Game 2: Orioles @ Rays - 4/2/2011

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Chris Tillman takes over for Brian Matusz, who has a strained intercostal muscle and will be out anywhere from 3-6 weeks.

The Rays will send James Shields to the mound who will try to rebound from a miserable 2010 where he posted a career-high 15 losses, 5.18 ERA and an AL-most and team-record 34 home runs allowed.

Orioles (1-0) Lineup
1. Brian Roberts 2B
2. Nick Markakis RF
3. Derrek Lee 1B
4. Vladimir Guerrero DH
5. Luke Scott LF
6. Adam Jones CF
7. Mark Reynolds 3B
8. Matt Wieters C
9. J.J. Hardy SS

SP Chris Tillman (0-0, -.--)

Rays (0-1) Lineup
1. Ben Zobrist 2B
2. Jonny Damon LF
3. Evan Longoria 3B
4. Manny Ramirez DH
5. Dan Johnson 1B
6. B.J. Upton CF
7. Matt Joyce RF
8. Kelly Shoppach C
9. Reid Brignac SS

SP James Shields (0-0, -.--)

[Don]

This is the game that will give the fans a bit more clarity on 2011 season because there are really only three Orioles killers in the division (all left handed). If they can hit off Shields, I think there is a great deal of positive outlook for this season. To start on the road and beat two of the better pitchers in the division, it places this team one step closer to reaching its' end goal.

[oriolesmagic28]

why wasnt there any talks about bumping up arrieta a game?

[Oriolefan88]

why wasnt there any talks about bumping up arrieta a game?

Buck kinda mentioned that on MASN pregame. They want him for the home opener


good evening guys

[Jordan Tuwiner]

This is the game that will give the fans a bit more clarity on 2011 season because there are really only three Orioles killers in the division (all left handed). If they can hit off Shields, I think there is a great deal of positive outlook for this season. To start on the road and beat two of the better pitchers in the division, it places this team one step closer to reaching its' end goal.

Depends on which James Shields we see.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

why wasnt there any talks about bumping up arrieta a game?

Buck kinda mentioned that on MASN pregame. They want him for the home opener


good evening guys

Yeah, was just about to say Buck already penciled in Arrieta for the opener and probably doesn't want to change it.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Nice way to star the game. That's exactly what we were missing for most of 2010.

[Oriolefan88]

I love the threat that Brob has.He gets a single and can wind up on third it's almost like a lead off triple.

[BuckMagic]

I'm amazed at how empty the stands are. I'd bet it's not even half full.

[Shorebirdfan]

Good evening everyone.

[Oriolefan88]

I'm amazed at how empty the stands are. I'd bet it's not even half full.

It's one thing I can say positive about O's fans.If they were winning like the Rays you couldn't get into OPACY

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Always love the walks from Markakis. Would love to see him return to the .400 OBP guy he was 2 years ago.

[Shorebirdfan]

I think starting Britton on the road rather than putting the extra pressure of a home opener is smart. Crowd at the Trop tomorrow will be smaller than crowd at a Bowie game.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

I think starting Britton on the road rather than putting the extra pressure of a home opener is smart. Crowd at the Trop tomorrow will be smaller than crowd at a Bowie game.

For sure. Hes no Matt Wieters but I do think he'd draw additional fans. Get him comfortable and then bring him to OPACY.

[BuckMagic]

Shields' changeup looks good but I think he's showing it a bit too much.