Zimmermann, Tigers can’t keep pace with O’s

DETROIT — Jordan Zimmermann’s return from the disabled list was a return to offensive firepower for the Orioles, who hit three home runs off the Tigers’ starter and rolled from there to an 11-3 win to regain sole possession of the second American League Wild Card spot and move to within two games of the Red Sox in the AL East.

The Tigers fell 6 1/2 games back of the Indians in the AL Central.

Five weeks after Zimmermann (9-6) returned too soon from a neck strain and retired just five of 14 batters, the O’s handed him a quicker exit Saturday.

Seven of the 10 hitters to face him reached base safely, three of them rounding the bases. Adam Jones’ drive over the left-field fence put Baltimore on top on the first pitch of the game. Chris Davis and Matt Wieters added two-run homers before Zimmermann’s exit.

Wieters added a three-run homer in the sixth off Buck Farmer. By then, Ubaldo Jimenez (7-11) was rolling, allowing little more than a J.D. Martinez RBI single in the first inning and a Victor Martinez double and groundout run in the fourth.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDQuick start: While a brief 11-minute rain delay set back the first pitch of the game, Jones wasted no time starting …

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