Despite a noticeable dip in his typical velocity, right-hander Mychal Givens pitched two strong innings to provide the Orioles with a bullpen rescue in Wednesday’s 12-5 win in Boston.
An early nine-run lead became dicey in the fifth inning when starter Ubaldo Jimenez loaded the bases with one out. Givens allowed one inherited run to score on Xander Bogaerts’ RBI single, but prevented further damage by striking out Pablo Sandoval and inducing an inning-ending flyout from Chris Young.
After allowing Bogaerts’ single, Givens retired the six of the last seven batters he faced over parts of three separate innings.