masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgNate McLouth is leading off tonight against a left-hander, the Rangers’ Martin Perez, rather than moving down the order and surrendering the top spot to Nick Markakis.

Manager Buck Showalter could be playing a hunch – or the hot hand.

McLouth led off with a single tonight, making him 6-for-14 in his last four games. He has a double, triple, RBI and three runs scored during the streak.

Third baseman Manny Machado wore his batting gloves for his first at-bat last night, then took them off…Nate McLouth is leading off tonight against a left-hander, the Rangers’ Martin Perez, rather than moving down the order and surrendering the top spot to Nick Markakis.

Manager Buck Showalter could be playing a hunch – or the hot hand.

McLouth led off with a single tonight, making him 6-for-14 in his last four games. He has a double, triple, RBI and three runs scored during the streak.

Third baseman Manny Machado wore his batting gloves for his first at-bat last night, then took them off and collected two hits. He wore them in his first at-bat tonight and popped up to second.

Stay tuned for updates on this incredibly slow news day.

Down on the farm, Kevin Gausman has allowed two runs and four hits in his first three innings for Triple-A Norfolk, with two walks and four strikeouts.

Gausman also hit a batter – former teammate Travis Ishikawa, who’s playing right field tonight for Charlotte.

LJ Hoes is 2-for-2, raising his average to .311.

Update: The Orioles scored twice in the second inning, but they had the bases loaded with no outs and failed to build on their 2-0 lead.

Chris Davis reached on a double after left fielder David Murphy lost the ball in the sun. Matt Wieters followed with an RBI single into center field, making him 6-for-13 with a home run, two RBIs and a walk in his last four games.

J.J. Hardy reached on an infield hit, and Danny Valencia reached on shortstop Elvis Andrus’ error to load the bases. The Rangers’ defense and baserunning in this series have been putrid.

Brian Roberts followed with an RBI single into right field.

Machado struck out while again wearing his gloves.

Gausman came out of the game at Norfolk after 3 1/3 innings with his pitch count at 70, including 41 for strikes. He allowed two runs and five hits, with two walks, four strikeouts and a hit batter.

Gausman was making his first start since being optioned. He worked out of the Orioles’ bullpen and made a relief appearances for the Tides. He needs to be stretched out again.

Update II: Time to update those Wieters numbers.

Wieters doubled and scored on Hardy’s double in the top of the third inning, as the Orioles extended their lead to 3-0. Wieters is 7-for-14 in his last four games, with a double, home run, two RBIs, a walk and four runs scored.