Game 18: Yankees lose 8-2

Phil Hughes (0-3) showed signs of improvement in his start against Baltimore Friday night, but he got another loss, as the Orioles beat up the Yankees 8-2.

Hughes was good for five innings, throwing 80 pitches and holding the Orioles to one run. He also threw a first-pitch strike to the first 15 batters he faced. However, things fell apart for Hughes and the Yankees in the sixth inning.

The Orioles led off the inning with three-straight singles by Nick Markakis, Kevin Millar and Luke Scott, scoring one run. After an Aubrey Huff pop out, Adam Jones singled to score Millar.

LaTroy Hawkins relieved Hughes after Jones' single. Hawkins would allow two more singles - to Jay Payton and Melvin Mora - that scored four runs before being taken out for Edwar Ramirez. Ramirez then allowed an RBI single to Markakis that topped off the Orioles' seven-run inning. When the damage was done, the Orioles were up 8-1.

Hughes was charged with five earned runs in 5 1-3 innings. He also walked two batters and struck out only one batter. Hawkins gave up three earned runs in 1-3 of an inning. Ramirez pitched the final 2 1-3 innings for New York. He gave up one hit and one walk while striking out three.

Chad Moeller hit a solo home run to lead off the seventh inning, but that was it for the Yankees' scoring.

The Yankees left nine runners on base and only had seven hits against Oriole pitching.

Daniel Cabrera (1-0) started for Baltimore. He usually has control issues, but only walked two batters in his six innings. He struck out three and surrendered five hits in his first win of the season.

After winning three-straight games, the Yankees have dropped their last two to even their record at 9-9. The Orioles improve to 10-7 with the victory.

Ian Kennedy will face Brian Burres tomorrow evening.