Bob Haynie: Gallardo On The Hill For The Birds
The Baltimore Orioles ended an eight-game losing streak to the Minnesota Twins on Opening Day with an exciting 3-2 walk-off victory. Catcher Matt Wieters delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning to send Birds' fans home happy after a long day.
Starting pitcher Chris Tillman only threw 22 pitches for the Orioles, but was looking like Walter Johnson before the rain came and forced the second delay of the day. Tillman retired all six batters he faced and struck out the last five consecutively.
If Tillman's start was any indication of what we will see from him in 2016, the Orioles will be in good shape at the top of their rotation.
Right-hander Yovani Gallardo will make his regular season debut as a member of the Orioles on Wednesday night against Minnesota in game two of the series at Camden Yards. Gallardo signed with Baltimore as a free-agent during spring training.
Gallardo was 13-11 with a 3.42 ERA for the Texas Rangers in 2015. He was 7-8 with a 2.62 ERA prior to the All-Star break last season and 6-3 with a 4.69 ERA post break. He also won a playoff game for the Rangers in last season's division series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The nine-year veteran is expected to help stabilize an Orioles rotation that was one of the worst in the American League last year. He is 2-2 with a 3.14 ERA in eight starts versus the Twins.
On the mound for Minnesota in game two of the series is RHP Kyle Gibson. Gibson was 11-11 with a 3.84 ERA in 2015. Lifetime against the Orioles, he is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA.
After a rainy Opening Day, it is expected to be dry in Baltimore on Wednesday night. It is, however, going to be cold.
If you're going to the game, dress appropriately.
