masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWe’re getting the bad version of Jake Arrieta tonight.

For those of you keeping score at home, that’s two impressive outings followed by two poor ones.

Arrieta has allowed six runs (five earned) and eight hits in four innings, as the Nationals provide a nice cushion for J.D. Martin. Arrieta also has issued two walks, and his pitch count is up to 84.

I expected interim manager Juan Samuel to pop out of the dugout after Adam Dunn’s two-run double with two outs in the fourth, but Arrieta…We’re getting the bad version of Jake Arrieta tonight.

For those of you keeping score at home, that’s two impressive outings followed by two poor ones.

Arrieta has allowed six runs (five earned) and eight hits in four innings, as the Nationals provide a nice cushion for J.D. Martin. Arrieta also has issued two walks, and his pitch count is up to 84.

I expected interim manager Juan Samuel to pop out of the dugout after Adam Dunn’s two-run double with two outs in the fourth, but Arrieta stayed in the game and retired Josh Willingham on a fly ball.

Arrieta also gave up six runs, five earned, in his last start in San Diego. He was removed for a pinch-hitter after three innings.

He’s still on the mound tonight as we begin the top of the fifth.

The good Arrieta allowed four runs and seven hits in 13 innings in his first two starts, winning both decisions. We eagerly await his return.

Update: Arrieta is gone after 95 pitches. He walked the leadoff hitter in the fifth, catcher Ivan Rodriguez, before Mike Morse grounded into a force. Mark Hendrickson is on the mound with the Orioles trailing, 6-0.