B-Rob and Nick the Stick Help O's Defeat Rays; Tillman is Excellent in 1st Start of Season

What a game! Has the run of last season continued? Granted, it’s only been two games – but what an effort so far.

The Orioles moved to 2-0 on the season as they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 3-1. In a game that featured several heroes, Brian Roberts hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to break a shutout and Nick Markakis made an incredible catch – robbing Ben Zobrists’s drive – with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning against the right field to preserve the victory.

Defense, pitching and a homer sent Baltimore to victory.

Chris Tillman – who I am sure everyone had concerns about heading into the season – went six no-hit innings and struck out five, while walking three. He was pulled due to reaching his pitch limit – he was at 101.

Considering that Tillman had his ups and down during Spring Training, much more in his brief major league career, Saturday’s game was awesome to see.

Jeremy Accardo got the win and gave up the first of the game (to Upton, I believe).

James Shields, who started for the Rays, was pretty good, throwing seven shutout innings before being lifted. Reliever Jake McGee – who took the loss – gave up the longball to Roberts.

Felix Pie – who came into the game in relief of Luke Scott in left – made an amazing throw in the seventh to nail B.J. Upton at the plate after he stole second and tried to score off a Kelly Shoppach base-hit.

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