Just two games into the season, and the O's already have me on the edge of my seat...
The Birds prevailed on Saturday night, thanks to another monster game from Brian Roberts, a scoreless performance by starter Chris Tillman and a highlight-reel catch by Nick Markakis to seal the victory.
Tillman went six no-hit innings, walking three and fanning five in his season debut. Buck Showalter pulled Tillman after 101 pitches in favor of Jeremy Accardo, who took the win despite giving up two hits and a walk in an inning. Felix Pie nailed B.J. Upton at home to end the inning and keep the game scoreless.
Brian Roberts broke it open in the eighth inning, blasting a three-run shot to left off Jake McGee right after Rays' starter James Shields was pulled. Roberts went 2-for-4 and now leads the club with a .375 average and five RBIs in two games...for the moment, it looks like his back and neck are just fine.
Things got dicey in the eighth when Michael Gonzalez took the mound for the Birds...Gonzalez walked the first two batters he faced, and I couldn't help but flashback to last season (Gonzalez blew a few saves against Tampa to start the 2010 season before going on the DL). Gonzo coaxed an out before being pulled for Koji Uehara, who allowed an inherited runner to score to put the Rays on the board.
Closer Kevin Gregg made things interesting in the ninth when he allowed a hit and a walk to put the winning run at the plate (overall, the O's staff allowed seven walks and were fortunate to give up just one run). My heart sunk when it looked like Gregg served up a walk-off homer to Ben Zobrist, but Nick Markakis made a spectacular jumping grab at the wall and came up with the ball to give Gregg his first save and the O's the win.
Zach Britton makes his MLB debut later today...the O's starters have a combined 0.00 ERA through two games and 14 innings so far this season...here's hoping he can keep the streak going!
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