Game 3: Orioles @ Rays - 4/3/2011

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Chris Tillman was originally supposed to make today's start, but when Brian Matusz went down Tillman was bumped into Saturday's game. Now we get to see our most prized prospect in Zach Britton -- a fire balling lefty with an absolutely dominating sinker and an above-average slider. If you aren't familiar with Britton check out our 1200+ word scouting report >>

The Rays will send Wade Davis — who finished 4th in 2010 AL rookie of the year voting — to the mound in game three. He put up a 3.72 ERA in 19.2 innings against the Orioles in 2010. He’s a well rounded pitcher with three above-average pitches, which could prove to be trouble for the Orioles if he’s on his game.

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

SP Zach Britton (0-0, -.--)

Rays (0-2) Lineup
1. B.J. Upton CF
2. Jonny Damon LF
3. Ben Zobrist 2B
4. Manny Ramirez DH
5. Kelly Shoppach C
6. Sean Rodriguez 3B
7. Elliot Johnson SS
8. Dan Johnson 1B
9. Sam Fuld RF

SP Wade Davis (0-0, -.--)

[Oriolefan88]

Afternoon everyone.!

[Don]

If I am Britton and had the chance to watch these last two games, you work off the sinker and change up at times and mix it up working the fastball at other times. They have little clue of you game and use it to the max. Simply see that you have a great defense behind you and throw strikes. Keep the ball down and do not worry about trying to hit the corners, simply keep yourself one step in front of the batter's thought process.

If you get caught with a hanger or flat, shrug it off and command the respect of that lineup with the next batter. You force them into your game. They want to sit with the bat on the shoulder, get it over and make them play catch up.

This is a simply game for a pitcher with his makeup.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

If I am Britton and had the chance to watch these last two games, you work off the sinker and change up at times and mix it up working the fastball at other times. They have little clue of you game and use it to the max. Simply see that you have a great defense behind you and throw strikes. Keep the ball down and do not worry about trying to hit the corners, simply keep yourself one step in front of the batter's thought process.

If you get caught with a hanger or flat, shrug it off and command the respect of that lineup with the next batter. You force them into your game. They want to sit with the bat on the shoulder, get it over and make them play catch up.

This is a simply game for a pitcher with his makeup.

That's a good game plan. Rays struggled to hit Tillman's changeup so stick with it today.

[Don]

I forgot who was behind the plate for this afternoons game, talk about a pin point strike zone...

[BuckMagic]

Love to see Roberts setting the tone at the top of the lineup!

[BuckMagic]

I forgot who was behind the plate for this afternoons game, talk about a pin point strike zone...

Who is it?

[Don]

The one thing that limits this entire offense is the fact that over half continue to swing at "pitchers" pitches. It is something that has to be curbed to become an effective offense.

It is nice to see the run, but it is a stroke of luck and not performance.

[BuckMagic]

Timely hitting...oh how I have missed this. Such a joy to watch.

[Oriolefan88]

Thankfully we get one run.That takes even a little more pressure off Britton.If Damon is in Markakis doesnt foul out I don't think he makes that catch.Which was a good catch

[Don]

Don wrote:I forgot who was behind the plate for this afternoons game, talk about a pin point strike zone...Who is it?

Wally Bell

[BuckMagic]

O's defense has simply been phenomenal so far.

[Shorebirdfan]

So here on the Shore MASN has 2 channels they show games on. BOTH are showing the Nats game. I am so mad I could beat someone.

[Shorebirdfan]

I see Buck is hitting Matt 5th today. Great move

[Oriolefan88]

So here on the Shore MASN has 2 channels they show games on. BOTH are showing the Nats game. I am so mad I could beat someone.

wow really that just blows.Masn 1 does have the Nats here but 2 is O's I wonder if someone goofed and hit the wrong button