masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThat 34-pitch second inning looked like it would force Kevin Millwood to make an early exit tonight. He wasn’t sharp and the Yankees were poised for that one big inning that would knock him out.

Not so fast.

Millwood has cleared seven innings and holds a 2-1 lead.

Jim Johnson was warming in the seventh as Millwood escaped a two-on, two-out jam created by walks to pinch-hitter Jorge Posada and Curtis Granderson. Manager Buck Showalter almost certainly will go to his bullpen in the eighth…That 34-pitch second inning looked like it would force Kevin Millwood to make an early exit tonight. He wasn’t sharp and the Yankees were poised for that one big inning that would knock him out.

Not so fast.

Millwood has cleared seven innings and holds a 2-1 lead.

Jim Johnson was warming in the seventh as Millwood escaped a two-on, two-out jam created by walks to pinch-hitter Jorge Posada and Curtis Granderson. Manager Buck Showalter almost certainly will go to his bullpen in the eighth with Millwood at 118 pitches.

Millwood has held the Yankees to one run and five hits, with four walks and five strikeouts. He fanned Mark Teixeira to end the seventh, bringing a roar from the Orioles’ portion of this large crowd.

Millwood has turned in six quality starts in his last eight outings. The rotation has churned out nine in the last 10 games.

Tonight’s attendance: 32,874.

Instant update: Robert Andino just provided a huge insurance run in the bottom of the seventh with his first home run since Sept. 26, 2009.

Orioles 3, Yankees 1.

Who says this team needs a power-hitting third baseman?

Update II: Jim Johnson stranded two runners in the eighth. Great game.

Oriole starters have posted a 1.61 ERA in the last 10 games.