masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAlfredo Simon lost his shutout and the lead, but he got through the sixth inning, which is cause for celebration.

I’m thinking about a parade down Pratt Street. Bring your own confetti.

The Indians scored twice in the sixth on Michael Brantley’s double, and Simon needed a diving stop by first baseman Derrek Lee and Adam Jones’ catch at the center field fence to avoid further damage.

Simon is only the third starter to get through six innings in the last 19 games. Jeremy Guthrie is the…Alfredo Simon lost his shutout and the lead, but he got through the sixth inning, which is cause for celebration.

I’m thinking about a parade down Pratt Street. Bring your own confetti.

The Indians scored twice in the sixth on Michael Brantley’s double, and Simon needed a diving stop by first baseman Derrek Lee and Adam Jones’ catch at the center field fence to avoid further damage.

Simon is only the third starter to get through six innings in the last 19 games. Jeremy Guthrie is the only starter to finish seven innings in the last 28 games.

Simon has thrown 67 pitches, 48 for strikes.

Instant update: Nick Markakis homered with one out in the bottom of the sixth to give the Orioles a 3-2 lead. Estimated distance: 380 feet. Markakis also has doubled and scored twice.

Down on the farm, left-hander Brian Matusz is shutting out Gwinnett on one hit over four innings, with no walks and three strikeouts. He’s thrown only 38 pitches, 27 for strikes.

That’s more like it.