masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWASHINGTON – Welcome to National League baseball, where the starting pitcher is removed after five innings and 81 pitches, and another pitcher is used as a pinch-runner.

Vladimir Guerrero batted for Zach Britton in the top of the sixth and lined an RBI single into center field off reliever Todd Coffey. Chris Jakubauskas, scheduled to face the Nationals on Sunday, pinch-ran for him.

J.J. Hardy’s sacrifice fly scored Robert Andino, who doubled with one out, to tie the game, 4-4.

The Orioles…WASHINGTON – Welcome to National League baseball, where the starting pitcher is removed after five innings and 81 pitches, and another pitcher is used as a pinch-runner.

Vladimir Guerrero batted for Zach Britton in the top of the sixth and lined an RBI single into center field off reliever Todd Coffey. Chris Jakubauskas, scheduled to face the Nationals on Sunday, pinch-ran for him.

J.J. Hardy’s sacrifice fly scored Robert Andino, who doubled with one out, to tie the game, 4-4.

The Orioles are out-hitting the Nationals, 15-5. Seems like they should have a huge lead, but they left the bases loaded in the sith and are 4-for-14 with runners in scoring position. Matt Wieters has stranded eight runners.

Britton allowed one earned run (four total) and five hits in five innings, with two walks and four strikeouts. He threw 81 pitches, 46 for strikes. Thirty-two of those pitches came in the top of the fifth.

Jeremy Accardo has replaced Britton. Jason Berken was warming earlier despite having appeared in the last two games.

Berken threw two innings yesterday, so it was surprising to see him up again tonight.

Adam Jones has four hits, tying his career high. He’s done it six times, including twice against the Nationals.

Derrek Lee went 3-for-3 off Jason Marquis. He’s 20-for-38 lifetime against the veteran right-hander.

I would have batted him fourth, but what do I know? I’m just a simple caveman. Your world frightens and confuses me.