Orioles starter Jason Hammel went eight innings for the first time this season and first time since June 22, 2012 Monday in Washington. That game was also against the Nationals.
Hammel was sharp as he allowed just two earned runs -- one in the second and one in the sixth -- on eight hits and no walks over his eight frames. He threw 107 pitches and struck out eight batters for the Orioles in the win. His record improved to 7-2 with a 4.98 ERA in the process.
Hammel has allowed two earned runs in back-to-back wins to get his ERA under 5.00 again. He's also struck out 14 over his last 14 2/3 innings. Hammel will look to keep it rolling when he next takes the hill Saturday against Detroit. He's scheduled to be matched up with Justin Verlander in that outing.