Jeremy Guthrie’s pitching helps Baltimore Orioles defeat Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 – MLB Update
Jeremy Guthrie put in a brilliant pitching performance as the Baltimore Orioles defeated Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg on Friday, April 1.
Orioles’ starting veteran pitcher Guthrie designed the victory blistering eight shut-out innings. The 31-year-old Guthrie struck-out six sluggers and allowed just three scoreless hits over 94 pitches. Guthrie making his third Opening Day start in four years
sent back 13 sluggers in a row.
"Throwing before the game, I felt good. I was very excited, really, wanting to get out there and go after it," Guthrie said. "It was a great crowd, but I was able to tone it down a little bit. ... I had a feel for the ball and was able to carry it over into
the game."
Closer Jim Johnson accompanied him tossing 12 strike-out pitches but went for a home-run in the ninth inning by Rays’ second baseman Ben Zobrist, who made just two hits in four at-bats.
Orioles’ manager Buck Showalter stated that it has been always hard to make a mark on Opening Day.
With the game tied at zero in the third inning, Orioles’ short-stop James Jerry Hardy led off the outing with a double on a fly ball to centre-field. Having a one run lead, Orioles put extensive pressure on the opposition with three more runs in the fifth.
Second baseman Brian Roberts chipped for triple to deep left-field, Matt Wieters and Hardy made a score. With Roberts at third base, Nick Markakis grabbed the opportunity making a sacrifice fly to center-field taking the lead to four runs.
Despite having a poor performance against the Orioles, Rays’ starting pitcher David Price realised a chance to comeback and made it to some extent striking-out seven sluggers over seven innings. However, he gave up four runs which provided the Orioles an
opportunity to create their first win.
"I felt good. But when you're going against another team's No. 1 and give up four runs, you're going to lose," said Price. "I've got to get better."
Rays’ relievers Jake McGee and Adam Russell both did not allowed any run over their single innings spell. Closer Cesar Ramos threw just two pitches.
The day was special for the Orioles as they lined-up their four star players Vladimir Guerrero, Derrek Lee, Mark Reynolds and Hardy, who are making their 13th season with franchise.
The Orioles put in a tremendous effort as they managed to restrict the Ray’ offence. Tampa Bay struggled throughout the game, as they were finding it very difficult to get going and put valuable runs on the board. The Orioles will be happy to start their
season with a win and build some momentum for their next match-up.
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