Orioles hope to rebound against Mariners

The Baltimore Orioles will continue their three-game series against the Seattle Mariners Tuesday from Safeco Field.

The Orioles dropped the opener on Monday by a 6-2 score as starter Zach Britton was tagged with the loss in his 2013 debut after giving up all six runs on 10 hits over six frames in Baltimore's second straight loss since winning three in a row.

"It was okay, all things considered," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said of Britton's outing. "I thought he was throwing well. He gave us a chance."

Matt Wieters stroked a two-run homer to account for the Orioles' offense.

Mariners starter Joe Saunders allowed just two runs on four hits to record his eighth career complete game. He issued just one walk and struck out two to earn the victory and improve to 8-0 in 12 career starts at Safeco Field.

"You have to be efficient these days and you have to get quick outs," Saunders said of his complete game. "Defense was amazing behind me and we got some clutch hits. It was awesome."

Michael Saunders was activated off the 15-day disabled list before the game and hit a solo home run to go with two RBI and two runs scored, while Jason Bay collected three hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Mariners, who have won three straight.

Jason Hammel draws the start for the Orioles on Tuesday and he is 3-1 with a 3.82 earned run average in five starts. In four career games (3 starts) against Seattle, the right-hander is 1-1 with a 3.79 ERA.

Countering for the Mariners will be Brandon Maurer. He is 2-3 with a 5.61 ERA in five starts and has never faced the Orioles. The rookie right-hander has won two of his last three trips to the hill.

Baltimore dominated Seattle last season, winning eight of the nine encounters and five of six in the Emerald City.