The home opener is just a few short hours away and I’m sure everyone is gettign ready for the festivities and the game itself this afternoon. It’s too bad that the temperatures have dipped by close to 25 to 30 degrees since yesterday, but it’s nice to see baseball again on your home turf.
Today, Brad Bergesen will be on the mound for Baltimore against Toronto’s Brandon Morrow.
Last night, the Orioles finally won their first game of the season defeating the Rays, 5-4. Once again; however, in the ninth inning, Mike Gonzalez decided to make things very, very interesting. It looked like he may have gotten Tuesday’s monkey off his back initially by striking out the first two batters, but then decided to take all us fans on a thrill ride.
From the Orioles.com’s Brittany Ghiroli: With the Orioles clinging to a one-run lead and three outs to go, Gonzalez struck out the first two batters he faced before issuing a pair of walks, with Jason Bartlett’s single sandwiched between. Manager Dave Trembley watched the go-ahead run standing on second, prepared to insert sidearmer Cla Meredith if Tampa Bay’s Ben Zobrist reached base.
But Gonzalez didn’t let it get that far, getting Zobrist to fly out, securing the save and preserving the “W” for rookie starter Brian Matusz, who gutted out a solid five innings in his 2010 debut.
Gonzalez saved the win for Matusz — who went five innings, was charged with two runs, but walked five. Let’s hope that Gonzalez doesn’t bring back the days on Don Stanhouse (for all of those old-school Oriole fans out there).
As for Matusz, he was a tad shaky, but managed to battle and get enough innings in for earn the win. He gave two runs in the bottom of the third inning, and didn’t get into trouble any more after that. In fact, he would strike out the side in fifth inning to leave on a high. Baltimore’s bullpen gave up a run each in the seventh and eighth inning to get Tampa back into the game.
The Orioles had a four-run sixth inning to bolster them to a victory. Matt Wieters singled in a run with the bases loaded, and then Miguel Tejada scored on a wild pitch to put Baltimore up, 3-2. Moments later, Garret Atkins had a two-RBI single to increase Baltimore’s lead to 5-2.
However — aside from Gonzalez — Matusz served as the night’s biggest positive.
From the AP’s Report of last night’s game: In his first start of the year, Brian Matusz picked up where he left off.
— snip —
Matusz showed the mental toughness of a veteran, too.
“That’s it in a nutshell,” Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said. “This is his first full year in the big leagues, but he showed what he’s made of. He can make adjustments on the fly. A lot of young guys aren’t able to do that.”Matusz (1-0) overcame control problems to win his fifth straight decision. The left-hander walked a career-high five, allowed two hits and struck out seven.”I can’t remember the last time I walked that many guys in one ballgame,” Matusz said. “I was amped up and I was trying to do too much. It’s nice to go out on a good note.
As well, MASN’s Roch Kubatko called last night’s game in place of a sick Jim Palmer. Not a bad job, and actually made things entertaining from the bits and pieces I got to hear.
Now the Good From the Series…
Brian Matusz: Seems to be pitching well beyond his years. Yes, he got in trouble at certain points, and the walks are a little concerning, but he struck out seven. Furthermore, the kid showed that he can’t be easily rattled. Awesome.
Brian Roberts: He’s healthy, and stole a base in last nights’s game. In addition, he’s opened up the season by playing in three straight games. I don’t know how he can play at such a high level with his injury, but major props to him. Brian also went 2-for-4 last night.
Matt Wieters: He’s also picking up where he left from last season. He’s batting .500 on the young season and has a homer, plus 2 RBI’s.
Garrett Atkins: We’ve not seen much power from him yet, but he’s having productive at bats and has driven in three runs.
The Bad…
Gonzalez: His numbers look good from Atlanta, but if he’s going to pitch like he did on Tuesday and Thursday often during the season, the Orioles will be in trouble. Especially, if they play teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Mariners, White Sox and some of the deeper lineups.
Jim Johnson: Still looks shaky (at least from last season), but give him time.
Tejada: Has looked fine at third, but struggling at the plate with an .083 average. Need more from the cleanup hitter.
