Associated Press

CLEVELAND - Slower proved to be better for Fausto Carmona.

Carmona (2-1) pitched into the ninth inning for the first time and Casey Blake homered to help the Cleveland Indians beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-1 Sunday.

The win came less than 24 hours after the Indians officially protested the 7-4 loss that ended their six-game winning streak because the Orioles were given a run three innings after it had been waved off by the umpires.

“That was a great performance by Fausto,” said Indians manager Eric Wedge, who has to tell the young right-hander he's headed back to the minors.

Wedge put Carmona into the starting rotation when left-hander Cliff Lee strained an abdominal muscle in spring training. Lee is due back this week.

“Fausto really stepped up in the situation,” Wedge said. “Today, he slowed himself down, checked himself. He did a good job.”

Orioles starter Jaret Wright (0-3) may be headed back to the DL. The right-hander was activated before the game, gave up three runs in three innings, and said he felt discomfort in his shoulder.

“It doesn't feel too good,” Wright said. “I tried to get through it. It hurts, basically. It felt bad and kept getting worse. We'll give it 24 hours and come up with a plan.”

Wedge could use a plan to try and keep Carmona in Cleveland's crowded rotation.

“We're not going to make any decisions today,” Wedge said. “One way or another, it's a very tough situation and you want to give it as much time as humanly possible.”