The Orioles held on last night in Tampa for their first win before heading back to Baltimore for their home opener on Friday. Coming back after being swept would not have been such a great feeling, especially since a loss would have meant new closer Mike Gonzalez would have blown two saves in the first three games. Can you imagine the reception he would have gotten when he is introduced to Baltimore today for the first time? Ouch.
The Orioles got clutch hits last night from Matt Wieters, Garrett Atkins, and gutty pitching from Brian Matusz. Matusz (1-0) did not have his best stuff and walked five batters, but he still gutted out five innings and allowed only two runs. Can you imagine what he's like with his mediocre stuff? The guy's pretty good, eh?
Opening day for any city (save Washington) is a great day for the home team. The optimism is high, and after six long months you finally get to see your favorite players representing the home team again. I'll be there in my Nick Markakis jersey, and I hope others are there, too. Camden Yards is a park that will never disappoint, and it never gets any better there than opening day.
I like the matchup today with Brad Bergesen going for his first start since a horrific shin injury ended his season in July of 2009. He will be opposed by Toronto Blue Jay Brandon Marrow. Marrow, a former Seattle Mariners flame-thrower, has been a bullpen hand during his career, but will start the season in the rotation. It will be interesting to see how he does when he has to go more than five innings.
See everyone tonight at the Yard
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