Twins Get the 1st Game of the Series From the O's; The Metrodome and Target Field...

Last night, Oriole rookie Chris Tillman learned how difficult life can be in the majors at times. The youngster pitched well and show why the Orioles have been so high on him; however, despite his solid start, the offense could not get anything going, and in the end, Baltimore lost to Minnesota, 2-1, to kick off a three game set.

Minnesota used an RBI-single by Denard Span and a sac-fly by Jason Kubel to fnish off Baltimore in the bottom of the sixth inning. It looked like the Twins were too struggling at times in the batter's box, but they came together at the right time and made Tillman -- who was beginning to struggle in the frame. Chris Tillman pitched 5 1/3 to take the loss and was charged with two runs. Mark Hendrickson came into relieve Tillman and get the Orioles out of a tight spot; however, he gave up the sactifice to the Twins' Kubel to decide the game.

Baltimore's only run came in the second inning as Brian Roberts -- perhaps the hottest hitter on the squad -- plated Michael Aubrey with an RBI-double; however, that was pretty much all the offense they could muster after that.

Minnesota's Scott Baker earned the victory as he went seven innings, and was charged with a run. Closer Joe Nathan got his 32nd save, but the Orioles did make things interesting as they got two men on base thanks to back-to-back walks; however, Matt Wieters struck out to end the game.

Well, this is the last series that the Orioles will ever play in the Metrodome as the Minnesota Twins will be opening up Target Field -- an open air stadium -- in 2010. I've been to the Metrdome three times -- twice for baseball during trips, and once for NCAA Basketball -- and while it may make for quite an environment for basketball and football due to the domed structure, it is awful for baseball. I don't care for domes in baseball, and I truly believe that all stadiums/parks in the sport should be played on grass, plus fans should be able to see the sky.

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