Orioles get the jump on the Mariners, 7-2

SEATTLE — Nate McLouth led off the game with his second homer of the season, Baltimore battered rookie Brandon Maurer for four runs in the first inning and the Orioles beat the Mariners 7-2 on Tuesday night.

McLouth blew a bubble with his gum as he rounded the bases. Over his last 10 games, the Orioles’ leadoff man is hitting .485 and has scored 14 runs.

Matt Wieters added a two-run double in the first and Chris Dickerson had his first two RBIs of the season with a two-run single in the sixth inning.

Jason Hammel (4-1) pitched into the sixth. A high pitch count ended his night despite a 6-0 lead.

For the second straight season, Hammel has been outstanding in the opening month. In April 2012, he went 3-1 with a 1.97 ERA.

Hammel failed to pitch at least six innings for the first time this season, mostly because his pitch count topped 100 after giving up three hits to open the sixth. Hammel allowed seven hits and two earned runs. He struck out five and walked three.

Baltimore didn’t stop after McLouth’s homer. Manny Machado followed with a double and scored after a pair of wild pitches by Maurer.