top prospect Bryce Harper doubled for the second time in the inning, and reliever Wynn Pelzer replaced Britton.

Britton is charged with eight runs (four earned) and eight hits, with no walks and nine strikeouts. Stephen King’s bases-loaded triple ended Britton’s shutout bid, and it got worse.

Unless tonight’s outing changes the Orioles’ plans, Britton is expected to be recalled and start one game of Saturday’s doubleheader in New York. He made three starts with Bowie, allowing 11 runs (seven earned) and 14 hits in 11 2/3 innings. Britton walked two and struck out 15.

Britton is 6-7 with a 4.05 ERA, 39 walks and 64 strikeouts in 18 starts covering 104 1/3 innings with the Orioles. He was optioned after allowing eight runs (seven earned) and six hits in two-thirds of an inning on July 8 in Boston.

Meanwhile, Cesar Izturis is 1-for-2 tonight as the Baysox’s designated hitter.