Showalter appreciates McLouth's baserunning instincts

HOUSTON -- Largely lost in the Orioles' 4-1 win over the Astros on Tuesday night was the continued presence of left fielder Nate McLouth on the basepaths.

McLouth manufactured an add-on run in the eighth inning, connecting for a leadoff single off Astros reliever Wesley Wright and stealing second base with Manny Machado at the plate. After Machado struck out, McLouth stole third and dashed home as catcher Jason Castro's throw skipped into left field, extending his team lead to 21 steals.

"He can really accelerate into the bag on a slide," manager Buck Showalter said of McLouth. "A lot of guys slide and they lose about a half a step slowing down or tucking the legs. He almost accelerates. I was telling Adam [Jones] about that in the dugout the other day, by the time he stole second [Tuesday night], Adam said, 'Like that?' The last 10 feet last night he looked like he was going to be out, but he finishes real well at the bag. It's a nice element to have."

McLouth entered Wednesday tied for the American League lead with Jacoby Ellsbury and is 33-for-35 since joining the Orioles during the 2012 season.