masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgBrian Matusz’s hamstring didn’t seem to be an issue tonight. The Cincinnati Reds caused all the trouble.

Matusz was removed after allowing six runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out five, but he also served up three home runs, including two to Joey Votto that accounted for five runs.

Matusz’s ERA rises from 5.60 to 6.85. The concerns also jump up another notch or two.

Matusz hasn’t cleared the sixth inning in any of his five starts, and tonight’s outing is his…Brian Matusz’s hamstring didn’t seem to be an issue tonight. The Cincinnati Reds caused all the trouble.

Matusz was removed after allowing six runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out five, but he also served up three home runs, including two to Joey Votto that accounted for five runs.

Matusz’s ERA rises from 5.60 to 6.85. The concerns also jump up another notch or two.

Matusz hasn’t cleared the sixth inning in any of his five starts, and tonight’s outing is his second-shortest of the season. He’s allowed 14 earned runs and 20 hits, and walked eight batters, in his last three starts covering 11 1/3 innings. He’s also surrendered six home runs.

The stadium radar gun clocked at least one Matusz fastball at 90 mph, but he pretty much stayed in the 86-89 range.

The Orioles must decide whether to give Matusz another start, send him down to Triple-A Norfolk or place him on the disabled list if they’re convinced that he’s not healthy.

A roster move could be coming after tonight’s game, since Brad Bergesen is pitching in relief. Alfredo Simon is eligible to come off the disabled list on Tuesday.

Update: Both teams have hit four home runs tonight, with J.J. Hardy joining the party in the seventh inning. All 13 runs in this game have come via the long ball.

The Orioles haven’t hit four homers in a game since Aug. 10, 2010 at Cleveland.

The Camden Yards record for most home runs in one game is 11.

Update II: Drew Stubbs led off the eighth inning with the Reds’ fifth homer of the night, increasing their lead to 9-5. Bergesen has surrendered two of the homers.

Tonight’s attendance: 38,976