Paredes continuing to impress with big bat

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles have jokingly referred to Jimmy Paredes as Babe Ruth this season and the designated hitter reminded everyone why again Tuesday night, clobbering a two-run homer as part of a four-RBI night in the O's 9-4 win over the Mariners.

Paredes, who had a game-tying two-run single in the fourth, clobbered reliever Danny Farquhar's 3-1 fastball in the sixth for a two-run homer to raise his average to .346. He has at least one hit in 22 of 25 games and 15 of his 36 hits have been for extra bases.

Paredes, who started the season on the disabled list, needs just a few more at-bats to start officially qualifying for the batting title.

Video: SEA@BAL: Paredes drives in two, ties the game

"He's only two away? Darn, I was going to sit him tomorrow. I guess I've got to play him," manager Buck Showalter said with a grin.

"We've seen so many guys do good things in Spring Training, and the season starts and it doesn't happen for them. We've seen guys that struggle like heck in the spring, and then the season starts and the light goes on. Jimmy was not only trying to make the club and be a part of this, but he knows how you stay here because he's been down this road before. He's not playing like a guy that's out of options. He knows. I think he likes it here and he knows we like what he brings."

Paredes has six homers on the season and has been on base a career-high 20 consecutive games. He is now second on the team with 22 RBIs, behind only Adam Jones.

"That feels great," Paredes said of being second to Jones. "This guy right there [Jones] is a big man. That's what I try to do, put up good numbers and help the team to win."